wildlife podcast

A World Gorilla Day Special Exploring the Fate of the Colossal Grauer's Gorillas

Situated on the eastern edge of the expansive Congo Basin in the Democratic Republic of Congo, GRACE  holds the unique distinction of being the world's sole sanctuary for Grauer's gorillas.

The largest primates on our planet, yet the least known of the gorilla species, these giants are facing a dire crisis as their numbers have plummeted drastically over the past two decades. Only 6,800 individuals now remain.

'For every baby gorilla that comes to the sanctuary, we know the family was most likely killed.'

In this episode of Talking Apes, GRACE's Programs Director, Katie Fawcett, reveals the  complexities of working in a region historically marred by devastating conflicts. The difficulty of reaching these remote gorilla territories has hampered research, conservation, and tourism efforts over the years, leaving these magnificent creatures teetering on the brink of extinction.

'GRACE lies at the start of the Congo Basin - I find that wildly exciting. But access to work in that area has been very challenging.'

Can the elusive Grauer's endure the challenges of the next decade and beyond? There is hope. Throughout our conversation, Katie reveals the remarkable achievements of GRACE. Learn about their efforts in building trust with local communities and establishing a resilient Congolese team, all working toward a vision of sustainable community-led conservation.
 
'Our goal is to come out with a model of community led conservation - where the forests are protected, the gorillas are protected, and the people are benefitting.'

- Dr Katie Fawcett

Click here to visit the GRACE website.

Click here to see GRACE's 14 beautiful gorilla inhabitants.

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Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
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The Pokémon Scarlet and Violet The Teal Mask DLC is now live, and to celebrate, I'll discuss some new and returning Pokémon in the video game and the interesting facts about the animals they're based on. 

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The beetles continue to crawl their way into pop culture. For this episode, I'll discuss the love for the Ladybug,  the release of the Blue Beetle film, the popular kid's TV show Big Bad BeetleBorgs, the importance of the Dung Beetle, and the species of beetles named after actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the music group, The Beatles. 

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Whether they started from climate change, fallen electrical poles, or human negligence, wildfires have caused severe damage worldwide: Australia, California, Canada, and Hawaii. For this episode, I'll discuss fire's impact on wildlife when it takes the form of wildfire.

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The Horseshoe Crab is a living fossil, so ancient, mysterious, and important to the ecosystem. The biomedical industry also agrees that the species is essential because they drain them of their blue blood. For this episode, I'll discuss how activists and conservationists helped stop the harvesting of Horseshoe crabs at a refuge in South Carolina and how the species is crucial to our ecological communities. 

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It seems as though America can't get focus on one invasive species before another one comes over to destroy and conquer the land. For this episode, I'll discuss public enemy number #1, the Spotted Lanternfly. Let's talk about their history, where they came from, how they threaten American agriculture, and ways the public can help slow the spread of the species.

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- Sources:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/pests-diseases/hungry-pests/the-threat/spotted-lanternfly/spotted-lanternfly
https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly
https://www.montgomerynj.gov/bc-stc/page/ways-fight-spotted-lanternfly

It's that time again! Shark Week is back, and the sharks are taking a bite out of Pop Culture! For this episode, I'll discuss how different species of sharks have gained popularity and a cult following from movies, cartoons, boxing, and yes, even having their own week.

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Shark Week is back, and the Sharks are biting! For this bonus episode, I'll discuss the schedule for each day of Shark Week 2023 and give my thoughts on the episodes. 

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Former Drug Kingpin Pablo Escobar's name will never fade away, and that's because his cocaine hippos continue to be a reminder of his legacy. For this episode, I'll discuss the history of Escobar's imported hippos, how the invasive animal's numbers have grown in Colombia, how the Colombian authorities and scientists want to move forward with the species, and what animal activists have to say about the future of the hippos. 

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The Orcas have been in the news lately for good and bad things happening with the species. To celebrate World Orca Day, for this episode, The Rise Of The Orca Coalition, I'll discuss how they are fed up with humans, attacking boats and taking over the internet. I'll also give you the details about the future release of Toki, a.k.a. Lolita, an Orca that has lived at the Miami Seaquarium since 1970.

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Diana Kanweri closes not only our special Making of Chimp Empire series, but Season 2 of Talking Apes. The talented Ugandan chimpanzee field guide and camera operator was the first ever Ugandan woman to work on the Ngogo Chimp Project and made an invaluable contribution to the Netflix docuseries. Diana's expertise in navigating the Ugandan wilderness and her keen eye for capturing stunning shots made her an integral part of the filmmaking team behind Chimp Empire.

During her appearance on the podcast, Diana shared her experiences and the challenges she faced while working on the series. Her deep connection to the local environment and her understanding of the chimpanzees' behavior allowed her to capture some of the most impactful and memorable shots of the entire series. Her ability to anticipate and frame key moments in the chimpanzees' lives added an extra layer of visual storytelling to Chimp Empire.

‘I know chimps better than I know my own family. I’m happy, and I think in a way I owe that to them.’ 

Director of Photography. Ben Sadd, in our conversation for Talking Apes, himself acknowledged Diana's remarkable talent, praising her for capturing shots that had a profound impact on the viewers. Her camera work not only showcased the beauty and majesty of the Ngogo chimpanzees but also provided an intimate window into their daily lives, drawing audiences into their world.

‘A chimp saved me life from a large elephant coming up behind me. He warned me and waited for me to run away with him. I couldn’t believe a chimp saved my life.’ 

Diana's contribution to Chimp Empire went beyond her technical skills as a camera operator. Her presence in the Ugandan wilderness and her understanding of the local ecosystem brought authenticity and depth to the documentary series. By capturing the essence of the chimpanzees' natural habitat, Diana's footage added a sense of place and context, enhancing the overall storytelling of the series.

As a field guide and camera operator, Diana played an instrumental role in bringing the wonders of the Ngogo chimpanzees to audiences around the world. Her skillful cinematography and her deep connection to the park and its wildlife allowed viewers to witness the chimpanzees' lives with a sense of intimacy and awe. 

This podcast contains spoilers and we recommend that listeners watch the series on Netflix before listening. 

Netflix theme, and Chimp Empire intro, narration and music, used by permission and under license from Netflix, for use in GLOBIO's Talking Apes four-part podcast series The Making Of - Chimp Empire - Behind The Scenes.

Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
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‘Chimpanzees are just incredibly special animals and I think what makes them so unique is their individuality. It’s such a privilege to be able to spend so much time with them.’

The third installation going behind-the-scenes of Chimp Empire in our four-part series celebrating World Chimp Day 2023, featuring immensely talented Director of Photography, Benjamin Sadd. Ben played a crucial role in the creation of the remarkable Netflix docuseries. His passion for wildlife filmmaking and his love for capturing the lives of chimpanzees shines through his work. His dedication to his craft and his genuine affection for these incredible creatures were evident throughout the conversation.

During our discussion, Ben shared his journey of falling in love with filming chimps. His deep connection with these animals goes beyond the technical aspects of cinematography. Ben expressed a personal attachment to the chimpanzees he encountered during the filming of Chimp Empire. His desire to return to Ngogo forest reflects his genuine longing to reconnect with the individuals he has come to know and document.

‘When you’re running through the forest trying to keep up with these chimpanzees, you feel like you’re on their team. You’re rooting for them.’ 

Ben’s commitment to capturing the essence of chimpanzees on film is evident in the stunning visuals of Chimp Empire. His ability to immerse the audience in the world of these intelligent and social creatures is a testament to his skill and artistry as a director of photography. The depth of his connection with the chimpanzees and his desire to share their stories with the world truly sets him apart as a remarkable filmmaker in the wildlife genre.

Click here to visit Ben’s website. 

This podcast contains spoilers and we recommend that listeners watch the series on Netflix before listening. 

Netflix theme, and Chimp Empire intro, narration and music, used by permission and under license from Netflix, for use in GLOBIO's Talking Apes four-part podcast series The Making Of - Chimp Empire - Behind The Scenes.

Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
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‘We didn’t decide what we wanted the story to be. We wanted the chimps to tell their story, and document that with the highest level of authenticity.’ 

Director James Reed is a visionary filmmaker whose work has captivated audiences around the world. His 2023 Netflix docuseries, Chimp Empire, showcases his remarkable storytelling abilities and his dedication to shedding light on the lives of chimpanzees. This groundbreaking series provides a rare and intimate glimpse into the complex social dynamics and behaviors of these incredible creatures, unraveling the intricate tapestry of their lives in a way that is both educational and emotionally resonant.

‘Your audience is human, so you’re bridging a gap. You’re connecting a human audience to an animal story.’

James is one of four guests joining us on Talking Apes to celebrate World Chimpanzee Day on July 14th with a behind-the-scenes look at The Making of Chimp Empire. During our conversation, James provided insights into the challenges and joys of capturing the chimpanzees' lives on camera. His passion for the subject matter was evident as he discussed the extensive research and patience required to portray these animals' behaviors accurately. He highlighted the importance of storytelling as a means to bridge the gap between humans and chimpanzees, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared evolutionary journey.

‘What’s really interesting are the comments from people who normally aren’t into natural history who say they are blown away by the complexities and similarities and fascination of these animals. That feels like a huge achievement.’ 

As a director, James and his filmmaking crew have elevated the art of nature documentaries, combining stunning cinematography, immersive storytelling, and scientific accuracy to create a powerful viewing experience. Chimp Empire serves as a testament to the profound impact that media can have in fostering a deeper connection between humans and the animal kingdom.

James also co-directed the oscar-winning My Octopus Teacher, directed Rise of The Warrior Apes, and worked as a producer on Disney’s Chimpanzee. 

Click HERE to visit James Reed’s production company, Underdog Films

Official Netflix clip: The Death of Pork Pie

This podcast contains spoilers and we recommend that listeners watch the series on Netflix before listening. 

Netflix theme, and Chimp Empire intro, narration and music, used by permission and under license from Netflix, for use in GLOBIO's Talking Apes four-part podcast series The Making Of - Chimp Empire - Behind Th

Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
BUY OUR MERCH

With the release of the new Transformers: Rise of the Beasts movie, I wanted to talk about a real-life animal that can transform in multiple ways. For this episode, Animal Transformers: The Shape-Shifting Punk Rock Frog, I'll discuss how a species of rainfrog can not only change from an egg to a tadpole living in water to an air-breathing frog but also has the ability to change the texture of its skin.

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With the successful release of the new Miles Morales Spider-Man movie, I wanted to spotlight a couple of species of spiders, some old, some new, some dangerous, and some the shyest. For this episode, Enter The Spider-Verse, I'll discuss research found about the Daddy Long Legs, Black Widow, Brown Recluse, and Joro Spiders.

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Today marks the first day of Gay Pride Month, and to celebrate, I wanted to spotlight a species known to have female lesbian relationships. For this episode, Animal Gay Pride, The Lesbian Laysan Albatross Birds, I'll discuss how the Laysan Albatross lady birds enjoy the companionship of other ladies. 

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Held captive as pets, dressed in human clothes, forced to perform tricks, and in some cases, even brutally tortured and killed. These are just some of the despicable ways that primates and other wildlife are being exploited online for likes, shares, and cash. 

The rise of social media has unfortunately made it easier for people to share photos and videos of animal cruelty. And according to research, primates make up an overwhelming majority of the abuse cases we find online. 

What’s perhaps even more disturbing is the growing online community who not only seek out this kind of content, but are willing to pay to see horrific acts of abuse committed.

What’s worse - the social media platforms, like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, allow revenue to flow into the pockets of the content creators thanks to the popularity of these videos.

'I've watched some of these videos and I can't always watch them all the way through because they're so awful...what's worse are the comments from the community watching and enjoying them.'

The range of types of online animal abuse is vast, varying from obvious and outright acts of violence to the more subtle and insidious fake rescues and wildlife as pets. Cruelty disguised as cuteness fuelling and perpetuating the illegal wildlife trade. 

Nicola O’Brien has been on a 20-year mission to ensure that vulnerable and defenseless animals are treated with respect and dignity. She has taken on the goliath-sized task of confronting the social media giants that allow this content to be uploaded to their platforms. 

‘We are working with the platforms and trying to pressure them to enforce their own policies and remove these clear examples of abuse.’

Leading up the Social Media Animal Cruelty Coalition (SMACC), Nicola and her team are pushing for social media platforms to enforce their own policies and stop providing a platform for this disgusting content. 

Listen now to find out how you can help from home, with just a few clicks. 

Visit www.smaccoalition.com to learn more. 

Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
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For this armored mammal, Latin America was just the beginning. From South America to Central America, Mexico, and Texas, the armadillos are on the rise. For this episode, Let's Talk Wild EP 27 - Armored Expansion, The Rise Of The Armadillo, I'll discuss how the Nine-Banded Armadillo has its armor on, is digging forward, and taking over several lands across the United States.

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Gadget Recycler-Ape Lover.  This is how Eric Ronay signs off on all his emails.

From his warehouse in Louisville, Kentucky, Eric works diligently to not only save gorillas and their habitats, but also to save our precious environment while enacting lasting culture change.

Eric, whose vision is clearly seen through the work that Eco-Cell does, wants to empower people, especially teenagers and young adults, to demand sustainable changes within the technology world.

'What we do is a labour of love - I want to see a different kind of consumption culture.'

In an average cell phone, there are several rare minerals. Coltan, for instance, is a mineral that makes tantalum. Tantalum is what allows cell phones and many other handheld electronics to hold a charge. 80% of the world’s coltan is in the Democratic Republic of Congo which is also home to endangered gorillas. Mining of coltan (and other minerals) disrupts and destroys their habitats.

'Everybody's got these old cell phones, nobody knows what to do with them, they don’t know what’s in them, they don’t know they affect wildlife.'

To mitigate this, Eric started Eco-Cell in 2003. Eco-Cell recycles, reuses, and resells cell phones and other electronics. Since its inception, Eco-Cell has safely recycled nearly one million cell phones and raised close to one million dollars for gorilla conservation.

Eric Ronay is a gorilla champion. He has made it his mission to save gorillas and raise awareness of their dire need for protection and increased conservation efforts. He does this by educating children and teenagers about cell phones and other electronics. He inspires them to contact technology companies and demand “gorilla-safe” technologies.

His hope is that, with his education and partnerships with zoos and aquariums, electronics will be kept longer and longer, diminishing the need for increased mining. Eric wants everyone to realize that they do not have to trade in their phone every year for the newest version. Eric is striving for sustainable technology which will positively impact not only the gorillas, but the planet as well.

Episode description by Maegan Leavendusky - Programs Co-ordinator for GLOBIO

Click HERE to visit Eco-Cell's website.

Click HERE to find your closest Eco-Cell drop off point. 

Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT is a quarterly feature where we revisit past Talking Apes episodes that focus on highly critical issues. For our March 2023 instalment we're featuring our Season 1 episode with disease detective Dr Tony Goldberg, accompanied by three brand new podcasts exploring disease ecology and the links between animal health, human health, and the environment. 

Zoonotic diseases occur when viruses, bacteria, or parasites jump between humans and animals. Dr Goldberg explores how these diseases take a toll on us and apes like us.  In this episode he tells us about his quest to understand them, how we live with them, and his adventures in Africa trying to track down and eradicate a scary infection that almost wiped out an entire population of rescued chimpanzees.

Tony's episode was originally aired in March 2021 at the heart of the Covid-19 pandemic which threw the world into turmoil, not only within our personal lives, but economically, culturally, and politically.  The pandemic brought to light zoonosis as a critical, prevalent issue and a constant existential threat to us all.

Also in this special ZOONOSIS IN THE SPOTLIGHT season throughout March, don't miss our incredible new two-part conversation with award-winning science writer David Quammen, and finally a look at life on the frontlines of zoonotic and anthroponotic disease with mountain gorilla veterinarian Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka; from heart of Uganda’s gorilla country, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Visit our website to find out more. 

Click here to visit Tony's website. 

Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
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