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Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Discover fascinating facts about the North American opossum, including its unique thumbs, behavior, and ecological role. Learn how this remarkable marsupial adapts to urban environments and why it’s vital for our ecosystem. Opossum Society of the United States Animals, Nature, and You on IG Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Part 2 of 2 Alice Vassallo started her career in animal care by volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center. And from there, her journey into zoo keeping, wildlife education, international travel and conservation grew. In this episode, discover how her journey from studying Latin and working in wildlife rehab to shaping global keeper exchange initiatives and connection people to conservation is as amazing as it sounds. You'll hear her insights on the power of humor and accessibility in wildlife education, why investing in zookeepers is vital for our planet’s future, and how her innovative programs benefit people and wildlife alike. This episode is perfect for aspiring zoo professionals, conservation advocates, and animal lovers eager to make a difference. Alice’s heartfelt message reminds us that as the world continues to change, our approach to wildlife education and conservation should continue to evolve and grow as well. Animals, Nature, and You on IG: https://www.instagram.com/animalsnatureandyou Links mentioned in this episode: A*****e Animals with Alice on Instagram Keeper Exchange American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) Clouded Leopard Working Group Pardalis Talent Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Part 1 of 2 Alice Vassallo started her career in animal care by volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center. And from there, her journey into zoo keeping, wildlife education, international travel and conservation grew. In this episode, discover how her journey from studying Latin and working in wildlife rehab to shaping global keeper exchange initiatives and connection people to conservation is as amazing as it sounds. You'll hear her insights on the power of humor and accessibility in wildlife education, why investing in zookeepers is vital for our planet’s future, and how her innovative programs benefit people and wildlife alike. This episode is perfect for aspiring zoo professionals, conservation advocates, and animal lovers eager to make a difference. Alice’s heartfelt message reminds us that as the world continues to change, our approach to wildlife education and conservation should continue to evolve and grow as well. Animals, Nature, and You on IG: https://www.instagram.com/animalsnatureandyou Links mentioned in this episode: A*****e Animals with Alice on Instagram Keeper Exchange American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) Clouded Leopard Working Group Pardalis Talent Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, host, Rick Schwartz dives into the fascinating world of otters, focusing on the differences between North American river otters and sea otters. From their adaptations and behaviors, to the importance of conservation efforts for otters - Rick covers many of the otter facts you otter know! Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou Go see sea otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Giant river otters at the LA Zoo River otters at the Columbus Zoo Connect with Rick: ZoologyRick.com Social media: Instagram Threads Facebook YouTube Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, Jungle Jordan shares stories of combining his love for wildlife with community work through outdoor education. Discover his program impacts underserved communities and inspires the next generation of conservationists, nature lovers and so much more. Rick and Jordan wrap up the conversation addressing the age old question, which is better, small zoo or big zoo? The discussion covers the experiences you might have as a zookeeper in one of these zoos, and the guest experience as well. Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou Find Jordan and Information on Nature Walks and Virtual Mentorship Program here:  JungleJordan.com Jordan's social media: Instagram TikTok Facebook YouTube Connect with Rick: ZoologyRick.com Social media: Instagram Threads Facebook YouTube Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this installment of 10 Minute Tuesday, host Rick Schwartz explores the fascinating world of the peregrine falcon, its history, adaptations, and the importance of conservation efforts. Learn how scientific studies and environmental policies have helped bring this incredible bird back from the brink of extinction. Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou Connect with Rick: ZoologyRick.com Social media: Instagram Threads Facebook YouTube Websites mentioned in this episode:  The Peregrine Fund Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, Rick interviews Tina Brower Kraska, the founder of Red Oaks Forest School, who shares her journey from a wildlife enthusiast to an educator dedicated to reconnecting children with nature. Tina emphasizes the importance of fostering curiosity in children and how her daughter taught her valuable lessons about slowing down and appreciating the natural world. Tina discusses the founding of Red Oaks Forest School, which began as a simple monthly meetup to explore nature with others. Over the years, it has grown into a thriving educational program that emphasizes child-led exploration and the benefits of outdoor learning. She highlights the positive impacts of nature on children's mental health, including improvements in attention, cooperation, and overall well-being. The conversation culminates in Tina's encouragement for adults to reconnect with their innate curiosity and the importance of slowing down to truly experience the world around them. Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou Red Oaks Forest School: ReadOaksForestSchool.org IG: @RedOaks_Explorers FB: @RedOaksForestSchool Tina Brouwer Kraska on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-brouwer-kraska-52bb42167 Other links mentioned in this episode: Natural Start Alliance: NaturalStart.org North American Association for Environmental Education: NAAEE.org Connect with Rick: ZoologyRick.com Social media: Instagram Threads Facebook YouTube Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, host Rick Schwartz shares his passion and love of the fascinating binturong, also known as the bearcat. Discover why they smell like popcorn, (or is it corn chips?) and their unique adaptations - like their prehensile tail. He also discusses their habitat, and conservation status, along with intriguing animals facts. Rick's love for binturongs comes from hands on care and work with the species when he was a zookeeper at the San Diego Zoo, and his desire to keep learning more about them. Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou Connect with Rick: ZoologyRick.com Social media: Instagram Threads Facebook YouTube Websites mentioned in this episode:  AB Conservation Zoo Atlanta's Page about Binturong's Popcorn Odor Science of Nature: "...why bearcats smell like popcorn" Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode Rick interviews musician, actor, music director and podcaster, Jon Rossi. Earlier in the week Rick was a guest on Jon's podcast, Rossifari - but today Rick had Jon in the hot seat! In a world where music and wildlife conservation rarely intersect, curiosity grew into passion and circumstances created opportunity. Through his podcast, Rossifari, Jon showcases the conservation mission behind all good zoos and aquariums, and connects his listeners to the many wonderful animals of the world. Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou Connect with Jon: Rossifari.com IG: @Rossifari FB: @Rossifari TikTok: @RossifariPod Other links mentioned in this episode: SAFE Red Panda on Facebook and Instagram SAFE Tree Kangaroo on Instagram Connect with Rick: ZoologyRick.com Social media: Instagram Threads Facebook YouTube Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick As recent headlines celebrate a 64% increase in monarch butterfly populations, many may wonder: is this the turning point for these vital pollinators? In this episode, host Rick Schwartz explores what this increase means, the ongoing challenges monarchs face, and how you can take action to support their conservation. While the increase in monarch populations is encouraging, it is critical to remain vigilant in conservation efforts. Monarchs are still at risk, and their recovery requires ongoing support and action from all of us. It’s not time to celebrate and move on but rather to continue our efforts to protect these vital pollinators. Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou Connect with Rick: ZoologyRick.com Social media: Instagram Threads Facebook YouTube Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode Rick speaks with Griff Griffith about forest restoration, the power of curiosity and why having native plants in your yard (or on your patio) is so important to local ecosystems. Griff is a powerhouse of knowledge and experience when it comes to ecology, wildlife conservation and empowering others to participate.   During their conversation, Griff also shares the importance of many different groups of people coming together to make a difference for the planet. He even shares how you can help too – Get curious, get to know your local flora & fauna and maybe even volunteer to help with habitat restoration. After all, supporting your local ecosystems supports pollinators, birds, and insects, especially caterpillars that feed our songbirds. This episode is essential listening for anyone who cares about the planet—whether you're a seasoned conservationist or just starting to glimpse the power of native plants and habitat restoration. Griff’s hopeful message: the more curious you are, the more you'll want to learn, do, and share, igniting a movement to heal our earth—one native seed at a time. Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram Connect wth Griff: Website: GriffGriffith.info Instagram: @TheNatureNut TikTok: @GriffWild Other sites mentioned: Jumpstart Nature Redwoods Rising Home Gown National Park Redwood Parks Conservancy Connect with Rick: ZoologyRick.com Social media: Instagram Threads Facebook YouTube Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, Rick explores the fascinating world of quills and spines in mammals, debunking myths and explaining the differences between various species like porcupines, hedgehogs, echidnas, and tenrecs. Discover how these adaptations evolved and their unique functions in animal defense mechanisms. Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou Connect with Rick: ZoologyRick.com Social media: Instagram Threads Facebook YouTube Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick This episode is like sitting down with a coupe of old friends. Join host Rick Schwartz in his thoughtful conversation with Stephanie Arne as they explore the deep connections between humans, animals, and nature. Stephanie shares her journey as an educator and advocate for wildlife, discussing her various roles in conservation and education. They delve into the importance of reconnecting with nature, the impact of personal experiences on their work, and the significance of travel in understanding different cultures and ecosystems. Stephanie also introduces her new travel company and conservation academy, aimed at inspiring others to engage with the natural world.  Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou Connect with Stephanie Arne: StephanieArne.com Instagram: @StephanieArne Facebook: @StephanieArne TickTok: @Stephanie.Arne *Bonus link to Stephanie's husband's work - Tim Davison Art: https://www.davisonart.com/ Connect with Rick: ZoologyRick.com Social media: Instagram Threads Facebook YouTube Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode Rick discusses the media's misguided headlines and articles about a scientific study on raccoon that looked at domestication signals. Rick offers up information from the published paper and explains what the research actually indicates about raccoon evolution and domestication. While the idea of having a raccoon as a pet might sound enticing, there are significant challenges and ethical considerations that must be addressed. Raccoons are not domesticated animals; they are wild creatures with specific needs. PLEASE adopt a dog or cat from your local shelter. You will save a life and you will be much happier with truly domesticated animal in your home. Link to published study mentioned in this episode:  "Tracking domestication signals across populations of North American raccoons (Procyon lotor) via citizen science-driven image repositories" Shout out to Big Bear Alpine Zoo (just because) Big Bear Alpine Zoo website Big Bear Alpine Zoo in Instagram Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com Find Rick on social media: Instagram Threads Facebook YouTube Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, Rick Schwartz and Maynard Okereker discuss the how science, education, and entertainment thrive where there is curiosity. Maynard shares his journey from being a nature-loving child to a passionate science communicator, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and diversity in STEM fields. He discusses his new book, 'Zombie Spiders and Asteroid Blasters,' which highlights unique scientific research in an entertaining way. The conversation also touches on the challenges of science skepticism and the role of empathy in science communication, as well as the value of staying curious about the world, even as and adult. BUY THE BOOK: Zombie Spiders & Astroid Blasters Connect With Maynard: Website: HipHopScinceShow.com YouTube: @HipHopScienceShow Instagram: @HipHopScienceShow Threads: @HipHopScienceShow Facebook: @HipHopScienceShow Linkedin: Maynard Okereke Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com Find Rick on social media: Instagram Threads Facebook YouTube Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.