Amazing Wildlife highlights a tiny species from the Southwest hub, one of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's eight areas of conservation focus. Allison Gregor, a researcher for the organization, speaks with Rick and Marco about a unique rodent that weighs about as much as three pennies: the Pacific pocket mouse! They discuss where this granivore can be found, how its diet determines its biology, the threats facing this species, its surprising life expectancy, and more!

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Amazing Wildlife is highlighting one of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's eight areas of conservation focus: the Savanna hub! Hosts Rick and Marco are joined by Shivani Bhalla and Toby Otieno, two members of Ewaso Lions, a Lion conservation project located in northern Kenya. Our guests explain why some male lions in Kenya do not have manes—and live alone, rather than in prides. They also discuss the challenges that lions have been facing over the years, as well as the efforts currently in place to protect this iconic species.

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Welcome to Season 2 of Amazing Wildlife! Hosts Rick and Marco explore the fascinating and dynamic insects of Butterfly Jungle, open through May 14 at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Lynn Fennema, senior wildlife care specialist in entomology at the San Diego Zoo, gives insight into the transformation of a caterpillar to a butterfly—including the difference between a chrysalis and a cocoon, the different types of caterpillars, and what really happens inside the chrysalis before a butterfly emerges!

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Amazing Wildlife is back for season 2 starting Friday March 24! From the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, new host Marco Wendt and Rick Schwartz dive deeper into conversation stories around the globe. Every other week, the wildlife ambassadors will speak to animal experts to unpack more fascinating topics and answer your scientific questions. 

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Amazing Wildlife is spotlighting China’s national treasure that is beloved all over the world… the giant panda! Hosts Rick and Ebone explore the theory of how this immediately recognizable animal got is black and white coloration, what is included in its diet in addition to bamboo, as well as their distinctive vocalizations. Later, the Alliance’s director of conservation science, Ron Swaisgood, Ph.D., joins the show to explain the giant panda’s conservation journey from near extinction, and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s 30-year contribution to collaborative panda conservation efforts.

If you have a question for Amazing Wildlife you can send them to wildlife@iheartmedia.com for your chance to hear it on the show!

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Amazing Wildlife is traveling far east to highlight a bear with an interesting name… the sloth bear! Hosts Rick and Ebone discuss the different subspecies of these bears that don’t hibernate, its connection to the tree-dwelling sloth, the origin story of its name, and explore adjustments that sloth bears have made to avoid potential conflict. Late, Rick answers questions from a young listener about this bear that snacks on termites.

If you have a question for Amazing Wildlife you can send them to wildlife@iheartmedia.com for your chance to hear it on the show!

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They can be black, blond, gray, or different shades of brown, but their distinct shoulder hump gives them away. We’re highlighting the brown bear also known as the grizzly bear! Hosts Rick and Ebone uncover how the environment of the last of North America’s brown bear can affect its diet, sleep patterns, and size. Hali O'Connor, Senior Wildlife Care Specialist, later sits down to reveal little-known facts about this intelligent, curious, and skilled omnivore.  

If you have a question for Amazing Wildlife you can send them to wildlife@iheartmedia.com for your chance to hear it on the show!

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Today, Amazing Wildlife meets a bear that carries sunshine wherever it goes, the sun bear! Hosts Rick and Ebone examine the smallest member of the bear family and discuss how it got its unique name and how it has adapted for life in the trees. Senior Wildlife Care Specialist, Chris Torres, joins the show to share how experts create stimulating environments for sun bears at the San Diego Zoo.

If you have a question for Amazing Wildlife you can send them to wildlife@iheartmedia.com for your chance to hear it on the show!

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You may know the axolotl from a popular video game, but do you know the secret behind this amphibian’s infant-like smile? Hosts Rick and Ebone explore interesting facts about the axolotl, which is only found in Mexico’s Lake Xochimilco. Later, Amazing Wildlife welcomes a young listener very close to the show to share what she loves about the unique creature from its mating dance to its ability to grow a new limb.

If you have a question for Amazing Wildlife you can send them to wildlife@iheartmedia.com for your chance to hear it on the show!

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In today’s episode, Amazing Wildlife is talking all about the world’s largest amphibian, the Chinese giant salamander! Hosts Rick and Ebone explore the world of this sleek and mysterious gill-less creature that can breath underwater because of its skin. Brett Baldwin, Associate Curator of Herpetology and Ichthyology, stops by to discuss efforts to stop illegal poaching of this critically endangered species.

If you have a question for Amazing Wildlife you can send them to wildlife@iheartmedia.com for your chance to hear it on the show!

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