This Wild Life Conservation Podcast

Amy Turner and David Grant

A warm welcome to 'This Wild Life Conservation Podcast'. Each week, leading conservationists will describe tales of wild adventures and discuss the highs and lows of living and working in the wild. You will laugh and cry as leaders in their field revea...

  • 51 minutes 27 seconds
    Remembering Wildlife | Stories from behind the lens | Bonus Episode

    As part of the Remembering Wildlife podcast series, and to celebrate 10 Years of Remembering Wildlife, this special episode takes you behind the lens with some of the world’s leading wildlife photographers. From leopards in Kruger to elephants at Victoria Falls, their images have helped raise over £1.23 million GBP / $1.58 million USD for frontline conservation and brought global attention to threatened species.

    Join founder of Remembering Wildlife, Margot Raggett MBE in this episode plus world class wildlife photographers Adam Bannister, Federico Veronesi, Will Burrard-Lucas, Tristan Dicks and Todd Gustafson as they share the stories behind their most powerful photographs - the moments in the field that became part of the Remembering Wildlife movement.

    4 October 2025, 10:00 pm
  • 48 minutes 38 seconds
    Ep. 13 Remembering Wildlife | The Hidden Life of Pangolins

    As part of the Remembering Wildlife podcast series and for the 10th anniversary book, this episode shines a light on the most trafficked mammal in the world: the pangolin.

    In this episode, host Amy Turner speaks first with Lisa Hywood, founder of the Tikki Hywood Foundation in Zimbabwe, whose decades of groundbreaking work in rescue, rehabilitation, and release has shaped global pangolin conservation. 

    Then we hear from Dr. Claire Okell, founder and CEO of the Pangolin Project in Kenya, who is leading pioneering efforts to protect the newly rediscovered giant ground pangolin and its forest ecosystem. 

    Together, their stories reveal the highs, lows, and immense hope of working with one of the planet’s most secretive and endangered species - and how Remembering Wildlife is helping to give pangolins a fighting chance.

    A wonderful story of hope for pangolins with those working directly on the ground to protect this incredible species - we hope you enjoy listening!

    4 October 2025, 10:00 pm
  • 37 minutes 50 seconds
    Crista Cullen MBE: Olympic Gold Meets Wildlife Conservation

    In this episode, we are joined by Crista Cullen MBE, Olympic gold medalist (Hockey) and founder of the Kenyan-based Tofauti Foundation. From the heights of elite sport to being at the core of community‑driven conservation, Crista’s journey is fascinating.

    In this episode, we explore how she leveraged the discipline, teamwork, and resilience of elite sport to drive real change on the ground. Crista walks us through several of Tofauti’s defining projects: the “10 % Fence Plan”, “Crabs Alive”, and the Sand‑Dam Initiative, each designed to foster long‑term sustainability and community empowerment in the Kenyan communities she works alongside.

    Beyond the projects themselves, Crista shares a rare behind‑the‑scenes glimpse into the practical realities of creating enduring change - from navigating cultural dynamics and resource constraints to building trust within local communities. 

    To learn more about the Tofauti Foundation, visit tofauti.org.

    4 August 2025, 10:00 pm
  • 38 minutes 3 seconds
    Rescuing Namibia’s Seals with Naude Dreyer

     In this episode, we are joined by Naude Dreyer, co-founder of Ocean Conservation Namibia, whose high-stakes seal rescues have captured global attention. From Namibia’s Walvis Bay, Naude and his small team are fighting the rising tide of ocean plastic and ghost fishing gear—threats that silently strangle thousands of marine animals each year.

    But there’s a new twist to the challenge: rabies is emerging in Southern Africa’s seal population, raising concerns for both animal and human health. Naude shares how they navigate this strange and little-understood development out in the field.

    We also explore the extreme physical fitness and mental toughness required to carry out these rescues - sprinting across difficult terrain, handling panicked 300-pound animals, and staying calm in unpredictable, often dangerous conditions.

    To learn more about Ocean Conservation Namibia, visit ocnamibia.org and follow their rescue work on Instagram @oceannamibia.

    28 April 2025, 3:00 pm
  • 32 minutes 10 seconds
    Operation CK: Saving Zimbabwe's Chizarira National Park with Dr Niall McCann

    In this episode, we’re diving into the world of National Park Rescue with Executive Director of Conservation, Dr. Niall McCann — a National Geographic Explorer, Conservation Biologist and Wildlife TV presenter (BBC, Nat Geo Wild and Discovery Channel).

    Now, at the helm of National Park Rescue, Niall is tackling the urgent task of saving Africa’s neglected national parks from the brink of collapse. In this episode, we spotlight one of their most ambitious missions: Operation CK in Chizarira National Park, Zimbabwe. Once on the verge of becoming an empty wilderness, ravaged by poaching and neglect, Chizarira is now seeing signs of hope. Elephant poaching indicators are reportedly down by more than 90%, and momentum is building toward long-term recovery.

    Niall offers an unfiltered look into the challenges of conservation in politically and logistically complex landscapes — from corruption and human-wildlife conflict to the powerful impact of restoring law enforcement and trust on the ground.

    Tune in for a powerful conversation about what it really takes to turn around a dying park, the importance of protecting iconic species like elephants, rhinos, and lions, and the gritty, hopeful reality of conservation in action.

    To learn more about National Park Rescue, visit www.nationalparkrescue.org and follow their work on Instagram at @nationalparkrescue.

    17 April 2025, 8:00 am
  • 1 hour 1 minute
    The Making of Rhino Man: A Tribute to Anton Mzimba and Africa’s Rangers

    In this episode, we’re stepping into the world of Rhino Man, an award-winning documentary that brings us face-to-face with the dangerous realities of rhino conservation in South Africa. Host Amy Turner is joined by three extraordinary guests: John Jurko II, Matt Lindenberg, and Leitah Mkhabela, all of whom are central to this powerful film that celebrates the courage of rangers and highlights the heartbreaking story of Anton Mzimba, the revered Head of Ranger Services at Timbavati, who was killed just as the film was nearing completion.

     John Jurko and Matt Lindenberg, both co-directors and co-producers of Rhino Man, share their experiences and the inspiration behind the film. They honour the rangers who stand on the frontlines of wildlife protection, showcasing their bravery and dedication. Leitah Mkhambela, an award-winning member of the Black Mambas anti-poaching unit and cousin of Anton Mzimba, provides a deeply personal insight into the sacrifices and resilience of rangers across Africa, enriching the conversation with her unique perspective. 

    Listen in for an unforgettable conversation about the making of the film, the life and legacy of Anton Mzimba, and the extreme challenges faced by rangers dedicated to protecting Africa’s wildlife, highlighting their courage and commitment in the fight against poaching. 

    To support the rangers and learn more about Rhino Man, visit all the links here: links.rhinomanthemovie.org. To learn more about the Black Mambas anti-poaching unit, visit www.blackmambas.org and follow them on Instagram at @theblackmambas and you can visit Global Conservation Core via www.globalconservationcorps.org.

    5 November 2024, 11:00 pm
  • 52 minutes 57 seconds
    Ep. 12: Remembering Tigers with Belinda Wright OBE and Dr. Krithi Karanth

    Welcome to the twelfth episode of the Remembering Wildlife Podcast Series, where host Amy embarks on an exploration into the world of tiger conservation. In this episode, we're honored to have two remarkable guests: Belinda Wright OBE, founder and executive director of the Wildlife Protection Society of India, and Dr. Krithi Karanth, CEO of the Centre for Wildlife Studies in India.

     In the first part of the episode, Belinda Wright shares her decades-long journey fighting to protect tigers, focusing on the challenges of dismantling the illegal networks facilitating the trade of tiger parts. Discover how her tireless work is helping preserve India's tiger population against relentless threats.

    In the second part, Dr. Krithi Karanth delves into her pioneering research on human-wildlife conflict, shedding light on innovative ways to create a future where tigers and humans can coexist. Her work is reshaping conservation strategies to address the complexities of habitat encroachment and the impact on tiger survival.

    Discover the impact of the Remembering Wildlife books, a collection of books that depicts the lives of nine captivating species through the lenses of over 250 extraordinary wildlife photographers, and learn how the proceeds have supported both the Wildlife Protection Society of India and the Centre for Wildlife Studies.

    Looking to grab a copy of any Remembering Wildlife books? Head to https://rememberingwildlife.com to show your support for over 74 conservation initiatives!












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    6 October 2024, 9:00 pm
  • 37 minutes 19 seconds
    On expedition with The Great Spine of Africa Project & Johan van der Westhuizen

    On this episode, we’re diving into the extraordinary Great Spine of Africa project, a daring set of expeditions under The Wilderness Project, founded by Dr. Steve Boyes. Our special guest is Johan van der Westhuizen, a private pilot, expedition manager, and researcher who takes us behind the scenes of life on expedition. From dodging hippos to navigating some of Africa's most remote landscapes, and even the occasional (and temporary!) loss of team members. 

    The Great Spine of Africa project is focused on protecting, researching, and exploring over 1.2 million square kilometres of African wilderness, with a particular emphasis on documenting the sources and watersheds of Africa’s mightiest river basins, including the Zambezi, Congo, and Okavango. Johan will share his incredible experiences working with the team in these remote and pristine environments.

    To learn more about their work and support The Wilderness Project, visit www.thewildernessproject.org. And if you’re inspired to see this work in action, be sure to check out the following documentary: Into the Okavango | National Geographic Documentary Films!

    3 September 2024, 9:00 pm
  • 13 minutes 18 seconds
    Ep. 11: What's next for Remembering Wildlife? Margot Raggett MBE

    Welcome to the closing episode of the Remembering Wildlife Podcast Series. Join Margot Raggett MBE, founder of Remembering Wildlife and Amy, as they reflect on an extraordinary journey that has shed a light on how the proceeds from the Remembering Wildlife Series have directly supported frontline conservation efforts. 

    From the depths of South Africa to the high altitudes of Afghanistan, this series has been a testament to the passion and dedication of those working tirelessly to protect our planet's diverse and endangered species.

    As we bid farewell to this series, Margot offers a glimpse into what the future holds for Remembering Wildlife and she extends a heartfelt thanks to the world-class wildlife photographers and supporters who have played an integral role in making Remembering Wildlife a reality.

    Looking to grab a copy of any Remembering Wildlife books? Head to https://rememberingwildlife.com to show your support for over 60 conservation initiatives!

    12 November 2023, 8:00 am
  • 34 minutes 19 seconds
    Ep. 10 (Bonus Episode) with award-winning Wildlife Photographer, Jonathan Scott

    Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Remembering Wildlife Podcast Series. In this episode, we are joined by the acclaimed multiple award-winning photographer and TV presenter, Jonathan Scott who many people will recognise from the TV Programme 'Big Cat Diaries'.  Jonathan delves into the crucial topic of ethically photographing and interacting with wildlife on safari, unveiling a vital initiative known as 'Safari Etiquette.'

    Discover the wisdom shared by Jonathan and gain valuable tips on how to approach wildlife encounters ethically and responsibly. The episode sheds light on the transformative impact that the 'Safari Etiquette' initiative aims to have on the behaviour of both guests and guides in the Maasai Mara. This initiative strives to ensure that the magnificent species that graciously allow us to photograph them are treated with respect, minimizing any negative impact on natural behaviours.

    Jonathan's contagious passion for fostering positive wildlife-human interactions shines through as he shares captivating stories from his extensive journey as a wildlife photographer. Join us to learn how to engage in ethical wildlife photography and contribute to the preservation of the incredible species we are privileged to encounter on safari.

    Looking to grab a copy of any Remembering Wildlife books? Head to https://rememberingwildlife.com to show your support for over 60 conservation initiatives!

    12 November 2023, 4:00 am
  • 51 minutes 53 seconds
    Ep. 9: Remembering Leopards with the Cape Leopard Trust (SA) & Wildlife Conservation Society (Afghanistan)

    Welcome to the ninth episode of the Remembering Wildlife Podcast Series, where host Amy embarks on an exploration into the world of leopard conservation. In this episode, we're privileged to have Dr. Katy Williams from the Cape Leopard Trust in South Africa, along with two distinguished guests, Dr. Zalmai Moheb and Dr. Stephane Ostrowski from the Wildlife Conservation Society in Afghanistan.

    In the first part of the episode, Dr. Katy Williams provides insights into the challenges faced by the leopard population in the Cape of South Africa, including the threat of snaring. Dive into the significance of the 'snare-free' initiative and understand how it plays a crucial role in safeguarding these majestic creatures. Katy also sheds light on the nurturing of the next generation of female conservationists in South Africa.

    In the second part, we journey to the high altitudes of Afghanistan to unravel the mysteries of the "ghost of the mountains" – the snow leopard. Dr. Zalmai Moheb and Dr. Stephane Ostrowski share their experiences and insights into the hostile conditions these elusive big cats, and conservationists, face. Explore the innovative approaches, such as predator-proof corrals in communities and collaring, employed by conservationists striving to save the snow leopard.

    Discover the impact of the Remembering Wildlife books, a collection of books that depicts the lives of eight captivating species through the lenses of over 250 extraordinary wildlife photographers, and learn how the proceeds have supported both the Cape Leopard Trust and the Wildlife Conservation Society in Afghanistan.

    This episode unveils the secretive nature of these big cats, presenting the challenges that are faced in leopard conservation efforts.

    Looking to grab a copy of any Remembering Wildlife books? Head to https://rememberingwildlife.com to show your support for over 60 conservation initiatives!

    12 November 2023, 2:00 am
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