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<p>Watch wildlife conservation stories come to life on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild on NBC, YouTube, Peacock and other streaming platforms. <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/meet-our-hosts">Co-hosted by Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant</a>, the show highlights stories of conservation success around the world, building on the legacy of the classic series starring Marlin Perkins and Jim Fowler.</p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/protecting-the-wild">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a> airs weekends* during NBC’s “The More You Know” programming block.</p>\n
<p><em>*Please note that local airtimes are subject to change. We encourage you to check your local listings each week to ensure you don’t miss the fun.</em></p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5096" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_1_Image_0001-scaled.jpg" alt="Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant stand with another individual in shallow coastal water beside a sandy shoreline, pointing toward something near the water's edge during a Wild Kingdom field excursion." width="2560" height="1160" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_1_Image_0001-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_1_Image_0001-300x136.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_1_Image_0001-1024x464.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_1_Image_0001-150x68.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_1_Image_0001-768x348.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_1_Image_0001-1536x696.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_1_Image_0001-2048x928.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
<h3>Quick guide: where to watch Wild Kingdom</h3>\n
<p>Watch Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild on:</p>\n
<ul>\n
<li>NBC — new episodes airing live on weekends</li>\n
<li>Telemundo, dabl and COZI — additional airings; times vary</li>\n
<li><a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBC.com</a> — stream episodes free after they air</li>\n
<li><a href="https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/8131888204325022112" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peacock</a> — stream episodes about 24 hours after they air; subscription required</li>\n
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@wildkingdom/featured" target="_blank" rel="noopener">YouTube</a> — every episode, from Seasons 1-3, free</li>\n
<li>Samsung TV Plus, Roku and Tubi — search these platforms for streaming episodes</li>\n
</ul>\n
<p>Watch Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom classic episodes on:</p>\n
<ul>\n
<li><a href="https://www.metv.com/wheretowatch/affiliate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MeTV</a></li>\n
<li><a href="https://westtelevision.com/wheretowatch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WEST</a></li>\n
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<h3>Wild Kingdom on TV</h3>\n
<p>Load up your live streaming service, position that satellite or straighten out those antennas to watch Protecting the Wild weekly on NBC. Airtimes may vary by location, so please check your local NBC listings.</p>\n
<p>See additional airings on Telemundo, dabl and COZI. Times vary, so check your local listings.</p>\n
<h3>Watch every episode on YouTube</h3>\n
<p>Catch up with Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild by subscribing to our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@wildkingdom/featured" target="_blank" rel="noopener">YouTube channel</a>. Find every episode from Seasons 1-3, and discover the wonders of wildlife conservation.</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5097" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_2_Image_0001-scaled.jpg" alt="Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant stand on a broad coastal beach with forested hills in the background, observing the surrounding landscape during a Wild Kingdom adventure." width="2560" height="1160" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_2_Image_0001-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_2_Image_0001-300x136.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_2_Image_0001-1024x464.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_2_Image_0001-150x68.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_2_Image_0001-768x348.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_2_Image_0001-1536x696.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_2_Image_0001-2048x928.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
<h3>Stream Wild Kingdom on nbc.com</h3>\n
<p>Can’t watch it live? No problem! Episodes will be available for free on <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nbc.com</a>.</p>\n
<h3>Stream Wild Kingdom on Peacock</h3>\n
<p>Peacock subscribers — you’ll have access to <a href="https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/8131888204325022112" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild episodes</a> about 24 hours after they air on NBC.</p>\n
<h3>Watch clips and exclusive content on wildkingdom.com</h3>\n
<p>Hungry for more Protecting the Wild? Check out clips from episodes, behind-the-scenes stories, animal facts and much more on <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/all-posts">wildkingdom.com</a>.</p>\n
<h3>Stream Wild Kingdom on Samsung TV Plus, Roku and Tubi</h3>\n
<p>Watch Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild on Samsung TV Plus, Roku and Tubi, free. Simply search “Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild” on each streaming service.</p>\n
<h2>Watch classic Wild Kingdom episodes</h2>\n
<h3>Catch Wild Kingdom on MeTV</h3>\n
<p>Reminisce with classic episodes of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Sunday on MeTV from 7-10 a.m. Eastern Time/Pacific Time. Find MeTV in your area at <a href="https://www.metv.com/wheretowatch/affiliate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">metv.com/wheretowatch</a>.</p>\n
<h3>Wild Kingdom on WEST</h3>\n
<p>You’ll also be able to catch Marlin and Jim in classic episodes on WEST network every Saturday from 9-11 a.m. Eastern Time.</p>\n
<p>Find out how to watch WEST on <a href="https://westtelevision.com/wheretowatch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">westtelevision.com/wheretowatch</a>.</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5098" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_3_Image_0001-scaled.jpg" alt="Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant stand in front of a mountainous landscape, wearing Wild Kingdom outdoor apparel during a field expedition." width="2560" height="1160" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_3_Image_0001-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_3_Image_0001-300x136.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_3_Image_0001-1024x464.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_3_Image_0001-150x68.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_3_Image_0001-768x348.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_3_Image_0001-1536x696.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/09/645512_WK_Web_images_Page_3_Image_0001-2048x928.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
<h2>Frequently asked questions</h2>\n
<h3>Where can I watch Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild?</h3>\n
<p>Watch new episodes on <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBC</a> and stream episodes after they air on <a href="https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/8131888204325022112" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peacock</a> and on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@wildkingdom/featured" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wild Kingdom’s YouTube</a> page. Plus, search for episodes on Samsung TV Plus, Roku and Tubi.</p>\n
<h3>Can I stream Wild Kingdom online?</h3>\n
<p>Yes, Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild episodes can be streamed on <a href="https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/8131888204325022112" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peacock</a>, <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nbc.com</a> and our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@wildkingdom/featured" target="_blank" rel="noopener">YouTube</a> page.</p>\n
<h3>Is Wild Kingdom free to watch?</h3>\n
<p>Yes! You can watch Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild free on NBC (with an antenna or TV provider), <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nbc.com</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@wildkingdom/featured" target="_blank" rel="noopener">YouTube</a>, Samsung TV Plus, Roku and Tubi. <a href="https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/8131888204325022112" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peacock</a> requires a subscription and offers episodes about 24 hours after they air.</p>\n
<h3>What channel is Wild Kingdom on?</h3>\n
<p>Wild Kingdom airs on NBC during its “The More You Know” programming block. Find additional airings on Telemundo, dabl and COZI. Plus, catch classic episodes on MeTV and WEST.</p>\n
<h3>When does Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild air?</h3>\n
<p>Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild airs weekends on NBC’s “The More You Know” programming block. Local airtimes vary. Check your local listings.</p>\n
<h3>Where can I watch classic Wild Kingdom episodes?</h3>\n
<p>Watch classic Wild Kingdom episodes on <a href="https://www.metv.com/wheretowatch/affiliate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MeTV</a> (Sunday mornings) and <a href="https://westtelevision.com/wheretowatch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WEST</a> (Saturday mornings).</p>\n
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<p><span data-contrast="auto">When Australia’s wildlife is in crisis, conservation heroes answer the call. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">In Queensland, Peter and Dr. Rae step inside the world of wildlife rescue, where dedicated veterinarians work tirelessly to nurse sick and injured koalas back to health. At the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, sea turtles harmed by fishing gear, boat strikes and pollution are given a second chance at life in the wild. And Peter meets an extraordinary team of rescuers caring for orphaned kangaroo and wallaby joeys — nearly all rescued from their deceased mothers’ pouches after vehicle strikes — offering these vulnerable young animals a road to recovery and a future back in the bush.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Watch <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/road-to-recovery/9000457430" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Road to Recovery” on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild on NBC</a>.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Check out how </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-aussies-are-saving-koalas"><span data-contrast="none">Aussies are saving koalas</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">. And dive into the Great Barrier Reef for more underwater Aussie conservation in “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/reef-revival"><span data-contrast="none">Reef Revival</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
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0:03\r\n
One animal defines Australia's amazing wildlife more than any other the kangaroo.\r\n
\r\n
0:11\r\n
The kangaroo's giant feet give them their scientific name, macropods.\r\n
\r\n
0:16\r\n
Macro means large and pod means foot.\r\n
\r\n
0:20\r\n
There are more than 50 species of macropod in Australia.\r\n
\r\n
0:23\r\n
Kangaroos are the largest, The next size down are Wallabies like these Agile Wallabies who have given their name to a unique non profit near Cairns in Queensland.\r\n
\r\n
0:36\r\n
The Agile project, founded in 2017 by ecologist Shay Ager, has just opened a brand new rescue center.\r\n
\r\n
0:45\r\n
This is absolutely beautiful here.\r\n
\r\n
0:47\r\n
This is your rescue Center for Wallabies, right?\r\n
\r\n
0:49\r\n
It sure is.\r\n
\r\n
0:50\r\n
Our new wildlife rehabilitation center.\r\n
\r\n
0:53\r\n
We've only been here 2 days.\r\n
\r\n
0:54\r\n
Two days.\r\n
\r\n
0:56\r\n
Our timing is perfect.\r\n
\r\n
0:59\r\n
The agile project rescues, raises and then releases orphan macropods back to the wild.\r\n
\r\n
1:06\r\n
This is great.\r\n
\r\n
1:07\r\n
You've got all ages here.\r\n
\r\n
1:08\r\n
We sure do.\r\n
\r\n
1:11\r\n
Macropods not only include Kangaroos and Wallabies, but also wallaroos and Paddy melons.\r\n
\r\n
1:18\r\n
Wow, look at them all of this.\r\n
\r\n
1:20\r\n
How many do you have at this location?\r\n
\r\n
1:21\r\n
We have 2727 mm Hmm.\r\n
\r\n
1:24\r\n
And that one right up the back is a swamp wallaby.\r\n
\r\n
1:28\r\n
Mm hmm, Common wallaboo.\r\n
\r\n
1:29\r\n
Nobody really knows how many wallaroos are left in Australia.\r\n
\r\n
1:33\r\n
That can be said for a lot of macropods and a lot of Australian species.\r\n
\r\n
1:38\r\n
Macropods are also marsupials, a group of animals that are born premature and complete their development inside a special pouch on their mother's abdomen.\r\n
\r\n
1:49\r\n
Young marsupials are called joeys, and it's time for all these joeys to get their morning bottles.\r\n
\r\n
1:55\r\n
So this is a whipped tail wallaby.\r\n
\r\n
1:57\r\n
They call them the Pretty face Wallaby because they've got this beautiful definition down the side of their face.\r\n
\r\n
2:03\r\n
And these are Wallaroos.\r\n
\r\n
2:05\r\n
How old are these two?\r\n
\r\n
2:06\r\n
They're around 1 1/2 years old.\r\n
\r\n
2:08\r\n
You are A2 fisted feeder.\r\n
\r\n
2:10\r\n
I see.\r\n
\r\n
2:11\r\n
I think I've held 8 bottles at once before.\r\n
\r\n
2:13\r\n
Really.\r\n
\r\n
2:14\r\n
You know, I reckon we'll feed the tiny little putties now, so we'll head over here.\r\n
\r\n
2:20\r\n
This is Porsche and Ferrari.\r\n
\r\n
2:22\r\n
These are Paddy melons.\r\n
\r\n
2:23\r\n
These are rainforest macropod species.\r\n
\r\n
2:25\r\n
Although they are so much smaller than the Wallaroos, they're actually a lot older in terms of development.\r\n
\r\n
2:31\r\n
At what point will you decide and where will you decide these will be released?\r\n
\r\n
2:35\r\n
We have some incredible pre release and release sites.\r\n
\r\n
2:38\r\n
Once they are ready, weaned off bottles, the gates open and they get to choose when they come and go back into the enclosure.\r\n
\r\n
2:45\r\n
Yeah, so it's like a soft release.\r\n
\r\n
2:48\r\n
How many would you say you've rescued over the years?\r\n
\r\n
2:51\r\n
Hundreds and hundreds.\r\n
\r\n
2:52\r\n
Hundreds.\r\n
\r\n
2:52\r\n
Probably over 1000.\r\n
\r\n
2:54\r\n
You've become attached to them.\r\n
\r\n
2:55\r\n
Yeah.\r\n
\r\n
2:56\r\n
What's it like when you have to say goodbye?\r\n
\r\n
2:59\r\n
It's a definitely bittersweet moment.\r\n
\r\n
3:02\r\n
Unfortunately, as towns in North Queensland expand into previously wild habitat, rescuers like Shay have become all too important.\r\n
\r\n
3:11\r\n
Can you tell me a little bit about their history, how they ended up here?\r\n
\r\n
3:14\r\n
Every single joy that you see is actually an orphan.\r\n
\r\n
3:17\r\n
95% of them do come in when we rescue them from their mother's power after she's been hit by.\r\n
\r\n
3:23\r\n
95% are car strikes.\r\n
\r\n
3:25\r\n
Yeah.\r\n
\r\n
3:25\r\n
And the other 5 or so percent are dog attacks.\r\n
\r\n
3:29\r\n
So this is Ayla.\r\n
\r\n
3:30\r\n
Uh huh.\r\n
\r\n
3:31\r\n
She is an Eastern grey kangaroo.\r\n
\r\n
3:33\r\n
She's very young, but she was one of those unfortunate car strike victims.\r\n
\r\n
3:38\r\n
She lost her mum to car strike.\r\n
\r\n
3:40\r\n
Let's see if she grabs grabs it.\r\n
\r\n
3:43\r\n
There we go.\r\n
\r\n
3:44\r\n
Look at her.\r\n
\r\n
3:44\r\n
Go.\r\n
\r\n
3:45\r\n
There we go.\r\n
\r\n
3:46\r\n
Oh, yeah, she's hungry.\r\n
\r\n
3:47\r\n
So you actually are removing them from a pouch, from a mother that's deceased and then try to get them going on the ball.\r\n
\r\n
3:54\r\n
Yeah, we have carers all across far North Queensland that do this work.\r\n
\r\n
3:58\r\n
Yeah, well, this has all been so interesting.\r\n
\r\n
4:02\r\n
I hope you have success here.\r\n
\r\n
4:03\r\n
I'm very blessed and very lucky to be able to provide these guys with a safe space.\r\n
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<p>Not long ago, grizzly bears were on the edge of extinction in the lower 48 states. Fewer than 1,000 bears remained after decades of illegal hunting, poisoning and habitat loss. So how did this iconic species make an extraordinary comeback? Surprisingly, the story begins at a garbage dump.</p>\n
<p>In this episode of Back From The Brink from Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant and bear biologist Wes Larson uncover the unlikely turning points, bold conservation efforts and the passionate people who refused to give up on the grizzly. Discover how science, collaboration and persistence helped restore one of North America’s most powerful predators to the wild landscapes it once ruled.</p>\n
<h3><strong>Explore Bear Stories</strong></h3>\n
<p>Discover more bear facts through Wild Kingdom videos and articles about bear conservation, rescue and rehabilitation.</p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/black-bear-fun-facts">Bear Fun Facts</a></p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/interactive/how-well-do-you-know-black-bears">How Well Do You Know Black Bears Quiz</a></p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/into-the-bears-den">Into the Bear’s Den Episode</a></p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/do-all-bears-hibernate-in-winter">Do All Bears Hibernate in the Winter?</a></p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-we-can-prepare-for-bear-hibernation">How We Can Prepare for Bear Hibernation</a></p>\n
<h3>Before the Recovery of Grizzly Bears, There was a Reckoning</h3>\n
<div class="iframe-video"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Before the Recovery of Grizzly Bears, There was a Reckoning" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8xsd_aNNxU8" width="1263" height="710" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span></iframe></div>\n
<div class="Accordion Container">\n
<div id="grizzly-bear-video-transcript" class="Accordion-panel">\n
<div class="Accordion-panelHeader"><a class="Accordion-panelTrigger" href="#grizzly-bear-video-transcript" data-accordion-trigger=""><br />\n
<span class="transcript-text">Show Transcript</span><span class="transcript-icon"><img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.mutualofomaha.com/wildkingdom/v3/icons/explore/down_arrow_WK-reveal.svg" alt="arrow" /></span><br />\n
</a></div>\n
<div class="Accordion-panelBody">– Yellowstone was a stronghold for grizzly bears, still is, but in the ’70s, they had all of these, like, garbage piles. Do you wanna talk a little bit about, like, how trash attracted bears and what that meant for tourism, and then how quickly they actually changed that?- In the decades leading up to 1970, they had these big, open-pit garbage dumps scattered throughout Yellowstone. There was four or five of them. And they had literal bleachers set up around these dumps, and people would gather every night and watch the bears come up and eat all this food waste. And it was a reliable way to see grizzly bears. They got huge and fat. They were very happy bears where they didn’t really have to compete and they just kinda sat there, and they weren’t very wild anymore. I mean, these were essentially just, you know, garbage-dump bears. And that continued for a while, and the park kind of started realizing they were having a lot of conflicts every year with bears. They were having about 50 incidents every year of people being bitten or injured by bears, which was a lot, and they thought, “We need to do something about this.” So they slowly were kind of starting to make changes, planning to close dumps. And then in 1967, in Glacier National Park, two women were killed on the same night by two different grizzly bears. It’s often referred to as the Night of the Grizzlies. We did a three-part series on it on “Tooth & Claw.” That incident echoed throughout the national park system. People really realized, “Okay, this is an animal that has some potential danger to it that we need to treat a little bit differently than we’ve been treating.” And they quickly closed the dumps then. The last one closed in 1970. And we were left with these bears that were so used to human food and didn’t really know where to go now that they didn’t have access to these dumps. And in the following years, they had to either euthanize or relocate a lot of those bears. And it was kind of this cleansing period in Yellowstone where, unfortunately, a lot of these bears that were totally food conditioned had to be removed from that population, and that left the wild bears, the ones that weren’t food conditioned or totally habituated to people. And that’s where all of our bears we currently have in Yellowstone stem from, was that population that was left after they changed that policy with the dumps.</p>\n
<p>– We have very few grizzly bears in Montana and in Yellowstone, you know, because of some of the policies that have been in place for decades. Like, there’s some bad news going on, so how do things start to get a little bit better?</p>\n
<p>– So, in ’75 was kind of the first big step forward for grizzly bears, and that’s when they received protections under the Endangered Species Act. And then the next really great thing that happened was in 1983, the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team was formed, and that consisted of people in the National Park Service and USGS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that essentially decided they were gonna combine this, you know, amazing pool of knowledge to figure out how to properly conserve this animal and give them the kind of things they need to spread across the West in ways that they used to. So they had six kind of recovery zones that they outlied, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem being one of them. And I was lucky enough to work when I was in Yellowstone under Kerry Gunther, who is, like, the guy when it comes to Yellowstone grizzly bears. He’s done, you know, more for them than anyone that I know of personally. And a lot of those early days was just really hazing bears that were too, you know, habituated or food conditioned, moving bears that were problem bears or getting rid of ones that, you know, had gone too far and kind of, you know, cleaning out that population, making it wilder. And over time, those kind of processes and the ways that they hazed got better and better and better. And now in Yellowstone, where they used to have, like, 50 conflicts a year that were injuries to humans, now they average one per year, which is a huge step in the right direction, you know? We’d love it if there wasn’t any, but they respond quickly to any bears that are food conditioned. They allow for some habituation. That’s why people are able to do what you did last week, go up and see these bears and these meadows and get some incredible photos and experiences. But the whole outlook kind of toward grizzly bears has changed, and that’s allowed these strongholds to really grow. And now in Yellowstone, there’s probably over 1,000 grizzly bears just in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.</p>\n
</div>\n
</div>\n
</div>\n
<p><span data-contrast="none">Before Yellowstone had over 1,000 grizzly bears, it had bleachers. Every night, people would gather around open pit garbage dumps to watch bears eat food waste — reliable, safe and nothing like the wild. It took a single catastrophic night in 1967 to change everything. Wes Larson breaks down the uncomfortable turning point that forced Yellowstone to close its dumps, remove its food-conditioned bears, and start over — and how that painful reset became the foundation for one of conservation’s greatest comebacks.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<div class="iframe-portrait"><iframe loading="lazy" title="bears-video-social" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x15sfkKFdzw" width="488" height="867" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>\n
<h4><strong>About Wes Larson</strong></h4>\n
<p>Wes Larson is a bear biologist whose work centers on human-bear conflict. He hosts “Tooth & Claw,” a podcast that unpacks true accounts of the most dramatic wildlife encounters on record. Much of his work focuses on helping people understand wild animals and coexist with them safely.</p>\n
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Peter Gros:\r\n
\r\n
It's late summer in Wyoming's Yellowstone National Park, and an enormous female grizzly moves through the forest. She'll spend up to 20 hours a day in search of high energy foods like roots, grubs, grasses, and white bark pine nuts. At this time of year, she can pack on as much as three pounds a day in preparation for winter, but she's also doing something incredible for the ecosystem. And as she digs for food, her long claws aerate the soil and her scavenging returns nutrients to the ground. She also keeps deer and elk on the move, ensuring that they don't overgraze on shrubs and grasses. She's amazing to behold. It's hard to believe almost 100 years ago, grizzly like her had almost disappeared.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n
\r\n
From roughly 50,000 grizzly bears across 18 states, to fewer than a thousand found only in a handful of mountain strongholds. This is the story of how grizzlies came back, and the people who would never let them disappear. Today, I'm talking with Wes Larson, wildlife biologist, fellow bear expert, and the co-host of the Tooth and Claw Podcast.\r\n
\r\n
Peter Gros:\r\n
\r\n
Wes has spent his career in grizzly country, and he's one of the most compelling voices working to change how people think about this incredible animal. Welcome to Back from the Brink, from Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n
\r\n
I'm Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant. Each episode, we go deep on species that came to the brink of disappearing, and highlight the people who fought to bring them back.\r\n
\r\n
Peter Gros:\r\n
\r\n
The grizzly bear is one of the most recognizable animals in North America, but most people's idea of what a grizzly actually is and what it does, is wrong.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n
\r\n
Wes Larson, welcome to Back from the Brink Podcast. I was just in Yellowstone a week ago on a really just great project and I was so close with them. They're so massive and yet kind of, I think, quietly dignified. And I believe that a lot of folks think that they know a lot about them and think that they understand them, but might actually be surprised when they figure out what a grizzly bear actually is or isn't. What does a grizzly bear look like and how might people get it confused with another bear species?\r\n
\r\n
Wes Larson:\r\n
\r\n
It is something that people often get confused, because this is a bear just like black bears and some of our other bear species that can have a lot of different variations when it comes to color and even body size. But as far as some general characteristics of grizzly bears, they're typically larger than their cousins, the black bears. They tend to be bigger. They have long straight claws that are evolved for digging rather than climbing. They often have a hump of muscle on their back that is used again for digging. It's evolved to help them dig up a lot of their different food sources.\r\n
\r\n
And then in my opinion, the best way to kind of tell them apart from black bears is they have a different facial shape. Their face is a little bit more dish shaped and it has kind of this Roman nose that people always describe that and it's hard to really conceptualize it without just looking at hundreds of photos of grizzly bears and black bears. And I know you feel this way too probably, but once you have those two bears in your mind, it's on the spot, you can know which is which, mostly because of that facial shape.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n
\r\n
Okay, I really, really, really want you to now talk about this digging. Because when people think of a grizzly bear, they think of a ferocious predator that is constantly on the hunt. But you brought up some really key things about their claws and you mentioned digging a couple of times. So why would a grizzly bear dig, Wes?\r\n
\r\n
Wes Larson:\r\n
\r\n
That perception of them being carnivores and predators, they are predators, but especially our interior grizzlies are going to be eating a lot of vegetation, a lot of roots. They dig for insects, they dig for ground squirrels. They eat a lot of stuff underground. And this is an animal that used to exist out in the Great Plains where they were constantly digging for their food and their preferences really changed throughout the year. This time of year, I know you were just in Yellowstone, there's all this new grass that's growing up, and the top of that grass is just really rich in nutrients. So you probably saw this, but when you're in Yellowstone this time of year, there's a lot of grizzly bears that are just out there grazing. They're just eating grass and digging up roots. And I think a lot of people have this vision of grizzly bears sitting there and eating salmon.\r\n
\r\n
And there are bears that live in Alaska or wherever else in Russia that literally will just essentially live on the side of a salmon stream for months, because they have that plentiful, consistent food source. But our bears here in Yellowstone and Montana have to be a lot more creative in how they find food, and a lot of that is digging.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n
\r\n
That is exactly what I saw in Yellowstone last week. There was a bunch of folks, biologists included, parked up near a bison carcass just waiting for a grizzly bear to come and feed on the bison carcass. But lo and behold, a mile away, we're seeing this huge male grizzly bear, I mean, big 600, 700 pound animal eating roots and tubers and grasses, because they are emerging from hibernation and there's so much nutrients, like you said, in these grasses.\r\n
\r\n
Wes Larson:\r\n
\r\n
Yeah. Yeah. And part of that too is at a bison carcass, there's a decent chance you run into another bear or a pack of wolves or something that's a risk that these bears have to accept. But if you're just grazing and digging up roots, there's plenty of that for everyone and there's not a lot of conflict or competition over that resource. So I think that's also part of the equation there, is a bison carcass is a scary place even for a grizzly bear.\r\n
\r\n
Peter Gros:\r\n
\r\n
It's hard to imagine what could bring down these huge resourceful animals, but the grizzlies decline wasn't an accident. Sadly, it was systematic. Bounties, poisons, habitat loss. By the time anybody started paying attention, the most powerful predator in North America had been pushed into just a few mountain corners. And then in Yellowstone, one of its last strongholds, something happened that nearly finished the job.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n
\r\n
Let's focus on Yellowstone, Montana, this area. I think we can kind of really just acknowledge that at one point they were very abundant. We had tens of thousands of them, if not hundreds of thousands of them throughout North America, and they were thriving. And then with colonial settlement came extermination.\r\n
\r\n
Wes Larson:\r\n
\r\n
Yeah, I think that's a perfect tee up. So in the lower 48, their range used to be really extensive, all the way down into Northern Mexico, as far east as Minnesota, Oklahoma, Texas. But with colonizing and with all these different things that happened, predator control, predator management programs, their range was vastly reduced. And in large part just due to people coming over here and killing bears. Ranchers that were afraid of them, just general fear of predators. And they were extirpated pretty quickly. And a lot of these bears were bears that lived out on the plains were pretty easy to see and kill and remove. And their strongholds really turned into these places where they were much harder to get at and their access wasn't... It was harder to find these bears. In the early 1900s, it was these direct campaigns to eliminate grizzly bears that resulted in us losing, I think, 98% of their former range and we're down to 2% in the lower 48.\r\n
\r\n
But now the big threat that they're facing is just habitat loss. Hunting and they get surprised by grizzly bear and they shoot it. There are a lot of vehicle strikes that happen with this animal. There are conflict fatalities where a bear is being a little naughty or whatever, and the managers have to go remove that bear from the population. So there's other things that are facing them, but really habitat loss is the big one in our modern day. And that's the thing that we've been talking about is it really needs to be improved on for them to be connected.\r\n
\r\n
Peter Gros:\r\n
\r\n
Despite the early 20th century campaign to eliminate grizzlies, there were a few maneuvers at the time that made a critical difference.\r\n
\r\n
Wes Larson:\r\n
\r\n
Montana has the most bears right now in the lower 48, and part of that is because in the early 1900s and 1930s, some of the people that were making those decisions in Montana realized the importance of having grizzly bears in Montana. And they put an end to pursuit with dogs and baiting for grizzly bears, which were the two most effective ways to catch them and kill them. And that really slowed that decline down in Montana. And then in Wyoming in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, they were such a draw to the National Park and they were so important to that entire experience that while they're killing their wolves and their mountain lions and some of their other predators, they kind of gave their bears a bit of a break in Yellowstone. And that also allowed that to be another source population in the lower 48. So that in the mid 1900s were up until 1975, we're looking at around a thousand bears by the time they were protected by the Endangered Species Act in 1975, even less than a thousand in the lower 48.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n
\r\n
Those are the numbers that I'm also familiar with. 700 to a thousand left, in a really divided population of people. Some saying like, "Well, good. We can live and work our land better without these bears around." And others saying, "Perhaps we took things too far or we shouldn't have exterminated them at all." And I'm glad you brought up Yellowstone National Park, which is a very, very, very old national park. In some ways, technically the first. And Yellowstone was a stronghold for grizzly bears, still is. But in the '70s, they had all of these garbage piles. And a lot of the bear viewing was at the garbage piles. But then folks woke up and realized that wasn't necessarily a great move.\r\n
\r\n
Wes Larson:\r\n
\r\n
In the decades leading up to 1970, they had these big open pit garbage dumps scattered throughout Yellowstone. There was four or five of them. And they had literal bleachers set up around these dumps. And people would gather every night and watch the bears come up and eat all this food waste. And it was a reliable way to see grizzly bears, they got huge and fat, and they were very happy bears where they didn't really have to compete and they just kind of sat there and they weren't very wild anymore. I mean, these were essentially just garbage dump bears. And that continued for a while. And the park kind of started realizing they were having a lot of conflicts every year with bears. They were having about 50 incidents every year of people being bitten or injured by bears, which was a lot. And they thought we need to do something about this.\r\n
\r\n
So they slowly were kind of starting to make changes, planning to close dumps. And then in 1967 in Glacier National Park, two women were killed on the same night by two different grizzly bears. It's often referred to as the Night of the Grizzlies. We did a three-part series on it on Tooth and Claw. That incident echoed throughout the national park system. People really realized, okay, this is an animal that has some potential danger to it that we need to treat a little bit differently than we've been treating. And they quickly closed the dumps then. The last one closed in 1970. And we were left with these bears that were so used to human food and didn't really know where to go now that they didn't have access to these dumps. And in the following years, they had to either euthanize or relocate a lot of those bears.\r\n
\r\n
And it was kind of this cleansing period in Yellowstone where unfortunately a lot of these bears that were totally food conditioned had to be removed from that population. And that left the wild bears, the ones that weren't food conditioned or totally habituated to people. And that's where all of our bears we currently have in Yellowstone stem from, was that population that was left after they changed that policy with the dumps.\r\n
\r\n
Peter Gros:\r\n
\r\n
Closing the dumps was a tricky move. The food conditioned bears had become dependent on them and the hard stop on that food source meant further population loss. But it also meant that people were taking notice. In the 1970s was the start of a significant push to bring grizzlies back.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n
\r\n
We're in the '70s. We have very few grizzly bears in Montana and in Yellowstone because of some of the policies that have been in place for decades. We have grizzly bears that are protected within the National Park. And then take us through the next several decades. There's some bad news going on, so how do things start to get a little bit better?\r\n
\r\n
Wes Larson:\r\n
\r\n
So in 75 was kind of the first big step forward for grizzly bears, and that's when they received protections under the Endangered Species Act. And then the next really great thing that happened was in 1983, the Inter-Agency Grizzly Bear Study Team was formed. And that consisted of people in the National Park Service and USGS, US Fish and Wildlife Service, that essentially decided they were going to combine this amazing pool of knowledge to figure out how to properly conserve this animal and give them the kind of things they need to spread across the West in ways that they used to. So they had six kind of recovery zones that they outlied, the greater Yellowstone ecosystem being one of them. And I was lucky enough to work when I was in Yellowstone under Carrie Gunther, who is the guy when it comes to Yellowstone grizzly bears. He's done more for them than anyone that I know of personally.\r\n
\r\n
And a lot of those early days was just really hazing bears that were too habituated or food conditioned, moving bears that were problem bears, or getting rid of ones that had gone too far, and kind of cleaning out that population, making it wilder. And over time, those kind of processes and the ways that they hazed got better and better and better. And now in Yellowstone where they used to have like 50 conflicts a year that were injuries to humans, now they average one per year, which is a huge step in the right direction. We'd love it if there wasn't any, but they respond quickly to any bears that are food conditioned, they allow for some habituation, that's why people are able to do what you did last week, go up and see these bears in these meadows and get some incredible photos and experiences.\r\n
\r\n
But the whole outlook kind of toward grizzly bears has changed, and that's allowed these strongholds to really grow. And now in Yellowstone, there's probably over a thousand grizzly bears just in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. And then the Northern Continental Divide or Glacier was kind of the hotspot. There's over a thousand there as well. And the goal now is that they connect those populations, that the bitterroots start having grizzly bears, that Selkirks have more, and that they connect all the way up into the Yukon and to some of these other populations in Canada.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n
\r\n
You're saying the magic word, Wes, and that is connection and connectivity. And this is not a simple thing. So many people can look at a map and see where the Yellowstone ecosystem is and see where the glacier ecosystem is, and say, "Okay, great. Well, yeah, I mean, I guess these two protected areas need to be connected so bears can just walk back and forth." But the corridors, the wildlife corridors that are necessary to connect these areas don't just exist. Or I should say maybe they do exist, but humans actually kind of get in the way by modifying landscapes for our own use. So can you tell us a little bit about the conservation initiatives that exist today that aim to create wildlife corridors to connect these two parts of the world?\r\n
\r\n
Wes Larson:\r\n
\r\n
So a famous one is Yellowstone to Yukon, which is a nonprofit that is doing exactly what you just said. They're trying to create safe corridors in between these populations all the way through this western part of their range up into the Yukon. But then each of these different agencies and organizations, places like Vital Ground here in Montana, or the US Fish and Wildlife Service, they're all doing what they can with each of these different populations to make sure they're healthy enough to where these grizzlies are going to naturally just spread out from a population and repopulate these areas that they used to exist in. And that's happening in Yellowstone. It's happening in Glacier too, where some of these biologists think that they're kind of at capacity, carrying capacity for grizzly bears. And because of that, these new individuals are going to spread out into places where there aren't already bears. We're seeing bears out in the plains again, we're seeing them in exciting places, and I do think it's a conservation success story and it's one that a lot of people should be really proud of.\r\n
\r\n
Peter Gros:\r\n
\r\n
Bears pushing to the plains for the first time in a century. That expansion doesn't happen in a vacuum. It happens on working land. And some of the most surprising partners in grizzly recovery have been the ranchers.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n
\r\n
What I noticed in my work in Eastern Montana was that there are so many different, very large cattle ranches. So the landscape is just dotted and fragmented by cattle ranches. And a lot of the corridors that grizzly bears might take just to move wherever they're moving actually go right through cattle ranches. And although that might sound like a problem, I was able to meet and interact with so many cattle ranchers who actually believe in and have adopted wildlife-friendly ranching techniques and welcome grizzly bears on their ranch, sometimes even engaging in ecotourism themselves on their own properties. And I'm curious, what have you seen regarding some cattle ranchers actually being able to support conservation?\r\n
\r\n
Wes Larson:\r\n
\r\n
There definitely are different types of ranchers out there. There's ones that are very antagonistic toward grizzly bears, but then there's ones like you're talking about that understand that part of the deal of living in Montana and living in grizzly bear country is that there might be bears sometimes. You might lose some animals to them, they might be passing through. But one example I think of is up in Tom Minor Basin, there's a ranch all the way kind of at the end of the basin, which you probably know of and have visited, where some of their feed that they were using for these cattles had caraway root in it. And as it spread through their fields, they started growing caraway and they weren't necessarily, I believe, trying to grow it, but the bears keyed in on this and this was a great source of food for them.\r\n
\r\n
And now in the fall, I've been out there where I've seen 13 grizzly bears out in the field at once, which is just incredible. And that ranch has learned to coexist with those bears. They've learned where to move their cattle, they have these range riders that are in charge of protecting the cattle from bears. They use dogs, they use fences, they use all these different tools that work really well to allow the bears to exist on the same landscape as their animals and not only exist, but thrive. And so I think it's this really interesting case study that shows that it is possible. And like you were mentioning, if we do have people that are invested like that, then it does create these corridors that allow the bears to pass through and move and spread out more effectively. And I do think that is a beautiful example of how it can be done.\r\n
\r\n
Peter Gros:\r\n
\r\n
The recovery is real, but what comes next is still being decided. It's important to be careful about how we look at it.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n
\r\n
I think we can agree that grizzly bears in some parts of North America were on the brink of extinction at one point and they no longer are. However, we still have a lot of North America that is devoid of grizzly bears. There are parts of the West that still don't have a single one, that used to have many, many, many thousands of them. And so I'm curious what you think we might start to see when it comes to grizzly bear conservation into the future, and what you would like to see.\r\n
\r\n
Wes Larson:\r\n
\r\n
I think what I would like to see and what we might see could be different, and I think that's just part of the climate that we're living in currently when it comes to wildlife management in the West. Like the kind of reality check that unfortunately this has been a heavily politicized thing out here, much the way that wolf reintroduction and conservation has been politicized. And I'm talking about both sides here because there have been some really good conservation plans laid out for de-listing grizzly bears that everyone was kind of on board for, and they got shut down. And now the people that are pushing for de-listing are people that want to aggressively hunt grizzly bears. And the pendulum is kind of swinging too far in either direction in my opinion. And people, including myself, are really nervous to celebrate this win and say, "Hey, we have restored grizzly bears to healthy levels to where they can be de-listed.\r\n
\r\n
We don't want to do that because we're worried about how aggressively they might be managed after that point, with some of the decisions that are being made by these state governments." So that's kind of the big talking point surrounding grizzly bear conservation right now in the West, is when they're going to be de-listed and what those management programs are going to look like once that happens. And I'm hoping, what I'm hoping for is cooler heads, people that are going off of science and that are making smart decisions based on surplus animals when that happens. Now, as far as the rest of that, what I hope happens, I would love to see grizzly bears back in California. I'd love to see them back in the Cascades where they're planning reintroduction programs. I live in the Bitterroot mountains in Montana. I'm right at the southern edge of the Northern Continental Divide population, but they could easily move into these mountains here that I live in.\r\n
\r\n
And I would love to see that as well. I would love to see grizzly bears in places where they belong, where they were extirpated by us, where they've been so important to the indigenous peoples in those areas. That's my hope is to see that happen. Worldwide, this bear's doing fine. They're least concerned worldwide. But in the lower 48, they are still protected and there is still a lot of work that needs to be done for them.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n
\r\n
I'd love to hear you share what people can do to support grizzly bears or in grizzly bear conservation. There are so many people who are listening to this podcast who have never seen one in real life, but they really want to know what kind of actions they can take to be a part of solutions for grizzlies.\r\n
\r\n
Wes Larson:\r\n
\r\n
There's this whole spectrum. I think what you just said, if you have the opportunity to go see one, if you can make it to Yellowstone or Glacier or one of these places where you have a chance of seeing a grizzly bear, I definitely encourage that, because I think forming that connection with this animal, whether it's in the wild or in a zoo, you form a bond and it makes you care more about them. And you just start to make choices that are going to be beneficial to wildlife. And I think that is the first step. And then a big conservation tool that I'm always praising and that I think everyone should be aware of, is if you're in grizzly bear country, you should carry bear spray. And the reason bear spray is so important as a conservation tool is it can get you out of really bad situations with grizzly bears.\r\n
\r\n
But the most important part of it, in my opinion, is that the bear also gets to leave that encounter and it gets to leave alive. And it's taught a valuable lesson about approaching people. And for me, that's why I see it as a great conservation tool and one that anyone recreating in grizzly bear country should have. So that's my next piece of advice. And then I think top level, there are some great organizations out there that work directly with grizzly bear conservation. I'm on the board for the Grizzly Bear Foundation, which is based out of Canada. They do some amazing work in Canada with Grizzly Bear Recovery. Vital Ground here in Montana does some incredible work. Swan Valley Connections is another one. There's some really good nonprofits out there that are doing great work with connectivity, with education, with conflict prevention, and they are always in need of funding.\r\n
\r\n
So if you have any extra cash, those are great places to put it. I just think people should care about these animals because A, every animal has this fundamental right to exist. But then also this is an animal that's very important to us culturally and I think spiritually. Personally, I don't want to see every wild space in the US turn into a park, something that feels very safe to recreate in and that you don't have to feel that feeling that I was talking about earlier, that primal kind of connection to nature where you have to pay attention to your surroundings and you have to be connected at a different level. I think that feeling's really important. And I think we lose that when we lose an animal like a grizzly bear. And that's part of the human condition that we're losing.\r\n
\r\n
There's a reason that people are interested in grizzly bears and tigers and lions and great white sharks and these different animals that all bring that feeling to their respective ecosystems. They loom so large because they are so important to us as people. And I don't want to live in a world that doesn't have grizzly bears.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n
\r\n
If this episode especially activated you, follow or subscribe, leave us a review, and send it to a friend, maybe someone who loves bears as much as me and Wes do, or enjoys the Yellowstone ecosystem and seeing all of the native wildlife. I'm Dr. Ray Wynn Grant, and we'll see you next time.\r\n
\r\n
Speaker 4:\r\n
\r\n
The Back from the Brink Podcast is sponsored by Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, hosted by Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, narrated by Peter Gros. Executive producers are Jen Wulf and Jenny VanSoelen, podcast production by Lower Street Media.\r\n
"""
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"excerpt" => "<p>Not long ago, grizzly bears were on the edge of extinction in the lower 48 states. Fewer than 1,000 bears remained after decades of illegal hunting, poisoning and habitat loss. So how did this iconic species make an extraordinary comeback? Surprisingly, the story begins at a garbage dump. In this episode of Back From The Brink from Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, […]</p>\n"
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<p>You’ve probably heard that a “breath of fresh air” can do you some good. But did you know there’s science behind that?</p>\n
<p>“It’s primarily related to the physical and mental benefits from being outdoors,” Mutual of Omaha Chief Medical Officer Dr. Manoj Pawar, MD, FAAFP said. “Keep in mind that the air itself really needs to be clean and free from pollution, which is typically more likely in nature.”<sup>1</sup></p>\n
<p>Beyond the benefits of fresh air, outdoor recreation can be beneficial to your physical and mental health and well-being. Learn why from Dr. Pawar and <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/protecting-the-wild">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a> Co-Host <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/meet-our-hosts">Peter Gros</a>. Plus, get tips on how to make the most out of your time in nature.</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4202" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/Mountain-biking-on-Coeur-D-Alene-trails_ext_1440x564-1024x401.jpg" alt="Peter Gros on a mountain bike on the side of a mountain trail. He's stopped on the bike, smiling to the camera. " width="1024" height="401" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/Mountain-biking-on-Coeur-D-Alene-trails_ext_1440x564-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/Mountain-biking-on-Coeur-D-Alene-trails_ext_1440x564-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/Mountain-biking-on-Coeur-D-Alene-trails_ext_1440x564-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/Mountain-biking-on-Coeur-D-Alene-trails_ext_1440x564-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/Mountain-biking-on-Coeur-D-Alene-trails_ext_1440x564.jpg 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
<h2>Why should we spend time outside?</h2>\n
<p>It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind — working on a screen, coming home to family responsibilities and getting ready to do it all again the next day. And oftentimes our daily routines revolve around indoor activities. But within our hectic lifestyles, it’s important to carve out time outdoors.</p>\n
<p>According to a recent study<sup>2</sup>, spending at least 120 minutes per week in nature is associated with better health and well-being.</p>\n
<p>“Take time to get outdoors. The benefits are great, and it doesn’t take much to realize them — 120 minutes per week is just under 20 minutes a day,” Dr. Pawar said.</p>\n
<h3>How to increase your outdoor time</h3>\n
<p>Incorporating time in nature into a busy schedule can seem overwhelming. So, keep it simple!</p>\n
<p>“You don’t have to buy a backpack and go hike Yosemite National Park,” Peter said. “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/building-your-garden-for-wildlife">Go to your garden and start planting</a> or spend time out in your yard. Anything in nature that gives you balance.”</p>\n
<p><em>Check out five of </em><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/top-us-spots-to-enjoy-wildlife"><em>Peter’s favorite outdoor destinations in the U.S.</em></a><em> if you’re up for a hiking challenge! </em></p>\n
<p>Gardening is a great way to get outside, not only because it can be done right in your own backyard, but because it can lead to other health benefits.</p>\n
<p>“Gardening is an interesting situation, in that it’s been shown to improve mental well-being, physical activity and increase fruit and vegetable consumption,” Dr. Pawar said.<sup>3</sup></p>\n
<p>Getting outdoors can also help your physical health.</p>\n
<p>“Spending time outdoors is a great way to start your journey towards better physical health,” Dr. Pawar said. “We tend to be more active when we’re outdoors, and as you might imagine, increased activity reduces your risk of chronic diseases: cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.”<sup>4</sup></p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4204" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/peter-family-hiking-1024x401.jpg" alt="Peter Gros' son and grandchild walking on a nature trail in California. The trail is sand and dirt lined with many blooming plants and trees." width="1024" height="401" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/peter-family-hiking-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/peter-family-hiking-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/peter-family-hiking-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/peter-family-hiking-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/peter-family-hiking.jpg 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
<p>As a wildlife expert, Peter’s favorite time spent outdoors is observing wildlife. He encourages folks to<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-have-a-fun-and-safe-outdoor-summer-vacation"> hit the trail</a> and see wildlife in its natural habitat.</p>\n
<p>“Take a guidebook that identifies wildlife tracks,” Peter said. “Want to know where the deer are? Follow tracks. Look for signs of wildlife.”</p>\n
<p>For Dr. Pawar, time well spent outside includes walking on trails, enjoying his backyard and skiing in the <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-enjoy-wildlife-in-the-winter">winter months</a>. He says these activities aren’t just great for our physical health, but mental health too.</p>\n
<p>“The benefits to our mental health from being outdoors are impressive,” Dr. Pawar said. “We’ve seen that time outdoors can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve mood or enhance our overall well-being.”<sup>5</sup></p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4206" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/peter-gros-grandaughter-lake-taho-1-1024x401.jpg" alt="Peter Gros standing on a dock on a lake with his granddaughter on his shoulders, both smiling at the camera." width="1024" height="401" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/peter-gros-grandaughter-lake-taho-1-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/peter-gros-grandaughter-lake-taho-1-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/peter-gros-grandaughter-lake-taho-1-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/peter-gros-grandaughter-lake-taho-1-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/peter-gros-grandaughter-lake-taho-1.jpg 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
<h3>Replace screen time with nature time</h3>\n
<p>Beyond the benefits of increased physical activity and sense of well-being, time outdoors is beneficial because it’s time away from screens.</p>\n
<p>“We know that stepping away from our screens to take micro-breaks is essential for maintaining energy levels, productivity and performance,” Dr. Pawar said. “These small breaks also help with consolidating learning and solidifying new information, so they’re really important for healthy brain function.”<sup>6</sup></p>\n
<p>Consider making your <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/why-connect-kids-with-nature">time outdoors a family activity</a>. Getting children in nature at a young age can help build healthy habits that last a lifetime.</p>\n
<p>“The earlier kids get started spending time in the great outdoors the sooner it may become an important part of their lives,” Peter said. “Our young people are required to spend more and more time staring at screens. Physical time spent outdoors in our parks may bring a balance to their lives and one they can continue as adults.”</p>\n
<p>For more ideas, check out <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/peter-gros-tips-for-experiencing-nature">Peter’s tips for experiencing nature</a>.</p>\n
<p> </p>\n
<p><small>Sources</small></p>\n
<p><small><sup>1 </sup>1Markozannes G, Pantavou K, Rizos EC, Sindosi OΑ, Tagkas C, Seyfried M, Saldanha IJ, Hatzianastassiou N, Nikolopoulos GK, Ntzani E. Outdoor air quality and human health: An overview of reviews of observational studies. Environ Pollut. 2022 Aug 1;306:119309. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119309. Epub 2022 Apr 22. PMID: 35469927.</small></p>\n
<p><small><sup>2 </sup>White MP, Alcock I, Grellier J, Wheeler BW, Hartig T, Warber SL, Bone A, Depledge MH, Fleming LE. Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Sci Rep. 2019 Jun 13;9(1):7730. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-44097-3. PMID: 31197192; PMCID: PMC6565732. </small></p>\n
<p><small><sup>3 </sup>Gulyas BZ, Caton SJ, Edmondson JL. Quantifying the relationship between gardening and health and well-being in the UK: a survey during the covid-19 pandemic. BMC Public Health. 2024 Mar 14;24(1):810. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-18249-8. PMID: 38486178; PMCID: PMC10941614.</small></p>\n
<p><small><sup>4 </sup>Beyer KMM, Szabo A, Hoormann K, Stolley M. Time spent outdoors, activity levels, and chronic disease among American adults. J Behav Med. 2018 Aug;41(4):494-503. doi: 10.1007/s10865-018-9911-1. Epub 2018 Jan 30. PMID: 29383535; PMCID: PMC6031452.</small></p>\n
<p><small><sup>5 </sup>Stock S, Bu F, Fancourt D, Mak HW. Longitudinal associations between going outdoors and mental health and wellbeing during a COVID-19 lockdown in the UK. Sci Rep. 2022 Jun 22;12(1):10580. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-15004-0. PMID: 35732816; PMCID: PMC9216298.</small></p>\n
<p><small><sup>6 </sup>Albulescu P, Macsinga I, Rusu A, Sulea C, Bodnaru A, Tulbure BT. “Give me a break!” A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of micro-breaks for increasing well-being and performance. PLoS One. 2022 Aug 31;17(8):e0272460. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272460. PMID: 36044424; PMCID: PMC9432722.</small></p>\n
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"excerpt" => "<p>You’ve probably heard that a “breath of fresh air” can do you some good. But did you know there’s science behind that? “It’s primarily related to the physical and mental benefits from being outdoors,” Mutual of Omaha Chief Medical Officer Dr. Manoj Pawar, MD, FAAFP said. “Keep in mind that the air itself really needs […]</p>\n"
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<p><small><em>By the Endangered Wolf Center</em></small></p>\n
<p> </p>\n
<p>In 1971, Wild Kingdom Host Marlin Perkins and his wife, Carol, focused on the wolf as their primary conservation effort. Why? They saw that without wolves, entire ecosystems could become unbalanced — and they were at the time! They rallied a passionate group of individuals to establish the Endangered Wolf Center with the goal of addressing the serious plight of wolves at risk of extinction.</p>\n
<p>Through carefully managed breeding programs, inspiring educational programs and innovative methods for introducing releasable wolves into their native habitats, the <a href="https://www.endangeredwolfcenter.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Endangered Wolf Center</a> has changed the fate of endangered canids. With only seven Mexican wolves found in the wild in the ‘70s to begin this important work, today’s wild Mexican Wolf population is over 240. All these wolves can trace their roots back to the Endangered Wolf Center.</p>\n
<div id="attachment_2557" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2557" class="wp-image-2557 size-large" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/EWC2-1024x508.jpg" alt="four wolves" width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/EWC2-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/EWC2-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/EWC2-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/EWC2-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/EWC2-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/EWC2.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><p id="caption-attachment-2557" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Michelle Steinmeyer | Endangered Wolf Center</em></p></div>\n
<h2>Wolf myths and facts</h2>\n
<h3>Myth 1: Wolves act exactly like they do in fairytales</h3>\n
<p>Fact: Little Red Riding Hood lied. And so did a lot of other fairytales over the years, even recent animated films like Frozen.</p>\n
<p>Wolves are nothing like they’ve been portrayed in these stories — they’re actually shy and incredibly family-oriented. So, if you’re camping or hiking through a forest where wolves live, you are very unlikely to encounter them and if you do, they’re probably more scared of you that you are of them.</p>\n
<h3>Myth 2: Wolves hurt the environment</h3>\n
<p>Fact: Nature depends on apex carnivores and keystone species to survive and thrive. Wolves are both, which means their native ecosystems rely on them to keep the environment in balance.</p>\n
<h3>Myth 3: Wolves are responsible for significant cattle depredation</h3>\n
<p>Fact: Department of Agriculture reports put wolf depredation of calves and cattle at less than 2%. In fact, coyotes and domesticated dogs are far more likely to be the cause of these losses. Additionally, returning wolves to a landscape reduces coyote populations to more natural levels.</p>\n
<p>To coexist with wolves, a variety of methods such as range riding, fencing, fladry (tying brightly colored flags to fences), guard dogs and flashing lights have been found to be effective, especially when multiple methods are used.</p>\n
<div id="attachment_2558" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2558" class="size-large wp-image-2558" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/EWC3-1024x508.jpg" alt="wolf pack" width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/EWC3-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/EWC3-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/EWC3-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/EWC3-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/EWC3-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/EWC3.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><p id="caption-attachment-2558" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Michelle Steinmeyer | Endangered Wolf Center</em></p></div>\n
<h2>Types of wolves at the Endangered Wolf Center</h2>\n
<p>With its 63 acres, the Endangered Wolf Center gives canids plenty of room to roam in large, naturally wooded habitats. This <a href="https://www.aza.org/?locale=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Association of Zoos and Aquariums</a> accredited conservation facility is home to wolves, foxes, and other canids from around the world, which they’re working tirelessly to conserve.</p>\n
<h3>Mexican wolf</h3>\n
<p>Mexican wolves are the smaller subspecies of the gray wolf. Their coloring is gray, white and tan and their markings vary, with many having a darker mask around their eyes.</p>\n
<p>Historically, hundreds of thousands of Mexican wolves lived throughout the southwestern United States and Mexico. In the late 1970s, Mexican wolves were declared extinct in the wild. But in 1998, 11 were released as part of a reintroduction program.</p>\n
<p>Today, the roughly 240 wild Mexican wolves live mainly in the mountain woodlands, forests and scrublands of New Mexico, Arizona and Mexico.</p>\n
<p>The Endangered Wolf Center has worked to conserve this species for more than 50 years.</p>\n
<div id="attachment_2563" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2563" class="size-large wp-image-2563" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/mexicanwolf2-EWC-1024x508.jpg" alt="mexican wolf" width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/mexicanwolf2-EWC-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/mexicanwolf2-EWC-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/mexicanwolf2-EWC-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/mexicanwolf2-EWC-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/mexicanwolf2-EWC-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/mexicanwolf2-EWC.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><p id="caption-attachment-2563" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Victoria Ziglar | Bright Coral Creative | Endangered Wolf Center</em></p></div>\n
<h3>American red wolf</h3>\n
<p>Smaller than Mexican wolves, the American red wolf has red and tan fur, with darker features sometimes along their back.</p>\n
<p>This species became extinct in the wild by the 1970s, as well, due to human impact such as poaching, trapping and habitat loss.</p>\n
<p>As the only large carnivore solely native to the United States, red wolves play an important ecological role to maintain balance and healthy populations of prey such as white tail deer, raccoons, feral hogs and even small rodents.</p>\n
<p>Today the only wild population of American red wolves lives in a recovery area on the coast of North Carolina. With less than 30 wild red wolves, they are the most critically endangered wolf species in the world.</p>\n
<p>In 2022, the Endangered Wolf Center sent four red wolves from their facility in St. Louis, Missouri, to North Carolina to strengthen the fragile wild population. The <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/endangered-wolf-conservation">Wild Kingdom crew visited the Endangered Wolf Center as well as the North Carolina</a> site to see this spectacular conservation mission in action.</p>\n
<div id="attachment_2560" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2560" class="size-large wp-image-2560" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/redwolf-EWC-1024x508.jpg" alt="american red wolf pup" width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/redwolf-EWC-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/redwolf-EWC-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/redwolf-EWC-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/redwolf-EWC-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/redwolf-EWC-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/redwolf-EWC.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><p id="caption-attachment-2560" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Victoria Ziglar | Bright Coral Creative | Endangered Wolf Center</em></p></div>\n
<h3>Maned wolf</h3>\n
<p>While the South American maned wolf resembles a giant fox, they’re most closely related to bush dogs, not wolves! These leggy creatures have earned the nickname, “fox on stilts” for their appearance and even “skunk fox” due to their powerful scent.</p>\n
<p>The Endangered Wolf Center supports their conservation through managed breeding, behavioral and reproductive research and education.</p>\n
<div id="attachment_2561" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2561" class="size-large wp-image-2561" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/manedwolf-EWC-1024x508.jpg" alt="maned wolf" width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/manedwolf-EWC-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/manedwolf-EWC-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/manedwolf-EWC-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/manedwolf-EWC-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/manedwolf-EWC-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/manedwolf-EWC.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><p id="caption-attachment-2561" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Victoria Ziglar | Bright Coral Creative | Endangered Wolf Center</em></p></div>\n
<h3>African painted dog</h3>\n
<p>Their Latin name, <em>Lycaon pictus</em>, translates to “painted wolf,” thanks to the beautiful black, brown and tan swirl of markings on their coats. Interestingly, each painted dog has a pattern that is unique, just like a human fingerprint, which allows them to identify pack mates in the wild.</p>\n
<p>These social canids are endangered and native to the grasslands of Africa. They live in dynamic family packs and have unique, high-pitched vocalizations that sound more like a bird than a dog!</p>\n
<p>In 2018, the Endangered Wolf Center had two large litters of African painted dogs, totaling 23 pups.</p>\n
<div id="attachment_2562" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2562" class="size-large wp-image-2562" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/africanpainteddog-EWC-1024x508.jpg" alt="African painted dog adult and pup" width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/africanpainteddog-EWC-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/africanpainteddog-EWC-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/africanpainteddog-EWC-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/africanpainteddog-EWC-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/africanpainteddog-EWC-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/10/africanpainteddog-EWC.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><p id="caption-attachment-2562" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Michelle Steinmeyer | Endangered Wolf Center</em></p></div>\n
<p>There’s no such thing as the big, bad wolf and the Endangered Wolf Center is committed to changing that perception. By learning more about these canids, we can understand how they play a vital role in our greater ecosystem.</p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/marlin-perkins-daughter-shares-excitement-for-new-series">Learn more about the Endangered Wolf Center and Marlin Perkins’ daughter, Marguerite Perkins Garrick’s continued involvement</a>.</p>\n
<p><a href="https://youtu.be/-Af1wIkr-UU?feature=shared" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch this video to learn more about the history of the Endangered Wolf Center.</a></p>\n
<p> </p>\n
<p><small>Sources:<br />\n
<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/reports/Wildlife%20Damage%20Management%20Technical%20Series/gray-wolves.pdf">https://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/reports/Wildlife%20Damage%20Management%20Technical%20Series/gray-wolves.pdf</a></small><br />\n
<small><br />\n
<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/nahms/general/downloads/cattle_calves_deathloss_2015.pdf">https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/nahms/general/downloads/cattle_calves_deathloss_2015.pdf</a></small></p>\n
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<p><span data-contrast="auto">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Co-Hosts Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant and Peter Gros spoke to local and national media about tips for coexisting with wildlife, rare species and upcoming episodes.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Wild Kingdom in the news</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<h3><a href="https://www.foxweather.com/watch/fmc-recsghr2uviy5vf9" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">Fox Weather</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5003" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News3.jpg" alt="An adult black bear stands among trees and fallen logs while two bear cubs look on from the forest behind." width="1440" height="564" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News3.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News3-768x301.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">On Fox Weather, Peter gave tips for what to do if you spot a bear as they come out of hibernation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><a href="https://www.countryliving.com/life/travel/a71495994/channel-islands-national-park-fox/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">Country Living</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5004" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News4.jpg" alt="A gray fox walks through a grassy, wooded area covered with leaves and low vegetation." width="1440" height="564" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News4.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News4-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News4-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News4-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News4-768x301.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Peter spoke to Country Living about the Channel Island fox, a rare species found only on this remote island off the coast of California. The species was featured in the Protecting the Wild episode, “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/the-lost-fox-of-channel-islands-clip"><span data-contrast="none">The Lost Fox of the Channel Islands</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/what-to-do-with-turtle-nest-in-yard-12006674" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">Martha Stewart</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5005" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News5.jpg" alt="A turtle rests on a log in a pond beside a graphic featuring a wildlife quote attributed to Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild." width="1440" height="564" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News5.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News5-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News5-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News5-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News5-768x301.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Ever wonder what to do if you find a turtle nest in your yard? Peter gave tips to Martha Stewart.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><a href="https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/nbcs-wild-kingdom-to-spotlight-charleston-based-turtle-survival-alliance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">NBC Charleston</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5006" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News6.jpg" alt="A close-up of an eastern box turtle walking through green grass, showing the intricate orange and black pattern on its shell." width="1440" height="564" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News6.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News6-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News6-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News6-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News6-768x301.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">While filming an upcoming episode in Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Rae and Peter spoke with the local NBC affiliate, WCBD, about their work with the Turtle Survival Alliance.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
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"date" => "2026-08-11 14:50:23"
"excerpt" => "<p>Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Co-Hosts Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant and Peter Gros spoke to local and national media about tips for coexisting with wildlife, rare species and upcoming episodes. Wild Kingdom in the news Fox Weather On Fox Weather, Peter gave tips for what to do if you spot a bear as they come out of hibernation. Country Living Peter […]</p>\n"
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<p><span data-contrast="auto">Sometimes saving wildlife means giving it a new home. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">In this episode, the journey begins in Queensland, Australia, where Dr. Rae teams up with dedicated rescuers to rehabilitate injured and orphaned wallabies and return them to safe new habitats. From there, Peter travels to Puerto Rico to relocate a feisty young parrot to a new nest before traveling to the wilds of British Columbia to help release an orphaned fisher back where it belongs. The adventure ends in New Mexico where Dr. Rae works to strengthen the fragile population of Mexican wolves by integrating captive-bred puppies into a wild den, giving the next generation a fighting chance to survive.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Watch “<a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/back-where-they-belong/9000457428" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Back Where They Belong” on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild on NBC</a>.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Watch “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/macropod-mania"><span data-contrast="none">Macropod Mania</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">” for more wallaby facts. Then, learn about </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-iowa-zoo-and-australia-conserve-wallabies"><span data-contrast="none">wallaby conservation in the U.S.</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Discover another Puerto Rican conservation story in “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/puerto-ricos-conservation-comeback"><span data-contrast="none">Puerto Rico’s Conservation Comeback</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Plus, </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/wolves-and-the-endangered-species-act"><span data-contrast="none">discover the history of wolf conservation</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
"""
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"date" => "2026-08-08 12:00:27"
"excerpt" => "<p>Sometimes saving wildlife means giving it a new home. In this episode, the journey begins in Queensland, Australia, where Dr. Rae teams up with dedicated rescuers to rehabilitate injured and orphaned wallabies and return them to safe new habitats. From there, Peter travels to Puerto Rico to relocate a feisty young parrot to a new nest before traveling to the wilds of British Columbia to help release an orphaned fisher back where […]</p>\n"
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<p>Each spring, North America comes alive with a familiar and magical sound — the dawn chorus of songbirds returning home after journeys spanning thousands of miles. But behind that beauty lies a stark reality: nearly 3 billion birds have vanished since 1970. In this episode of Back From The Brink from Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant is joined by Kirstin Hill of Smithsonian Bird Friendly to explore a hopeful solution taking root in an unexpected place — coffee farms. Discover how shade-grown coffee is creating vital habitat, helping bird populations rebound and restoring one of nature’s most iconic soundtracks.</p>\n
<h2><strong>Explore Bird Stories</strong></h2>\n
<p>Discover more bird facts through Wild Kingdom videos and articles about North American songbirds, birds of prey and more.</p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/your-guide-to-north-american-songbirds">Your Guide to North American Songbirds</a></p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-organizations-protect-north-american-songbirds">How Organizations Protect North American Songbirds</a></p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/10-tips-for-backyard-birding">10 Tips For Backyard Birding</a></p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/birds-of-a-feather">Birds of a Feather Episode</a></p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/birds-the-word-discover-birds-of-prey">Discover Birds of Prey</a></p>\n
<h2><strong>The Bird-Friendly Checklist Everyone Can Follow</strong></h2>\n
<div class="iframe-video"><iframe loading="lazy" title="The Bird-Friendly Checklist Everyone Can Follow" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XTZNYwmfocE?si" width="1263" height="710" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span></iframe></div>\n
<div class="Accordion Container">\n
<div id="coffee-video-transcript" class="Accordion-panel">\n
<div class="Accordion-panelHeader"><a class="Accordion-panelTrigger" href="#coffee-video-transcript" data-accordion-trigger=""><br />\n
<span class="transcript-text">Show Transcript</span><span class="transcript-icon"><img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.mutualofomaha.com/wildkingdom/v3/icons/explore/down_arrow_WK-reveal.svg" alt="arrow" /></span><br />\n
</a></div>\n
<div class="Accordion-panelBody">(lighthearted music)<br />\n
– Our Migratory Bird Center was founded in the 1990s,<br />\n
but the work for migratory bird conservation<br />\n
kind of started long before that.<br />\n
And in the 1980s, the person who then went on<br />\n
to kind of be the founder of the Migratory Bird Center,<br />\n
Dr. Russell Greenberg, he was noticing a decline<br />\n
in migratory songbird populations in North America.<br />\n
So if you think about, you know, 40 years ago,<br />\n
we’re in the ’80s and he’s noticing<br />\n
and trying to figure out sort of like,<br />\n
“Where are these birds going?<br />\n
I know they’re here in North America during part of the year<br />\n
and then they disappear and then sometimes they come back<br />\n
and sometimes they don’t.”<br />\n
And we’re starting to see fewer and fewer of these birds.<br />\n
So he kind of said, “All right, I’m going to try<br />\n
to figure out where it is that these birds are going.”<br />\n
He went down to Mexico to conduct a bit of research there<br />\n
and to try to see if he could find those same birds<br />\n
and figure out where it was that they were going<br />\n
when they left our areas in North America here.<br />\n
What he kind of found while he was down there<br />\n
was that there were lots and lots of birds<br />\n
in undisturbed forest.<br />\n
And he’s looking around, he’s trying to figure out,<br />\n
okay, what are the types of habitat that they’re utilizing?<br />\n
He was on one area of a valley and heard a lot of bird calls<br />\n
and things like that happening.<br />\n
And he looked over and it looked like an area<br />\n
that appeared to be sort of like an undisturbed forest.<br />\n
Went over to check it out,<br />\n
and what he realized is that it was a coffee farm.<br />\n
So there was coffee growing in the understory<br />\n
and then lots of native trees providing high shade<br />\n
for birds, really high-quality habitats<br />\n
and lots of this, you know, this area<br />\n
that effectively looked like a forest<br />\n
but was actually a coffee farm.<br />\n
And he said, “Hmm, this seems like this could be<br />\n
a really important habitat measure for migratory birds<br />\n
and providing a healthy over wintering habitat for them.”<br />\n
And so that kind of led to just this concept<br />\n
that coffee could be grown in a way that was friendly<br />\n
to birds and biodiversity.<br />\n
And that sort of went on to become<br />\n
the Smithsonian Bird Friendly certification program.<br />\n
– I mean, this is just such a serendipitous story, right?<br />\n
And I think probably the biggest shock to Dr. Greenberg<br />\n
was thinking he’s looking at what we’re saying,<br />\n
like pristine, untouched, you know, old growth forest,<br />\n
going in and actually seeing like, “Oh, this is a farm.”<br />\n
(chuckles) Who knew a farm could look like this?<br />\n
Because certainly in North America, we,<br />\n
at that time, didn’t have those examples.<br />\n
Many of us in the West are quite detached<br />\n
from the things we consume.<br />\n
Can you help me understand what does coffee look like?<br />\n
Like it’s apparently not a tree. (chuckles)<br />\n
How does coffee grow<br />\n
and how can that fit into a forest ecosystem?<br />\n
– So coffee is kind of like a shrub.<br />\n
When it’s ripe, it’s these nice, beautiful<br />\n
bright red cherries that kind of grow out<br />\n
on the coffee shrub itself.<br />\n
And the shrubs, they can get to be quite tall.<br />\n
And so they can grow in the understory.<br />\n
So coffee is a unique crop in that it is perfectly happy<br />\n
to grow under the shade of trees.<br />\n
And that’s actually how it was originally grown.<br />\n
And it was only actually up until the 1970s that coffee,<br />\n
most coffee was grown that way.<br />\n
And then around the ’70s, that’s when we saw the conversion<br />\n
of a lot of coffee farm from this agroforestry<br />\n
where there’s the agriculture kind of in the understory<br />\n
of the forest above to the removal of a lot of the trees<br />\n
and a lot of the, kind of the native plants<br />\n
and things like that that are in there<br />\n
to grow coffee in the sun instead.<br />\n
And there are a number of different reasons<br />\n
why that change kind of happened.<br />\n
There’s rising number of people who were drinking coffee<br />\n
and the governments are kind of saying,<br />\n
“Hey, we want to make sure that we can keep up<br />\n
with this demand.”<br />\n
And there was this idea that if you eliminated<br />\n
some of the shade trees, that you could, in theory,<br />\n
grow more coffee in that way,<br />\n
that the cherries would ripen faster<br />\n
and that that would be a higher yield<br />\n
for the producers there.<br />\n
There ended up being a big conversion of the way<br />\n
that coffee was grown from the agroforests,<br />\n
how it originally grew, into just this<br />\n
kind of clear cut monoculture where the coffee<br />\n
is just kind of baking in the sun<br />\n
and you’re just seeing rows and rows of crops<br />\n
and very little space for birds and biodiversity<br />\n
to coexist in that way.<br />\n
– So we have a scientist who traveled down with the team<br />\n
and discovered, okay, there is habitat fragmentation<br />\n
and habitat loss, but it looks like there’s also solutions<br />\n
at the same time.<br />\n
And then what stemmed from there?<br />\n
– What we ended up kind of seeing was, you know,<br />\n
when Dr. Greenberg came back and was trying to figure out,<br />\n
you know, what do we do with this information<br />\n
that we now have.<br />\n
So I now, you know, we have made this association<br />\n
that the agroforests can provide really high-quality habitat<br />\n
for birds and biodiversity.<br />\n
The question then became, how do we incentivize producers<br />\n
to grow their coffee in this way?<br />\n
So for those remaining folks that have kept<br />\n
this high-quality habitat on their land,<br />\n
how can we make it so that they feel<br />\n
there’s a reason for them to continue growing coffee<br />\n
in this way, how do we incentivize that?<br />\n
– And let me interrupt you here just for me to get a sense.<br />\n
Like tell me a little bit about the economics of this.<br />\n
Is it somehow like cheaper<br />\n
to do the monoculture where it’s just coffee?<br />\n
Is it somehow more expensive for landowners<br />\n
to continue with the polyculture?<br />\n
Like why would someone choose one over the other?<br />\n
– So for each individual farmer that can be a,<br />\n
or a landowner or producer,<br />\n
there’s different motivating factors,<br />\n
and it kind of boils down to how you want<br />\n
to sell your coffee.<br />\n
So there’s coffee that can be sold as specialty grade<br />\n
and that’s when we think about,<br />\n
you know, high quality, high-end specialty coffees<br />\n
versus your commodity coffee, which I kind of refer to<br />\n
as like your gas station coffee where it’s just like a mix<br />\n
of a bunch of beans and we’re not really sure<br />\n
where it’s coming from and maybe the qualities<br />\n
is a bit lower.<br />\n
So there’s a lot of different factors that can go into<br />\n
how a producer can sell their coffee<br />\n
and how much money they can get for it.<br />\n
So that was kind of what led to the creation<br />\n
of the Bird Friendly program was trying to find a way<br />\n
to provide this incentive for producers<br />\n
that they could get more money for their coffee.<br />\n
And Smithsonian will prove, we will vouch for them that,<br />\n
yes, this coffee is grown in a way<br />\n
that’s really good for birds.<br />\n
(uplifting music)</div>\n
</div>\n
</div>\n
<h6></h6>\n
<p><span data-contrast="none">From window decals to your morning coffee order, there are more ways to help migratory songbirds than you might think. In this episodette, Kirstin Hill walks through seven simple actions anyone can take — safer windows, keeping cats indoors, native plants, pesticide-free yards, less plastic, bird-friendly coffee and simply paying attention. Plus, she gives an update on how far the movement has come: over 110 coffee roasters and more than 4,000 producers now protect habitat worldwide. Watch the full episode for the complete story behind the movement.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p> </p>\n
<div class="iframe-portrait"><iframe loading="lazy" title="coffee-video-social" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gxpIYlGxbBI?si=H8kVlDWiggxzYqnx" width="488" height="867" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>\n
<p> </p>\n
<h3><strong>About Kirstin Hill</strong></h3>\n
<p>Kirstin Hill has spent more than 15 years in wildlife conservation, teaching people why wild animals and their habitats are worth protecting. Today she’s the Smithsonian Institution’s Bird Friendly Program Manager, leading an innovative effort to preserve habitat and protect songbirds. Through forest-friendly farming practices, Bird Friendly farms grow coffee and cocoa in ways that keep their surrounding ecosystems healthy.</p>\n
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"date" => "2025-07-01 13:28:59"
"excerpt" => "<p>Each spring, North America comes alive with a familiar and magical sound — the dawn chorus of songbirds returning home after journeys spanning thousands of miles. But behind that beauty lies a stark reality: nearly 3 billion birds have vanished since 1970. In this episode of Back From The Brink from Mutual of Omaha’s Wild […]</p>\n"
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<p>Whenever you take a bite into a crisp apple, say thanks to the bee who made your delicious snack possible. Apple trees are one of more than 1,000 food crops that depend on animal pollinators to reproduce. Because many plants rely on pollinators to produce a fruit or seed, we need pollinators to ensure a stable crop production and a fully stocked kitchen.</p>\n
<p>Discover which animals are pollinators, how pollinators help our food grow and how we can help protect these vital animals.</p>\n
<h2>What’s a pollinator?</h2>\n
<p>Pollination is a part of plant reproduction when pollen is moved from one part of a flower to another. Some plants self-pollinate or use wind or water to reproduce. But many need help from animals.</p>\n
<h3>How does pollination work?</h3>\n
<p>Let’s look at one of the most famous pollinators: <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/the-buzz-about-honey-bees">the honey bee</a>. Bees collect nectar from flowers and, in the process, they collect pollen on their hind legs. Honeybees often travel from flower to flower, so when they move on to the next flower, they’re inadvertently transferring the pollen from the first flower to the second. Because bees tend to focus on one plant species at a time, they’re great pollinators as they fly from one flower to the next. Once a flower receives pollen via a honeybee, the flower is then able to produce fruit or seeds.</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4253 size-large" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/634147_pollinator_1440x564-1024x401.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="401" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/634147_pollinator_1440x564-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/634147_pollinator_1440x564-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/634147_pollinator_1440x564-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/634147_pollinator_1440x564-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/634147_pollinator_1440x564-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/634147_pollinator_1440x564-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
<h3>When does pollination occur?</h3>\n
<p>With flowers in bloom, spring and summer may seem like the obvious time for pollination to occur, but pollination is a year-round process. Early blooms in spring provide food for pollinators, with peak pollination in summer. And later fall blooms help pollinators gear up for winter hibernation in decaying plants.</p>\n
<h3>Unusual pollinators</h3>\n
<p>Many different animals are pollinators, including bees, butterflies, flies and hummingbirds. More than 100,000 invertebrates and 1,000 amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles are pollinators. Some animals you may not realize are pollinators include:</p>\n
<ul>\n
<li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/experiencing-bat-conservation"><strong>Bats</strong></a>’ long snouts and tongues help them collect nectar in many flowering fruits.</li>\n
<li><strong>Beetles </strong>are one of the oldest pollinators in the world and enjoy magnolias and spicebush.</li>\n
<li><strong>Honey possums </strong>are tiny marsupials in Australia that feed on the nectar of eucalyptus and banksia.</li>\n
<li><strong>Lemurs </strong>in Madagascar inadvertently pollinate when they’re eating tree flowers. The pollen gets stuck on their muzzles and fur and then is transferred when they head to another flower.</li>\n
<li><strong>Moths</strong> visit night-blooming flowers, such as yucca and gardenia.</li>\n
<li><strong>Reptiles </strong>can be pollinators too! When geckos and lizards drink nectar from flowering trees, pollen sticks on their scales in the process. As they go from tree to tree, they spread the pollen around.</li>\n
</ul>\n
<h2><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4252 size-large" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/634147_pollinator_1440x564-3-1024x401.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="401" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/634147_pollinator_1440x564-3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/634147_pollinator_1440x564-3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/634147_pollinator_1440x564-3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/634147_pollinator_1440x564-3-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/634147_pollinator_1440x564-3-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/634147_pollinator_1440x564-3-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></h2>\n
<h2>Why do we need pollinators?</h2>\n
<p>Pollinators are essential to plant reproduction and therefore production of seeds, fruits and vegetables. One in every three bites of food you eat, or 35% of all the world’s food crops, are possible because of pollination.</p>\n
<p>Some crops that rely on pollinators include almonds, avocados, blueberries, cacao, coffee, eggplants, limes, tomatoes and vanilla.</p>\n
<p>Healthy habitats are vital to keeping these pollinators happy and healthy. Their role in the ecosystem goes beyond the animal kingdom. Pollinators are in decline worldwide because of threats, such as disease, habitat loss and pesticide poisoning.</p>\n
<h3>How you can help pollinators</h3>\n
<p>You can help pollinators thrive by taking steps in your own backyard.</p>\n
<ol>\n
<li><strong>Plant native plants</strong>. Discover which plants are native to your area and are great for pollinators with this free <a href="https://www.pollinator.org/guides" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ecoregional planting guide</a>. Plus, get tips on how to create a <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/building-a-wildlife-garden">garden for wildlife</a>.</li>\n
<li><strong>Include a diversity of plants in your yard</strong>. Choose plant varieties of different heights, sizes and growing seasons to ensure there are plenty of opportunities for a year-round pollination cycle. As an added bonus, this will ensure you’ll always have something blooming!</li>\n
<li><strong>Limit pesticides</strong>. Planting native plants will help attract beneficial insects and will reduce your need to spray pest control.</li>\n
<li><strong>Build a bat box</strong>. Bats are great pollinators, but they need homes too! If your area doesn’t have mature trees, these boxes can provide the home bats need. <a href="https://www.nwf.org/Native-Plant-Habitats/Plant-Native/Habitat-Essentials/Build-a-Bat-House" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn how to build a bat box</a>.</li>\n
</ol>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4251 size-large" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/634147_pollinator_1440x564-2-1024x401.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="401" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/634147_pollinator_1440x564-2-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/634147_pollinator_1440x564-2-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/634147_pollinator_1440x564-2-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/634147_pollinator_1440x564-2-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/634147_pollinator_1440x564-2-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/06/634147_pollinator_1440x564-2-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
<p>Just as pollinators help humans have a healthy supply of food, we can help them by creating spaces for them to thrive.</p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/the-buzz-about-honey-bees">Check out the benefits of bees</a>. Plus, learn about <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/why-we-must-protect-monarch-migration">monarch butterflies and their incredible migration journey</a>.</p>\n
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"excerpt" => "<p>Whenever you take a bite into a crisp apple, say thanks to the bee who made your delicious snack possible. Apple trees are one of more than 1,000 food crops that depend on animal pollinators to reproduce. Because many plants rely on pollinators to produce a fruit or seed, we need pollinators to ensure a […]</p>\n"
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<p><span data-contrast="auto">It can be hard to observe wild animals. They like to hide and are always on the move. But thanks to drones and hidden cameras, wildlife conservationists are learning more than ever before. Get a glimpse on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">From drones to hidden cameras, cutting-edge technology is transforming wildlife conservation. In the Cascades, Peter and Dr. Rae make a snowy trek to remote camera traps aiding wolverine research. In Australia, they learn how drones are being used to monitor koalas, helping conservationists protect these vulnerable animals from devastating wildfires. The journey concludes in California, where Peter teams up with a drone expert to capture breathtaking aerial footage of gray whales near the Channel Islands.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Watch <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/eyes-on-the-wild/9000457426" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Eyes on the Wild” on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a>. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">See more of these animals by tuning in to “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/following-the-whale-trail"><span data-contrast="none">Following the Whale Trail</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">,” “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/trailing-wolverines"><span data-contrast="none">Trailing Wolverines</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">” and “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/rescue-down-under"><span data-contrast="none">Rescue Down Under</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
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<p><small><em>By: Stephanie Westmoreland, South Carolina Aquarium</em></small></p>\n
<p> </p>\n
<p>The days are getting longer, the air is getting hotter and plans for beach trips are ramping up. Summer’s just around the corner, so take a walk along a South Carolina beach with us. Learn how to make your next trip to South Carolina or any beach remarkable, while being respectful to local wildlife!</p>\n
<h2>How to share the beach with wildlife</h2>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3164" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/dune-resized-1024x508.jpg" alt="Sand dunes near a beach. There is tall, sparse grass and weeds growing on the dune, and behind the dune is bright blue sky." width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/dune-resized-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/dune-resized-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/dune-resized-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/dune-resized-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/dune-resized-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/dune-resized.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
<h3>Sand dunes home to many animals</h3>\n
<p>Your adventure to the beach begins with a walk through the sand dunes. These small hills are often covered in sea oats or sweetgrass, welcoming you with a gentle wave in the ocean breeze. While you may not notice wildlife among the sand dunes, amazing creatures lie within, waiting to make their debut! Sand dunes are the chosen nesting spot for some shorebirds, such as least terns and American oystercatchers, as well as the <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/sea-turtle-stranding-brings-organizations-together-for-rescue">endangered loggerhead sea turtle</a> — South Carolina’s state reptile.</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3165" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/loggerhead-resized-1024x508.jpg" alt="A loggerhead sea turtle hatchling is making its way towards the ocean. It's walking on wet sand and the ocean shoreline is near it." width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/loggerhead-resized-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/loggerhead-resized-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/loggerhead-resized-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/loggerhead-resized-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/loggerhead-resized-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/loggerhead-resized.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
<p>Here are ways to safely travel through the dunes.</p>\n
<ul>\n
<li><strong>Stay on walking paths!</strong> Although sand dunes may look like a fun spot to run and roll for kids, human traffic can destroy nests or interrupt natural nesting behaviors. Conservationists who <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/sea-creatures-of-the-florida-coast-clip">protect endangered sea turtle nests</a> will mark them with orange diamond-shaped signs, but there may be more animal nests within that you don’t see.</li>\n
<li><strong>Obey beach rules regarding dogs</strong> and keep a close eye on your furry friends! Dogs are known to sneak to the dunes and snack on bird eggs, so make sure they’re enjoying the day by your side.</li>\n
</ul>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3166" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/pelican-resized-1024x508.jpg" alt="A brown pelican flying above. The sky is bright blue around it." width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/pelican-resized-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/pelican-resized-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/pelican-resized-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/pelican-resized-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/pelican-resized-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/pelican-resized.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
<h3>A shore way to spend your day</h3>\n
<p><strong> </strong>Past the sand dunes lies the open shore, a perfect location for play, relaxation and bird watching! As you enjoy the sun and breathe in the salty air, glance up to spot some of the state’s avian residents, such as seagulls and brown pelicans. Watch the waves roll in and enjoy the moves of various sandpipers as they skitter to pluck coquina clams from the sand! If you’re lucky, you may even spot more wading birds such as egrets or herons. Upon the sand, you’ll find unique seashells and pieces of coral washed up from days past.</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3167" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/shark-tooth-resized-1024x508.jpg" alt="A shark tooth and other pieces of shells and coral in the sand on a beach. The shark tooth is black." width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/shark-tooth-resized-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/shark-tooth-resized-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/shark-tooth-resized-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/shark-tooth-resized-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/shark-tooth-resized-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/shark-tooth-resized.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
<p>Have an easy breezy day with these important reminders.</p>\n
<ul>\n
<li><strong>Pack reef friendly sunscreen.</strong> Protect your skin while protecting wildlife! Many sunscreens contain chemicals that are known to harm coral reefs. Plan ahead and purchase reef friendly sunscreen. These don’t contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which contribute to coral bleaching.</li>\n
<li><strong>Keep an eye on your belongings! </strong>Whether you’re eating snacks, playing with beach toys, reading a magazine or using sunscreen, ensure nothing gets blown away by the ocean breeze and becomes debris. <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/from-trash-to-art-saving-oceans-through-sculpture">These efforts help plastic stay out of habitats</a> (and their wild residents).</li>\n
</ul>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3171" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/jelly-resized-1024x508.jpg" alt="A cannonball jellyfish washed in the sand. It's silver looking with spots of brown." width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/jelly-resized-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/jelly-resized-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/jelly-resized-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/jelly-resized-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/jelly-resized-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/jelly-resized.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
<h2>Make your way to the surf</h2>\n
<h3>Spot species in the swash</h3>\n
<p>Did you know that bit of water that runs down the sand and back into the ocean after a wave is called swash? As you walk the waterline, focus on the sand below to spot treasures such as shark teeth, fossilized vertebrae, bivalves, mermaid’s purses and more. Look out for the locals that rule this habitat, too. <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/the-forest-beneath-the-sea-clip">Sea stars</a>, sand dollars, fiddler crabs, cannonball jellies, whelk egg casings and more reside in this dynamic space, so watch your step as you search for your swash “gold!”</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3168" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/sea-star-resized-1024x508.jpg" alt="A sea star washed up on a beach. It only has 4 limbs as is still pink-red, indicating that it is still alive." width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/sea-star-resized-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/sea-star-resized-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/sea-star-resized-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/sea-star-resized-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/sea-star-resized-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/sea-star-resized.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
<p>Check out these tips to search the swash.</p>\n
<ul>\n
<li><strong>Gently scoop up any stray sea stars</strong> located beyond the tide line and bring them back to the water to lend a helping hand.</li>\n
<li><strong>Leave sand dollars at the beach.</strong> Don’t take or touch any sand dollars that are brown or tan — these are still alive!</li>\n
<li><strong>Watch out for jellies</strong> that may have washed in with the swash; they can cause a painful sting if you encounter them.</li>\n
</ul>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3170" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/ocean-resized-1024x508.jpg" alt="The shoreline of the ocean. You can see a little sand, some soft rolling waves, and the horizon is bright blue." width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/ocean-resized-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/ocean-resized-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/ocean-resized-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/ocean-resized-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/ocean-resized-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/ocean-resized.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
<h3>Make your day a splash hit</h3>\n
<p>Once you’ve reached the water, another ecosystem awaits! Many surfers and kiteboarders take advantage of breezy days at the beach, while tourists and locals alike often spend hours floating in the waves … sometimes spotting our <em>other</em> locals. It’s not unusual to see pods of bottlenose dolphins swimming and feeding parallel to the shore!</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3169" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/bottleneck-dolphin-resized-1024x508.jpg" alt="The fin of one bottlenose dolphin and the nose of another, breaching the ocean water." width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/bottleneck-dolphin-resized-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/bottleneck-dolphin-resized-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/bottleneck-dolphin-resized-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/bottleneck-dolphin-resized-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/bottleneck-dolphin-resized-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/bottleneck-dolphin-resized.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
<p>Enjoy a safe swim with these guidelines.</p>\n
<ul>\n
<li><strong>Practice the “stingray shuffle!”</strong> Instead of picking up your feet for each step in the surf, make smaller shuffling motions to move about the water. This keeps nearby stingrays safe from accidental steps (and keeps you safe from accidental stings).</li>\n
<li><strong>Be aware of sea turtles</strong> <strong>if you’re fishing</strong> for a local catch to cook later! If you reel in a sea turtle, leave at least two feet of line attached to the hook and call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, or a local wildlife agency, who can determine what further care is needed.</li>\n
<li><strong>Practice safe wildlife watching!</strong> Federal regulations require boats and spectators to stay at least 50 yards away from dolphins and other marine mammals. Dolphins in this region practice a behavior called “strand feeding,” where they herd fish to the shoreline to make catching prey a breeze! If you’re lucky enough to witness this behavior, keep your distance and don’t disturb.</li>\n
</ul>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3172" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/loggerhead-nest-resized-1024x508.jpg" alt="A sign noting there is a loggerhead sea turtle nest in the area. The nest is in some sand, and is blocked off by four wood posts and some rope." width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/loggerhead-nest-resized-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/loggerhead-nest-resized-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/loggerhead-nest-resized-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/loggerhead-nest-resized-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/loggerhead-nest-resized-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2024/05/loggerhead-nest-resized.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
<h2>Leave no trace at the beach</h2>\n
<p>When your beach adventure ends, remember you’ve just visited the home of thousands of creatures; leave it wild, but keep it clean. Take a few minutes to gather all your belongings and keep these additional tips in mind to be a true friend to wildlife. <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-be-an-ecotourist">Learn more about how to be an ecotourist</a> from co-host Peter Gros.</p>\n
<ul>\n
<li><strong>Fill in any holes</strong> so nesting sea turtles have a clear pathway to the dunes to lay their eggs!</li>\n
<li><strong>Lights out!</strong> If you’re staying overnight along the beach, turn off all exterior lights at sundown and only use a red flashlight for nighttime beach strolls. Sea turtle hatchlings can mistake white lights for the moon, making their already arduous journey to the water much more difficult.</li>\n
</ul>\n
<p>The Carolina coast is calling, and now you’re ready to answer! Respecting local habitats is vital to sustaining dozens of species, and it’s easy to be a friend to the extraordinary animals you see in this state. For an up-close look at these amazing creatures (and so many more), visit the <a href="https://scaquarium.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South Carolina Aquarium</a>, home to thousands of animals native to South Carolina’s diverse regions. Within the walls of the aquarium, accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, opportunities for hands-on interactions and animal encounters await!</p>\n
<p>Enjoy your visit, knowing that your extra care to respect beach habitats ensures future generations can enjoy the thrill of South Carolina’s water, wildlife and wild places.</p>\n
<p> </p>\n
<p>Learn more about sea turtles and more marine life by watching “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/sea-creatures-of-the-florida-coast-clip">Sea Creatures of the Florida Coast</a>” on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild.</p>\n
<p>Plus, <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/what-is-a-saltmarsh">discover another South Carolina environment, the saltmarsh</a>.</p>\n
"""
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"excerpt" => "<p>By: Stephanie Westmoreland, South Carolina Aquarium The days are getting longer, the air is getting hotter and plans for beach trips are ramping up. Summer’s just around the corner, so take a walk along a South Carolina beach with us. Learn how to make your next trip to South Carolina or any beach remarkable, […]</p>\n"
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<p><em>Red pandas are one of the world’s most recognizable animals, and one of the most vulnerable, with as few as 2,500 left in the wild. Protecting them takes a collaborative effort, from habitat protection to the day-to-day care happening in accredited zoos. At Lincoln Children’s Zoo, that care starts by building trust through positive reinforcement training, which lets the animal care team monitor each red panda’s health without added stress. </em></p>\n
<ul>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Red pandas are endangered, with the wild population down 50% over the last two decades.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>\n
</ul>\n
<ul>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">At Lincoln Children’s Zoo, positive reinforcement training lets red pandas voluntarily participate in their own care. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>\n
</ul>\n
<ul>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Red pandas choose to take part in exams, ultrasounds and X-rays with no restraint or anesthesia.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">The trust the care team built with red pandas made wellness checks possible during a rare triplet pregnancy in 2024.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>\n
</ul>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Red pandas may be one of the world’s most recognizable animals, but they’re also one of the most vulnerable.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/07/645511_WK_Media_RedPanda3-scaled.jpg" /></h2>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Red panda characteristics </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></h2>\n
<p>Understanding what makes red pandas unique is the first step in protecting them.</p>\n
<ul>\n
<li>Native to the Eastern Himalayas and southwestern China, red panda populations continue to decline due to habitat loss, forest fragmentation and human activity.</li>\n
<li>Over the last two decades, the red panda population has declined by 50% — as few as 2,500 may remain in the wild.</li>\n
<li>Despite their name, red pandas aren’t closely related to giant pandas. They were described by scientists 50 years before the giant panda, making them the “original panda.”</li>\n
<li>Red pandas are also the only living member of their own unique family: <em>Ailuridae</em>.</li>\n
</ul>\n
<h2>Building trust between red pandas, zookeepers</h2>\n
<p>Protecting this endangered species requires a collaborative conservation effort. This includes habitat protection, field research, community partnerships and carefully managed populations in accredited zoos. That conservation work begins by building trust.</p>\n
<p><strong> </strong>At Lincoln Children’s Zoo, animal care extends far beyond providing enriching habitats and balanced diets. A vital part of animal care used by the animal care team is positive reinforcement training.</p>\n
<h3>How does positive reinforcement training work?</h3>\n
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/07/645511_WK_Media_RedPanda5-scaled.jpg" /></p>\n
<p>Positive reinforcement training allows animals to participate in their own healthcare. When a red panda does something the animal care team asks of it, it earns a reward, such as a favorite treat. Over time, these small, positive moments build trust between the animal and the care team. This trust makes low-stress care possible.</p>\n
<p>Red pandas are never restrained or sedated for healthcare checkups. They choose if they want to participate. This gives the red pandas choice and control throughout every session.</p>\n
<h4>Trained behavior examples</h4>\n
<p>Some examples of these trained behaviors are:</p>\n
<ul>\n
<li>Offering a paw to a zookeeper</li>\n
<li>Laying down in a specific location so the veterinary team can administer a shot or perform a blood draw</li>\n
</ul>\n
<p>This training helps ensure the zoo provides veterinary care to the red pandas that would otherwise be difficult or stressful.</p>\n
<h2>Meet Tian and Rowan</h2>\n
<p>Lincoln Children’s Zoo is home to two red pandas: female Tian and male Rowan. Both are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Red Panda Species Survival Plan (SSP), which manages the red panda population across accredited zoos to maintain genetic diversity and support the long-term conservation of the species.</p>\n
<p>For red pandas participating in the SSP, monitoring reproductive health is essential. Veterinary staff needs to perform ultrasounds to help make informed decisions on the panda’s health.</p>\n
<p>Thanks to years of positive reinforcement training, Tian and Rowan voluntarily participate in ultrasounds and medical exams, with little to no stress and no anesthesia. This helps the veterinary team monitor their health closely while keeping the panda’s welfare top of mind.</p>\n
<h3>How a simple station makes exams possible</h3>\n
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/07/645511_WK_Media_RedPanda4-scaled.jpg" /></p>\n
<p>To make these examinations work, both Tian and Rowan are trained to approach a designated station. It has an elevated spot where they place their front paws, encouraging them to stand in a position that allows the veterinary staff to perform ultrasounds, X-rays and basic physical exams.</p>\n
<p>And as a reward, Tian and Rowan receive their favorite treat, apples, and specially formulated leaf-eater biscuits.</p>\n
<p>The red pandas can leave the station whenever they want. This freedom lowers stress, deepens their bond with the care team and lets staff catch health issues earlier.</p>\n
<h3>How trust made a triplet birth a success</h3>\n
<p>In 2024, Tian gave birth to triplets — a rare event that would test everything the care team had built.</p>\n
<p>Raising triplet red pandas is uncommon, and the first few months are critical. Because Tian trusted her care team, zookeepers could conduct regular wellness checks on each cub, including weight measurements and physical exams to ensure they were growing and developing as they should.</p>\n
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/07/645511_WK_Media_RedPanda6-scaled.jpg" /></p>\n
<p>The red panda triplets became one of only three sets of triplets known to ever thrive in human care. Their birth represented 25% of all red panda births in AZA-accredited organizations in 2024, making them an incredibly important contribution to the Species Survival Plan.</p>\n
<p>In 2025, each cub moved to another AZA-accredited zoo based on an Species Survival Plan breeding recommendation. Their genetics are valuable for the future of red pandas in human care. Moves like this help maintain a healthy, genetically diverse population for future generations.</p>\n
<h2>How you can help red pandas</h2>\n
<p>Every healthy cub strengthens the future for red pandas, but conservation reaches far beyond zoos. Red pandas are an umbrella species. When you protect them, you help protect one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems and everything living in it.</p>\n
<p>Around the world, conservation organizations work to restore habitat, reduce human-wildlife conflict, educate local communities and combat illegal wildlife trade. Accredited zoos support this work through field conservation, educating millions of guests each year and maintaining healthy populations through the Species Survival Plan.</p>\n
<p>Lincoln Children’s Zoo is also a member of the Red Panda AZA SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction), a program that gathers the collective expertise from AZA-accredited institutions around the world to work together and help save animals from extinction.</p>\n
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/07/645511_WK_Media_RedPanda7-scaled.jpg" /></p>\n
<p>You can help red pandas too by:</p>\n
<ul>\n
<li>Supporting AZA-accredited zoos that invest in conservation, education and animal welfare</li>\n
<li>Considering supporting organizations working to protect red panda habitats in Asia</li>\n
<li>Choosing products that help reduce deforestation</li>\n
<li>Spreading the word! Help share the story of this remarkable species with others</li>\n
</ul>\n
<p>Behind every ultrasound, every healthy cub and every successful breeding recommendation are years of hard work that builds trust. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, its impact extends far beyond the zoo’s gates. By combining exceptional animal care with conservation, Lincoln Children’s Zoo is helping to ensure a future for one of the world’s most remarkable endangered species.</p>\n
<h2>Explore more red panda stories</h2>\n
<p>Learn more about red pandas through Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom’s videos and articles.</p>\n
<ul>\n
<li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/panda-monium">Panda-Monium! episode of Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a></li>\n
<li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/interactive/how-well-do-you-know-pandas">How Well Do You Know Pandas? quiz</a></li>\n
</ul>\n
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"date" => "2026-07-24 15:17:03"
"excerpt" => "<p>Red pandas are one of the world’s most recognizable animals, and one of the most vulnerable, with as few as 2,500 left in the wild. Protecting them takes a collaborative effort, from habitat protection to the day-to-day care happening in accredited zoos. At Lincoln Children’s Zoo, that care starts by building trust through positive reinforcement training, which lets […]</p>\n"
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<p><em><small>Article and cover image by the International Elephant Foundation</small></em></p>\n
<p>As humans, we tend to see ourselves reflected in our world. So, it’s only natural that we anthropomorphize living things around us, helping us form emotional connections. These connections encourage us to protect what we love.</p>\n
<p>But are these similarities real or are they simply us projecting our own characteristics onto animals? For example, when it comes to elephants, how similar are our family structures? When we see a baby elephant amongst a herd of adults, does it know its grandparents? The short answer … kind of!</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2452" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephant-herd-1024x508.jpg" alt="elephant herd" width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephant-herd-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephant-herd-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephant-herd-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephant-herd-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephant-herd-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephant-herd.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><em><small>Image courtesy of Richard Moller and Tsavo Trust</small></em></p>\n
<h2>What is anthropomorphizing?</h2>\n
<p>Anthropomorphizing is seeing human traits in animals. For example, it’s assuming an animal is displaying emotions, such as happiness, sadness, anger or guilt. Since we cannot ask the animal what it’s feeling or why it acts a certain way, we interpret their behavior and feelings in the only way we know how — through the lens of our own feelings and experiences.</p>\n
<p>Attributing human traits to animals has its pitfalls. It can negatively impact their care and management when these assumptions lead us to misinterpret their actions and not provide the appropriate care the animal really needs. It’s important to recognize when we’re anthropomorphizing and its context and know it’s all we have until, like Dr. Doolittle, we can talk to the animals.</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2454" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephant-1024x508.jpg" alt="elephant" width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephant-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephant-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephant-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephant-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephant-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephant.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><em><small>Image courtesy of Tsavo Trust</small></em></p>\n
<h2>Life of an elephant</h2>\n
<p>Elephants live in matriarchal herds, where the females hold authority. All three species of elephants from the African savannah elephant to the African forest elephant to the Asian elephant, live in family units led by an older and dominant female elephant called a matriarch. The matriarch is responsible for overseeing the protection of the group and guiding their travels in search of food and water.</p>\n
<p>African savanna elephants typically live in groups of five to eight related adult females and their offspring, but there are times when these family groups come together and form herds in the hundreds. Forest elephants and Asian elephants also live in related familial matriarchal groups, but the sizes of the families are smaller due to their forested habitat. Most female elephants will stay with the family group they were born into, but those groups of sisters, aunts and cousins will eventually splinter off into subgroups when the family becomes too large.</p>\n
<p>Female elephants form close bonds with each other and spend much of their time rearing calves. The close family structure is a benefit to raising calves as it allows young adolescent females to practice mothering skills while babysitting younger siblings and cousins. A nursing grandmother will often show more interest and care in her nursing daughter’s calf than to the other calves in the family group, which can create a stronger bond between the two.</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2453" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephant-baby-and-adult-1024x508.jpg" alt="elephant baby and adult" width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephant-baby-and-adult-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephant-baby-and-adult-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephant-baby-and-adult-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephant-baby-and-adult-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephant-baby-and-adult-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephant-baby-and-adult.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><em><small>Image courtesy of Elephant Connection and IEF</small></em></p>\n
<h3>Do elephants recognize their grandparents?</h3>\n
<p>So, do elephants young and old recognize their grandmothers? The answer is yes. Young calves, both male and female, recognize their grandmother as a member of the family group. They see her as a protector when they are young. Female calves see her as a leader when they become older. But it’s unlikely they understand the concept that a specific elephant is the mother of their mother. They recognize that a certain older female is very important in their life and the glue that holds the family together.</p>\n
<p>But what about grandfathers? For the first few years of their lives, male calves live with their mothers, aunts and grandmothers in the herd. Like their sisters, they will nurse from their mothers, grow and learn from their herd and spend much of their time playing.</p>\n
<p>As they grow older and become adolescents, their play becomes very rough as they are beginning to reach sexual maturity. Playtime behaviors by male calves turn into sparring practice for when they reach adulthood and need to fight other males for the opportunity to breed. This rough and tumble play, as well as attempting to practice breeding with the young female calves, is not tolerated by the adult females and the young male preteen or teenager is forced to leave the family group. That might sound heartless, but these boys are ready to be out on their own and quickly join groups of males of various ages.</p>\n
<p>For the next 20 years or so of their lives, these males travel over large areas eating, sparring, gaining size and strength and their tusks grow thick and strong. Even though bulls hang out together in loose associations with other bulls, they do not have a cohesive herd structure like females. They come and go as they please in their search of mates, food and water. The older adult males in these groups are dominant and act as friends, teachers and disciplinarians.</p>\n
<p>Meanwhile, when elephants do reproduce, a female elephant spends 660 days (almost two years) pregnant. The father of the calf is not allowed to stay with the female family group and may be a hundred miles away by the time the calf is born. Therefore, elephant calves — both male and female — don’t know their fathers and, by extension, their grandfathers.</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2455" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephants-1024x508.jpg" alt="elephants" width="1024" height="508" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephants-1024x508.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephants-300x149.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephants-150x74.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephants-768x381.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephants-1536x761.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2023/09/elephants.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><em><small>Image courtesy of Tsavo Trust</small></em></p>\n
<h3>Job of an elephant grandparent</h3>\n
<p>Grandmothers play an important role in a young elephant’s life by being a caregiver, teacher and ensuring its survival. Though grandfathers are not involved in the lives of their offspring, they play an equally important role. They pass on the traits that will enhance a grandchild’s survival to become parents themselves and hopefully, grandparents too.</p>\n
<p>As much as we see ourselves in the animals with whom we share this world, each species is unique and interesting in its own way, and preserving elephants helps to protect many of those species with whom we cannot as easily connect. The more we know and learn about elephants, the more we will be inspired to preserve them for future generations when our grandchildren’s grandchildren will be inspired all over again.</p>\n
<p>Learn more about elephants by visiting the <a href="http://www.elephantconservation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Elephant Foundation website</a>, or connecting with them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/InternationalElephantFoundation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elephantsief/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>.</p>\n
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"excerpt" => "<p>Article and cover image by the International Elephant Foundation As humans, we tend to see ourselves reflected in our world. So, it’s only natural that we anthropomorphize living things around us, helping us form emotional connections. These connections encourage us to protect what we love. But are these similarities real or are they simply us […]</p>\n"
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<p>It’s no surprise that a major weather event such as a hurricane disrupts everyone’s life, including wildlife. Thankfully, most animals have instincts that tell them when to move to higher ground, swim deeper into the ocean or take cover. We spoke with experts from the <a href="https://floridawildlifefederation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida Wildlife Federation</a> to learn how hurricanes impact certain species and what we can do if we find a displaced animal.</p>\n
<h2>Hurricanes and Wildlife</h2>\n
<p>Native plants and animals adapted over time to survive and recover from major weather events such as hurricanes and other strong storms. Wildlife typically has an instinct that tells when something is coming. When an animal senses this, it can find dense cover, fly out of harm’s way or swim deeper to avoid storm surge. Often, animals can sense changes in air pressure and the environment before humans are able to.</p>\n
<p>Continue reading to learn how various species, including some featured in Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, respond to storms.</p>\n
<h3>Sea Turtles and Manatees</h3>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1058 size-large" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/sea-turtle-swimming-deep-1024x609.jpg" alt="florida sea turtle swimming" width="1024" height="609" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/sea-turtle-swimming-deep-1024x609.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/sea-turtle-swimming-deep-150x89.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/sea-turtle-swimming-deep-300x178.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/sea-turtle-swimming-deep-768x457.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/sea-turtle-swimming-deep.jpg 1480w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
<p><small><i>Image courtesy of Bryant Turffs</i></small></p>\n
<p>According to Meredith Budd, Regional Policy Director at the Florida Wildlife Federation, sea turtles have a unique challenge for hurricane season — it aligns with their nesting season. Because of this, they’ve evolved over time and can prepare for hurricanes while protecting their hatchlings.</p>\n
<p>Sea turtles nest on both coasts of Florida. Each season, they build multiple nests to increase the likelihood of the hatchlings’ survival. The nest itself is designed to accommodate a typical storm and has good drainage.</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1059" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/sea-turtle-hatchlings-1024x609.jpg" alt="sea turtle hatchlings on florida beach" width="1024" height="609" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/sea-turtle-hatchlings-1024x609.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/sea-turtle-hatchlings-150x89.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/sea-turtle-hatchlings-300x178.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/sea-turtle-hatchlings-768x457.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/sea-turtle-hatchlings.jpg 1480w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
<p><small><i>Image courtesy of Rayna O’Nan</i></small></p>\n
<p>As an off-shore Florida resident, manatees have a lot of experience with tropical storms. Manatees spend much of their time in mangrove-lined channels which provides them natural protection against storms. Studies suggest that manatees tend to ride out storms by hunkering down in sheltered areas.</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1057" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/florida-manatee-1024x609.jpg" alt="florida manatee" width="1024" height="609" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/florida-manatee-1024x609.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/florida-manatee-150x89.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/florida-manatee-300x178.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/florida-manatee-768x457.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/florida-manatee.jpg 1480w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
<p><small><i>Image courtesy of Bryant Turffs</i></small></p>\n
<p>But manatees are naturally curious creatures, which can sometimes get them into trouble. They’ve been known to make risky moves during or after storms and can find themselves either caught in a surge or in an area during a reverse storm surge. This can sweep them away to unfamiliar locations or even leave them stranded when waters recede. In these cases, it’s important to keep your distance and immediately report any animal strandings to your local wildlife agency.</p>\n
<h3>Sharks</h3>\n
<p>Sharks also know how to prepare for storms and often sense a storm weeks before it arrives . While shark species exhibit varying behavioral responses to major storms, many utilize underwater evacuation, meaning they head into deeper waters to avoid strong currents and storm surges. No need to worry about a Sharknado moment here!</p>\n
<h3>Birds</h3>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1060" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/florida-white-ibis-1024x609.jpg" alt="florida white ibis" width="1024" height="609" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/florida-white-ibis-1024x609.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/florida-white-ibis-150x89.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/florida-white-ibis-300x178.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/florida-white-ibis-768x457.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/florida-white-ibis.jpg 1480w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
<p>Birds are especially sensitive to barometric changes in the atmosphere. One such bird is the white ibis. These birds are one of the last wildlife species to leave and take shelter before a storm arrives and the first to come back as they can sense when it’s safe to return.</p>\n
<h3>Florida Panthers</h3>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1062" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/florida-panther-hiding-1024x609.jpg" alt="florida panther hiding behind a tree" width="1024" height="609" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/florida-panther-hiding-1024x609.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/florida-panther-hiding-150x89.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/florida-panther-hiding-300x178.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/florida-panther-hiding-768x457.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/florida-panther-hiding.jpg 1480w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
<p>Florida panthers (also known as cougars) must adapt to storms to survive. These big cats can sense changes in the weather and know to find adequate shelter. Florida panthers use dense vegetation for their dens and relocate to find protection when vegetation is compromised. It’s important to note that panthers are illusive creatures that keep their distance from humans. If you happen to see one out after a storm and it doesn’t appear to be injured, do not worry. It’s just finding its way back into dense vegetation and will be safely covered again soon.</p>\n
<h3>Reptiles and Amphibians</h3>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1065" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/pinewoods-treefrog-TasmanRosenfeld-1024x609.jpg" alt="florida pinewoods treefrog" width="1024" height="609" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/pinewoods-treefrog-TasmanRosenfeld-1024x609.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/pinewoods-treefrog-TasmanRosenfeld-150x89.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/pinewoods-treefrog-TasmanRosenfeld-300x178.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/pinewoods-treefrog-TasmanRosenfeld-768x457.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/pinewoods-treefrog-TasmanRosenfeld.jpg 1480w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><br />\n
<small><i>Image courtesy of Tasman Rosenfeld</i></small></p>\n
<p>Tasman Rosenfeld, outreach coordinator at the Florida Wildlife Federation, and reptiles and amphibians guru, shared research around the movement and impact of storms on reptiles and amphibians in Florida, especially around the Everglades. The movement of amphibians and reptiles after storms is well understood. Like many animals, amphibians and reptiles are often flooded out of their habitats. However, experts have noticed some correlation in patterns of reptile and amphibian movements before major storms but are still exploring the correlation.</p>\n
<p>Heavy rainfall (in moderation) can be beneficial for amphibians because it fills the temporary wetlands where they breed. Temporary wetlands are important for amphibian reproduction because they generally lack predators like large fish that would eat amphibian eggs and larvae. But the amount of rainfall and surge from a hurricane can be harmful to them. Excessive rainfall from major storms like Hurricane Ian cause those wetlands to become connected to larger bodies of water that may include additional predators.</p>\n
<p>Like other Florida animals, amphibians are largely an indicator species. These animals are sensitive to salt. As saltwater surges onto the mainland, the amphibian’s thin skin quickly absorbs salt which can lead to harm or death for the animals.</p>\n
<h2>Human’s Impact on Wildlife and Hurricanes</h2>\n
<p>Though animals have adapted over time, humans still may impact the way animals experience storms. As civilizations grow closer to wild areas, the availability of dense coverage or accessible water channels for wildlife may decrease. Changing climates have increased the severity and frequency of these storms as well as the length of the wet season. Because of this, species are evolving to cope. But as we change the environment around us, it’s important to do what we can to coexist with wildlife. For example, leaving areas of dense vegetation will help a panther take cover. If you live near areas that might flood, try creating a small pond in your backyard for native amphibians to have a refuge during salty storms like a hurricane.</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1072" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/backyard-pond-1024x609.jpg" alt="backyard pond" width="1024" height="609" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/backyard-pond-1024x609.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/backyard-pond-150x89.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/backyard-pond-300x178.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/backyard-pond-768x457.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2022/10/backyard-pond.jpg 1480w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>\n
<h2>How to Help Wildlife During and After Hurricanes</h2>\n
<p>Whether it’s a hurricane, large storm or bad weather in general, there are simple ways you can help wildlife. If driving before, during and after a storm, be sure to take your time. Wildlife may be evacuating or returning to their habitat. Keep an eye out for animals crossing the road, especially smaller ones such as frogs and salamanders. If you’re driving at night, take it slow and be vigilant.</p>\n
<p>If you see a young animal by itself, call your local fish and wildlife department. It may not be displaced but waiting for its parents to return from finding food. If you come upon any injured wildlife, den or nests, call your local animal hospital to see if it’s safe to take wildlife to the nearest shelter. The Florida wildlife alert number is 888-404-3922.</p>\n
<p> </p>\n
<p>For more on how animals use intuition to protect themselves from storms, check out <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/media-center/article/how-wildlife-responds-to-storms">How Wildlife Responds to Storms</a> from Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Host Peter Gros.</p>\n
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"excerpt" => "<p>It’s no surprise that a major weather event such as a hurricane disrupts everyone’s life, including wildlife. Thankfully, most animals have instincts that tell them when to move to higher ground, swim deeper into the ocean or take cover. We spoke with experts from the Florida Wildlife Federation to learn how hurricanes impact certain species […]</p>\n"
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<p>By 1967, the American alligator — a reptile whose lineage predates the dinosaurs — had been hunted, skinned and pushed to the edge of extinction. Twenty years later it was thriving again, making a full recovery under the Endangered Species Act.</p>\n
<p>In this episode, Dr. Rae sits down with Coyote Peterson, wildlife educator and creator of Brave Wilderness, whose alligator content alone has racked up over 100 million views. Together they explain why these “ecosystem engineers” are critical to the health of southeastern wetlands. And they dig into the modern threats that still put the species at risk, from invasive Burmese pythons to human habituation. It’s a story about how fast a species can come back, and how easily that progress can be undone.</p>\n
<h3><strong>Explore alligator stories</strong></h3>\n
<p>Learn more about alligators through these Wild Kingdom videos and articles.</p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-alligators-beat-the-endangered-species-list">How Alligators Beat the Endangered Species List</a></p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/american-alligators">American Alligators</a></p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/graduation-day-for-a-gator">Graduation Day for a Gator</a></p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/reptile-rescue">Reptile Rescue</a></p>\n
<h3><strong>Why Feeding an Alligator Is the Worst Thing You Can Do</strong></h3>\n
<div class="iframe-video"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Why Feeding an Alligator Is the Worst Thing You Can Do" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7aC_ru54fmo" width="1263" height="710" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span></iframe></div>\n
<p>An alligator on a golf course isn’t lurking — it’s living where humans built on top of its habitat. In this episodette, Coyote Peterson and Dr. Rae unpack why feeding or habituating alligators turns them into the most dangerous version of themselves, why a viral golf-course encounter almost went very wrong and how a little “exposure therapy” — visiting alligators at conservation-focused facilities — can replace fear with respect. Watch the full episode for the complete story of the American alligator’s comeback.</p>\n
<p> </p>\n
<div class="iframe-portrait"><iframe loading="lazy" title="alligator-video-social" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SxMul0QOA24" width="488" height="867" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>\n
<h4><strong>About Coyote Peterson</strong></h4>\n
<p>Coyote Peterson is an Emmy Award-winning host and creator of YouTube’s “Brave Wilderness,” where his videos have drawn over 6 billion views worldwide. A lifelong animal lover, he studied video production, writing and film editing at Ohio State University before combining both passions. For over a decade, he’s worked alongside conservationists to protect the planet’s most misunderstood creatures — including a partnership that reintroduced 25 critically endangered black rhinos in South Africa.</p>\n
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<p><i><span data-contrast="auto">Expert insights from: Nicki Boyd, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance general curator and Jennifer Moll, lead wildlife care specialist, San Diego Zoo</span></i><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-5076 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images6-scaled.jpg" alt="Koala peering through eucalyptus leaves while resting among tree branches." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images6-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images6-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images6-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images6-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images6-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images6-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images6-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
<p style="text-align: right;"><em>Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</em></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">San Diego Zoo is home to the largest koala colony in the United States, and one of the largest outside of Australia. These iconic Australian marsupials thrive here because San Diego’s climate mirrors their homeland. That lets the zoo grow fresh eucalyptus onsite, so its koalas always have a buffet of their favorite food. Through the newly established Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) Koala program, San Diego is leading U.S. conservation efforts to help ensure these threatened animals will thrive for years to come.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Key takeaways</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<ul>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">The San Diego Zoo is home to 21 koalas, the largest colony in the U.S. and the largest outside Australia and China.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">San Diego’s Australia-like climate lets the zoo grow eucalyptus onsite, something most zoos can’t do.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">The zoo leads the AZA’s new SAFE Koala program and funds conservation work in Australia to protect koalas in the wild.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Koalas are listed as vulnerable and face growing threats from habitat loss, wildfires, invasive pests and disease.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
</ul>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Koala quick facts</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<ul>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Common name: Koala</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Scientific name: </span><i><span data-contrast="auto">Phascolarctos cinereus</span></i><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Animal group: Mammal</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Mammal type: Marsupial</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Habitat: Eastern Australia eucalyptus forest</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Lifespan: 10 to 15 years in the wild</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Diet: 1 to 1.5 pounds of eucalyptus leaves each day</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Size: 2 to 3 feet tall, 9 to 29 pounds</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Sleep: 18 to 22 hours each day to help conserve energy</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Social life: Solitary</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Behavior: Active at night, spends most of day eating and sleeping</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Young: Newborn </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/small-survivors"><span data-contrast="none">joeys</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> live in mother’s pouch and with her until they’re around a year old</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Conservation status: Threatened; koala’s biggest threats are loss of habitat, vehicle strikes, dog attacks, bushfires and disease</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
</ul>\n
<div id="attachment_5074" style="width: 2570px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5074" class="wp-image-5074 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images4-scaled.jpg" alt="Koala climbing a eucalyptus tree trunk surrounded by green foliage." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images4-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images4-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images4-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images4-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images4-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images4-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images4-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p id="caption-attachment-5074" class="wp-caption-text">Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</p></div>\n
<h2>How big is the San Diego Zoo’s koala colony?</h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Twenty-one koalas live in the San Diego Zoo. The zoo’s koala colony is the largest in the U.S. and the largest outside of Australia and China.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">What do koalas eat?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Koalas eat around 1 to 1.5 pounds of eucalyptus leaves each day and they’re choosy about it! San Diego Zoo offers its koalas around 20 pounds of eucalyptus daily across several species so they can pick their favorite variety. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Eucalyptus leaves don’t provide many calories, but koalas make up for this by spending most of their day sleeping. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<div class="iframe-video"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Koala Diet Video" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fGgEuANxPas" width="1263" height="710" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span></iframe></div>\n
<p style="text-align: right;"><em>Video courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</em></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Why is eucalyptus so hard to provide?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Eucalyptus is difficult to provide because it’s naturally toxic. Most animals can’t eat it at all! Koalas are uniquely adapted to tolerate the toxins, but only in certain species of eucalyptus. Toxin levels can change seasonally and be high enough that koalas will avoid a species they’d usually eat. Of the several hundred types of eucalyptus in Australia, koalas only eat around 80.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“Koalas will actually smell their eucalyptus before they eat it and they can tell, ‘Oh, this is safe for me to eat,’ or ‘No I should not,’” said Jennifer Moll, San Diego Zoo lead wildlife care specialist.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Why is San Diego Zoo uniquely suited to raise koalas?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">San Diego Zoo is a great place to raise koalas because its climate mirrors Australia, which means, unlike most zoos, it can grow the koalas’ food in its backyard. While many zoos have to ship eucalyptus in, San Diego grows 35 varieties in a 10-acre farm nearby, so its koalas always have fresh, safe leaves to choose from.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">That Australian-like climate doesn’t just feed the koalas, it makes San Diego feel like a part of Australia.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“When I went to Australia the first time, I felt like I was in San Diego,” said Nicki Boyd, San Diego Zoo general curator. “But the black birds flying around aren’t ravens or crows, they’re black cockatoos!”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Where do the koalas live in the zoo?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">At the San Diego Zoo, the koalas live in a Queenslander-style “house” in the Australian Outback habitat. The koalas sit in tree branches about 12 feet high to simulate living up in the trees. Zoo staff use a pulley system so they can place fresh browse (eucalyptus leaves) in a canister and reel it up to reach the koalas up in the trees. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“The Queenslander house starts with people walking on a pathway that’s supposed to mimic being on your back patio or balcony and overlooking koalas as if you were out in Australia,” Moll said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<div id="attachment_5075" style="width: 2570px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5075" class="wp-image-5075 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images5-scaled.jpg" alt="Adult koala and joey perched together in the branches of a eucalyptus tree." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images5-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images5-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images5-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images5-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images5-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images5-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images5-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p id="caption-attachment-5075" class="wp-caption-text">Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</p></div>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">How has koala care changed over time?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Today, the koalas live outside 24/7, but this wasn’t always the case at the zoo.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">In the 1970s and 1980s, zoos were told to keep koalas indoors most of the time. A few males were rotated outside during the day, but the females rarely went out, and every koala came back inside at night. There was some sunlight, but not enough UV. Over time, the koalas began developing metabolic bone disease. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“We were still keeping the koalas and caring for them the same way we had been taught a couple of decades previously and didn’t realize Australia had changed their ways and found better alternatives,” Moll said. “It made us realize we need to reopen our conversations with the people we know in Australia.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">When the new space was created in 2013, the zoo made sure all koalas lived outside 24 hours a day to combat this disease.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“It’s definitely made a great improvement on their quality of life and quality of their health,” Moll said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">How do koalas choose a mate?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Female koalas at the San Diego Zoo choose their mate. The zoo has a “dating chart” or stud book that keeps track of which koalas can breed with one another to help ensure genetic diversity and a healthy population. Then, the zoo offers her first choice, but the koala may say “no thank you,” so they move down the dating chart to the next koala.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">As far as which koala makes the perfect match? Moll has a theory.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“We’re starting to believe that female koalas are listening for the sound the male makes and also the scent he leaves behind — kind of his cologne!” Moll said. The female koala, she explains, essentially decides, “Oh yeah, that one smells good and I like the way he sounds. I’m going to go check him out.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Keeping genetic diversity strong is about more than the koalas in San Diego. The zoo shares what it learns with other accredited zoos — and partners in Australia — so healthy koalas here help support the future of the species everywhere.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">What’s the SAFE Koala program?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The Koala SAFE program, Saving Animals From Extinction, is run through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which brings together the expertise of accredited zoos to help save koalas. Formed in June 2026 and led by the San Diego Zoo, it’s one of dozens of SAFE programs working to protect threatened species around the world. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Koalas are what conservationists call an umbrella species: Protect them, and you protect everything living under their canopy too.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“Koalas will be the umbrella species that can save the echidna, the wombat, the forest which would house cockatoos and many species,” Boyd said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Working alongside other accredited zoos, San Diego shares its research and expertise, so </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/eyes-on-the-wild"><span data-contrast="none">conservation wins reach koalas in the wild</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> — not just those in human care.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“We want people to see how cool and unique they are and drive empathy to help that conservation,” Boyd said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“We’re learning so much … we can use that knowledge and apply different strategies and send it to our colleagues in Australia,” Boyd said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Are koalas endangered?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Often described as endangered, koalas are officially listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) — a category within its broader “threatened” classification. In their home country, the Australian government has gone further, listing koalas as endangered across Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. The bottom line: Koalas need our help.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<div id="attachment_5077" style="width: 2570px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5077" class="wp-image-5077 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images7-scaled.jpg" alt="Koala sitting on a branch amid dense green shrubs and native vegetation." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images7-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images7-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images7-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images7-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images7-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images7-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images7-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p id="caption-attachment-5077" class="wp-caption-text">Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</p></div>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">What are the biggest threats to koalas?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Koalas face several threats — habitat loss, climate change and wildfires, invasive pests and disease.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The single biggest threat is the loss of the eucalyptus forest koalas depend on. Because koalas rely almost entirely on eucalyptus for both food and shelter, anything that shrinks those forests puts them at risk. And as land is cleared for development and agriculture, koalas lose the habitat they can’t live without.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Wildfires are destroying even more of what remains. As the climate warms, </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-wildfires-affect-urban-areas-the-ecosystem-and-wildlife"><span data-contrast="none">fire seasons grow more intense</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> and eucalyptus is dangerously combustible. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“If you’ve ever seen a eucalyptus tree burn, it’s like a candlestick. The sap is very combustible. I do worry about the future for their habitats,” Boyd said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The forests face a subtler danger, too. An invasive beetle that eats eucalyptus is damaging the trees in both Australia and San Diego, though Boyd is hopeful nature will find a way to keep it in check.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“Usually there’ll be a predator that balances out the cycle for invasive pests,” Boyd said. “Hopefully, they’ll be some sort of parasitic wasp or dragonfly that decides that they’re the best thing ever.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Beyond their shrinking habitat, koalas also face disease, though it’s one researchers are actively fighting. Koala retrovirus, or KoRV, affects koalas in both human care and in the wild. Different strains can predispose them to other medical concerns like cancers. But there’s real progress. Australian conservationists are developing a vaccine, work San Diego Zoo hopes to support through the SAFE program. At a recent koala conference, researchers showed evidence that vaccinated koalas were doing far better than those left unvaccinated.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">How does the San Diego Zoo help koalas in the wild?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The San Diego Zoo helps wild koalas by funding and supporting conservation work in Australia, following the lead of the </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-aussies-are-saving-koalas"><span data-contrast="none">researchers and organizations</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> who know the animals and their habitats best.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The zoo was an early supporter of the Greater Blue Mountains Koala Program and its Australian partners credit that first decade of funding with getting the research off the ground.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">San Diego’s support extends to putting its researchers in the field. On St. Bees Island off the Queensland coast, a nearly untouched koala population gave scientists a rare chance to study the animals without human interference.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“There were only three houses on that island … so we got to watch [the koalas] without it being interrupted by the people living there, without people building and destroying the habitat,” Moll said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">In Tandora, Queensland, the work turned to a bigger question: how to bring koalas back to places they’ve disappeared from. Researchers worked with a local farmer who once had koalas on his property and wanted them back.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“It was a study on what does it take to repopulate an area with koalas again,” Moll said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">And when Australia’s devastating bushfires swept through koala habitat in 2020, the San Diego Zoo’s first instinct wasn’t to rush in. It was to ask how it could help those already on the ground.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“What we realized — they didn’t need us. That’s Australia. That’s where koalas are from … so it was more about how can we support them,” Moll said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">It’s a philosophy that runs through all the zoo’s work abroad. The koala’s best hope lies in Australia and San Diego’s role is to help </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/rescue-down-under"><span data-contrast="none">the people already fighting for them</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<div class="iframe-video"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Koala General Video" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IQkuQZh6b90" width="1263" height="710" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span></iframe></div>\n
<p style="text-align: right;"><em>Video courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</em></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Koala fun facts</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Koalas are full of surprises, and some of the most fascinating are right at their fingertips (and toes).</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><b><span data-contrast="auto">They have two thumbs</span></b><span data-contrast="auto">. Each front paw has five digits arranged as two thumbs and three fingers, giving koalas an exceptional grip for climbing and pulling eucalyptus close.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“They’re not opposable thumbs like ours are, but they help for grabbing that eucalyptus and bringing it down to them,” Moll said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><b><span data-contrast="auto">They have a built-in comb.</span></b><span data-contrast="auto"> On each back foot, two toes are fused together to form a “grooming claw” the koala uses to clean its fur.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“We call that their grooming claw because it always seems to have lots of hair stuck in it — that’s the one they’re using to help clean themselves,” Moll said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><b><span data-contrast="auto">They’re built to climb</span></b><span data-contrast="auto">. One toe on each back foot has no nail at all. Koalas use their powerful hind legs to push themselves up tree trunks.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<div id="attachment_5078" style="width: 2570px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5078" class="wp-image-5078 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images8-scaled.jpg" alt="Koala resting on a eucalyptus branch against a bright blue sky." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images8-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images8-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images8-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images8-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images8-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images8-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images8-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p id="caption-attachment-5078" class="wp-caption-text">Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</p></div>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">How can you help save koalas?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">You don’t have to be a scientist in Australia to help koalas. The simplest way to help is to support the organizations already working to protect koalas and their forests.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<ul>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Adopt a koala. Through San Diego Zoo’s </span><a href="https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/adopt/koala"><span data-contrast="none">symbolic adoption program</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, you can help care for koalas and support conservation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Visit the koalas. Seeing them in person in the Australian Outback area in San Diego, or at other AZA-accredited zoos, is one of the best ways to connect with the species.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Support Australian groups directly. Organizations on the ground in Australia, such as the </span><a href="https://www.scienceforwildlife.org/donate"><span data-contrast="none">Greater Blue Mountains Koala Program</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> are leading the fight to save wild koalas.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
</ul>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Every bit of support helps ensure that koalas, and the forests they depend on, are still here for generations to come.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Frequently asked questions about koalas</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Are koalas bears?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">No. Despite the nickname “koala bear,” koalas are marsupials — mammals that carry their young in a pouch — not bears.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">How long do koalas live?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Koalas typically live 10 to 15 years. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">What do koalas eat?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Koalas almost exclusively eat eucalyptus. They eat about 1 to 1.5 pounds of eucalyptus a day, and they’re very selective about which ones they’ll munch on.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">How much do koalas sleep?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Koalas sleep around 18 to 22 hours a day. Eucalyptus provides little energy, so koalas conserve it by sleeping most of the day.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<div id="attachment_5073" style="width: 2570px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5073" class="wp-image-5073 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images3-scaled.jpg" alt="Sleeping koala curled into the fork of a eucalyptus tree high above the ground." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images3-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images3-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images3-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p id="caption-attachment-5073" class="wp-caption-text">Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</p></div>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">How many koalas are at the San Diego Zoo?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The zoo is home to 21 koalas — the largest koala colony in the United States, and the largest outside Australia and China.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Why are koalas endangered?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Koalas are disappearing mainly because they’re losing the eucalyptus forests they rely on for food and shelter. Land clearing, wildfires, invasive pests and disease are all shrinking that habitat, leaving fewer safe places for koalas to live.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Do koalas really have two thumbs?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Yes, each paw has five digits arranged as two thumbs and three fingers, giving koalas a strong grip for climbing and holding eucalyptus.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Can you see the koalas?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Yes! You can visit the San Diego Zoo’s Australian Outback section to see their koala colony.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><em><strong>All photos courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.</strong></em></p>\n
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"excerpt" => "<p>Expert insights from: Nicki Boyd, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance general curator and Jennifer Moll, lead wildlife care specialist, San Diego Zoo Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance San Diego Zoo is home to the largest koala colony in the United States, and one of the largest outside of Australia. These iconic Australian […]</p>\n"
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<p><span data-contrast="auto">Dr. Rae and Peter explore the secrets behind keeping animals healthy and thriving under human care with the help of a good diet. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">In San Diego, California, and Queensland, Australia, they roll up their sleeves to gather bamboo for giant pandas and eucalyptus for koalas to give the animals vital nutrition they need. In New Mexico, Peter and Dr. Rae assist with the recovery of the Mexican gray wolf by delivering zoo-formulated food that mimics eating habits they’ll experience when released back to the wild. The journey ends in Mexico, where rescued spider monkeys receive a second chance at life.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Watch <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/feeding-time/9000457434" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Feeding Time!” on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a>. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">For an in-depth look at these species, watch “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/saving-the-sierra-bighorn"><span data-contrast="none">Panda-Monimum!</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">,” “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/rescue-down-under"><span data-contrast="none">Rescue Down Under</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">,” “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/leader-of-the-pack"><span data-contrast="none">Leader of the Pack</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">” and “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/second-chance-spider-monkeys"><span data-contrast="none">Second Chance Spider Monkeys</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
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<p><strong>Television’s No. 1 weekend wildlife show returns Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, on NBC. In Season 4, Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant travel from Costa Rica to Alaska to Australia, meeting the people protecting jaguars, grizzly bears, koalas, orcas and more.</strong></p>\n
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_2-scaled.jpg" /></p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/protecting-the-wild">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a>, television’s No. 1 weekend wildlife show, returns for its fourth season on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, on NBC. <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/meet-our-hosts">Co-hosted</a> by wildlife expert Peter Gros and wildlife ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, the new season airs as part of NBC’s “The More You Know” educational and informational programming block.</p>\n
<p>Join Peter and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant on unforgettable journeys in search of remarkable stories of wildlife protection.</p>\n
<p>This season, the co-hosts encounter jaguars, grizzly bears, koalas, tapirs, spider monkeys, sea otters and orcas and meet the conservationists, wildlife veterinarians and local communities working to protect them. Dr. Rae and Peter travel from the rainforests of Costa Rica and the wilderness of Alaska to the beaches of Queensland, Australia, the tropical forests of Puerto Rico, and remarkable landscapes across California and Utah, all in the name of wildlife conservation.</p>\n
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_4-scaled.jpg" /></p>\n
<p>One of the season’s highlights takes viewers to Alaska, where Peter is joined by NBC meteorologist and “Earth Odyssey” Host Dylan Dreyer to explore one of North America’s last great wildernesses. Together, they kayak through iceberg-covered seas, coming face-to-face with sea otters and sea lions, among other adventures.</p>\n
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_5-scaled.jpg" /></p>\n
<p>Combining breathtaking adventure, remarkable animal encounters, and inspiring human stories, Season 4 continues the Wild Kingdom tradition of bringing families together through discovery and exploration.</p>\n
<p>“For generations, Wild Kingdom has inspired families to discover the wonder of the natural world together,” said Jennifer Wulf, vice president, brand marketing for Mutual of Omaha. “It’s the kind of show families can feel good about watching and one that sparks curiosity, conversation and a sense of adventure long after the episode ends.”</p>\n
<p>“Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild continues to reflect our mission of educating, informing and captivating viewers,” said Bryan Curb, president of Hearst Media Production Group. “The series has proven that audiences are looking for programming that not only entertains but also inspires and creates meaningful shared viewing experiences.”</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5057" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1005" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-1024x402.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-1536x603.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-2048x804.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
<p>Since its 2023 debut, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild has become one of the leading wildlife series for family viewing across broadcast and cable, averaging more than one million weekly viewers during the 2025-2026 television season, according to Nielsen. The series has <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/awards-and-recognition">earned widespread recognition</a>, including five Daytime Emmy® nominations, 57 Telly Awards, the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation’s Gracie Award for co-host Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, and some of television’s leading sustainability honors — including BAFTA’s Albert certification and the Environmental Media Association’s Green Seal.</p>\n
<p>As one of television’s most beloved wildlife franchises, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild delivers programming that appeals to viewers across generations. Just as families gathered around the TV for the original Wild Kingdom, today’s families can continue that tradition on NBC, coming together to learn, explore and be inspired through breathtaking wildlife encounters and uplifting conservation stories. In addition to airing on NBC’s “The More You Know” programming block, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild is available on Telemundo, Peacock and NBC.com.</p>\n
<h2>Frequently asked questions</h2>\n
<h3>When does Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Season 4 premiere?</h3>\n
<p>Season 4 premieres on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, on NBC’s “The More You Know” block.</p>\n
<h3>Who hosts Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild?</h3>\n
<p>Wildlife expert Peter Gros and wildlife ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant host Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild.</p>\n
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_3-scaled.jpg" /></p>\n
<h3>Where can I watch Protecting the Wild?</h3>\n
<p>Watch new episodes on NBC, <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nbc.com</a> and <a href="https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/8131888204325022112" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peacock</a>. Episodes will be available to stream after they air.</p>\n
<h3>What animals are featured in Season 4?</h3>\n
<p>Jaguars, grizzly bears, koalas, tapirs, spider monkeys, sea otters and orcas are just some of the animals featured in Season 4.</p>\n
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"excerpt" => "<p>Television’s No. 1 weekend wildlife show returns Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, on NBC. In Season 4, Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant travel from Costa Rica to Alaska to Australia, meeting the people protecting jaguars, grizzly bears, koalas, orcas and more. Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, television’s No. 1 weekend wildlife show, […]</p>\n"
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<p>With their keen sense of smell, ability to learn tasks and friendly demeanor, dogs have been helping people with jobs for centuries. Some roles you may be familiar with are police dogs, service dogs and therapy dogs. But did you know dogs have also been trained to help with wildlife conservation?</p>\n
<p>Learn about the fascinating ways dogs have assisted with conservation from Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Co-Host Peter Gros.</p>\n
<h2>Dogs on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom</h2>\n
<h3><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-4354 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article1-scaled.jpg" alt="Peter Gros in snow with a dog." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article1-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article1-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article1-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article1-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article1-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article1-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></h3>\n
<h3>‘On the Arctic Ice Pack’</h3>\n
<p>Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom was most known for introducing viewers to exotic animals and places. But it also had a few canine appearances, like Lil, the black Labrador retriever.</p>\n
<p>In the Season 26 episode, “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/classic-episodes/on-the-arctic-ice-pack">On the Arctic Ice Pack</a>,” Peter joined Host Jim Fowler in Barrow, Alaska, to observe research on ringed seals and polar bears. The researchers there trained Lil to find ringed seals, which have a distinct musky smell that a dog could pick up on better than a human.</p>\n
<p>“We rode around the ice flows on our snowmobiles, towing a sled that had a warm dog kennel and a down vest made for a dog,” Peter said. “As soon as we would stop, Lil would stand up and sniff the air and then take off running because she could smell the ringed seals. So, we would then chase her across the ice on snowmobiles.”</p>\n
<p>Lil was trained to sniff out the seals and then get back into her kennel, because if seals were found, polar bears (seals’ predators) would be close by. Using a dog greatly helped the researchers find seals and polar bears who blended in with the snow.</p>\n
<p>“Lil was this great dog that spent six days with us traveling around in the snowmobile,” Peter said. “I bonded with her. She would run up to me in the snow and roll over and get pets. Without Lil the ‘wonder dog,’ they wouldn’t have been able to find the ring seals and eventually the polar bears.”</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-4355 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article2-scaled.jpg" alt="Pulled quote that says the following "Without Lil, the 'wonder dog,' they wouldn't have been able to find the ring seals and eventually the polar bears." by Peter Gros, Co-Host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article2-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article2-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article2-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article2-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article2-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article2-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
<h3>‘Trailing the Midnight Sun’</h3>\n
<p>Earlier on the classic series, Host Marlin Perkins encountered working dogs. Season 3, Episode 2, “Trailing the Midnight Sun,” featured sled dogs near the Arctic Circle. Marlin saw how Inuit have raised sled dogs to transport them during a hunt for seals, whales and caribou.</p>\n
<p>“The sled dog had to be very intelligent to take voice commands to lead others out with their whaling boats,” Peter said.</p>\n
<h3>How a dog rediscovered an extinct species</h3>\n
<p>Though most dogs on Wild Kingdom were trained professionals with jobs, one featured dog unexpectedly became a conservation hero.</p>\n
<p>In 1981, Shep was a family dog who lived on a ranch in Wyoming. One day, Shep came to his family’s back door with an animal hide in his mouth. His owner didn’t recognize the animal and took the hide to a local expert who discovered it was a <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/return-of-the-black-footed-ferret">black-footed ferret</a> — an extinct species. Experts searched the family’s ranch and found black-footed ferrets living with prairie dogs.</p>\n
<p>Shep’s story is told on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Season 1, Episode 21, “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/conservation-comeback-clip">Conservation Comeback</a>.” In the years since Shep’s discovery, conservationists have taken action, setting up breeding facilities to help gradually reintroduce black-footed ferrets to the wild. And Shep’s family set aside thousands of acres of their ranch just for prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets.</p>\n
<p>“If it weren’t for good ol’ Shep who brought this hide back to the ranch owners, they would’ve never known to go look for black-footed ferrets to rediscover them,” Peter said.</p>\n
<h2>Leave the jobs to the professional dogs</h2>\n
<p>Though Shep was a family pet, dogs with wildlife jobs are highly trained, professional working animals. So, don’t train Fido to sniff out wild animals.</p>\n
<p>Experts look for dogs with traits like high intelligence, great strength and the ability to handle extreme climates. Some breeds include pointers, Labrador retrievers, German shepherds and Anatolian sheep dogs.</p>\n
<p>The dogs are then trained to go from point A to point B, where they get a reward. This teaches them that when they find whatever they were trained to seek, they’ll get something in return.</p>\n
<p>“It’s fun for the dog,” Peter said. “The dog aims to please and they love to do this. They’ll do this all day long if they could. But they’ll do it for a few hours and then give the dog a break, give it some water and cool it down and then maybe go out again.”</p>\n
<p>Though many dogs may share similar training to learn commands, such as “leave it,” or “sit,” most dogs’ main jobs are to simply be a pet, like Gracie the French bulldog is to Peter.</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-4356 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article3-scaled.jpg" alt="Peter Gros with several pictures of his dog Gracie." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article3-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article3-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2025/08/640825_WK_MediaCtrDog_Article3-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
<p>“They’re great companions,” Peter said. “I like to start young people with them. It’s a great way to teach responsibility early on.”</p>\n
<p>Learn about another pup who helps with wildlife conservation, <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-a-dog-can-help-save-turtles">Newt, the turtle tracking dog</a>.</p>\n
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"excerpt" => "<p>With their keen sense of smell, ability to learn tasks and friendly demeanor, dogs have been helping people with jobs for centuries. Some roles you may be familiar with are police dogs, service dogs and therapy dogs. But did you know dogs have also been trained to help with wildlife conservation? Learn about the fascinating […]</p>\n"
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<p><span data-contrast="auto">Saving endangered species often requires bold action and daring rescues. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Peter joins a helicopter team in New Mexico to conduct a census of critically imperiled Mexican wolves. Then he helps biologists relocate a wild lynx to strengthen conservation in the Cascades. In California’s rugged Sierra Nevada, Peter and Dr. Rae work to protect endangered bighorn sheep. Their journey ends in Georgia, where biologists study a massive alligator to advance vital animal protection efforts.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Watch <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/captures-for-conservation/9000457432" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Captures for Conservation” on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a>. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Learn how </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/filming-bighorn-sheep-on-wild-kingdom"><span data-contrast="none">Wild Kingdom has filmed bighorn sheep</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> over the years, then watch “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/saving-the-sierra-bighorn"><span data-contrast="none">Saving the Sierra Bighorn</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Go up-close with lynx in “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/return-of-the-lynx"><span data-contrast="none">Return of the Lynx</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">,” see wolf pups in “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/leader-of-the-pack"><span data-contrast="none">Leader of the Pack</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">” and journey into the swamp in “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/graduation-day-for-a-gator"><span data-contrast="none">Graduation Day for a Gator</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
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