The Green Sea Turtle's Impossible Comeback

Peter Gros:
In the warm waters off the Florida coast, a green sea turtle propels herself through the ocean with her large paddle-like flippers. At 300 pounds and with a carapace that's almost four feet long, she's remarkably graceful. And today, she started an immense journey. She's leaving her feeding grounds to travel hundreds, maybe thousands of miles back to where she herself was hatched, where she'll mate and lay hundreds of eggs this season. It's a process that is filled with obstacles already, but for the past 60 years, nesting and survival into adulthood has been a minefield for the species. Decades of habitat loss, egg harvesting and overpoaching by humans has dealt a catastrophic blow to green sea turtle populations. By the 1970s, their global numbers had declined by up to 67%. But today, the picture is very different. This is the story of that extraordinary rebound and the international effort to make sure it happened.

Jeff Corwin:
When we lose a species, we lose a little piece of ourselves. We lose a piece of our humanity, our dignity. When we can learn from our mistakes and see this creature that has been here long before humankind has been, by tens of millions of years, and give it a chance to do it as it has done as a species, we are the better for it.

Peter Gros:
Today, we'll hear this remarkable story from Jeff Corwin.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
You likely know Jeff as the host of Emmy winning shows like Wildlife Nation and Ocean Treks. He's a wildlife biologist, a television presenter, an author and a passionate conservationist. Jeff has worked closely with sea turtles across the Americas and in the Caribbean. Welcome to Back From the Brink, from Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. I'm Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant.

Peter Gros:
And I'm Peter Gros, wildlife expert.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
And in each episode, we're looking at some of the most incredible comeback stories in nature and the people who made it happen.

Peter Gros:
Jeff Corwin has spent over 30 years working with sea turtles around the world. And that time, he's watched something amazing happen. A species that was critically endangered when he started his career is now thriving. But before we get to the compact, we need to understand more about this fascinating animal.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Welcome, Jeff Corwin. This is so exciting for me.

Jeff Corwin:
Thank you, Rae. I appreciate that.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Welcome to Back From the Brink.

Jeff Corwin:
Yeah.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
And we could talk about pretty much any species of animal with you, but I actually am very glad that you are going to talk to us about green sea turtles and the trajectory they've had over time.

Jeff Corwin:
Sure.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
And one of the reasons I'm so stoked is because just last December, I had my first experience with a green sea turtle. I was in Costa Rica with Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom protecting the wild. We were doing all kinds of stories, but we were also looking at the different species of sea turtles in that area. And so I got to actually see some up close for the first time, which was really excellent. So I want to know, why is this the species we're talking about? What is it about them that gets you so excited?

Jeff Corwin:
Well, I love sea turtles. And as a kid growing up in New England, we didn't see a lot of sea turtles.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Yeah, sure.

Jeff Corwin:
And when I was a little boy, my dad was a Boston police officer and he would drop me off at the New England Aquarium. And they were like, "Who's this little seven-year-old, eight-year-old kid here every weekend?" And I knew all the names of the creatures. And before you know it, I was helping them do assessments, health assessments on their only sea turtle, which is Myrtle the Turtle. And she's still there today.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Is she?

Jeff Corwin:
She's one of the oldest giant well-fed Ruben-esque sea turtles you'll ever see and she's thriving there at the New England Aquarium. But since then, I've had a chance to work with sea turtles all around the world, and I've worked with almost all the sea turtles.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Okay. For many people out there who are not like you and me and kind of in it with wildlife all the time, a sea turtle is a sea turtle is a sea turtle. So can you talk to me about what a green sea turtle looks like? Is it kind of like how a brown bear is actually brown, or is it more like how a blue whale is kind of blue but a little bit more gray and dark? What does this green sea turtle really look like?

Jeff Corwin:
Well, they don't look green at all.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Thank you.

Jeff Corwin:
So do you know why they're called green sea turtles?

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
I don't.

Jeff Corwin:
Because of their meat, because when you would eat the flesh, the muscle tissue and fat tissue is green because of all the foraging. They forge in a lot of alginous type material, and they're absorbing that chromatophore type. The pigments, they're absorbing that.

Peter Gros:
The fact that green sea turtles are named for the color of their meat explains why some of their population crashed. Over the course of Jeff's career, he's been a witness to the sea turtles journey and the many factors leading to the crash, and the comeback.

Jeff Corwin:
In my career, I've seen the arc of sea turtles. So I'm going on over 30 years in my career. And when I began my career, sea turtles were very critically endangered. And now, I can see sea turtles when I'm out fishing in the summer off Massachusetts. We have sea turtles.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
No, I didn't know it was that good.

Jeff Corwin:
Yes. So green turtles were critically endangered, loggerheads, critically endangered, leatherbacks, all the sea turtles were critically endangered. Some now are endangered, but loggerheads have drifted their way into threatened status. And green turtles are probably, many scientists would say, are no longer threatened. They're very abundant. And a lot of that came down to was eliminating the hunting of sea turtles because they were a food, and they still are a food, for many people around the world, including Costa Rica. And having this global mission to make people want to protect them, have them sort of be ambassador species that we can love, and then protecting and restoring habitat and protecting the oceans where they foraged is what allowed us to bring them back.
And if you were to go to Boca Raton, for example, 40 years ago, they had a dearth of sea turtles. Just a couple would come up and nest. But now, Boca Raton, Florida is probably the most important nesting site for sea turtles, especially loggerhead sea turtles. But green turtles have made an extraordinary recovery. So in the short term, in the midterm, sea turtles are doing incredibly well. The long term, we don't know because they're facing other challenges. But where I live in New England, because our waters have gotten so warm, and also because they are cleaner than they have been in a hundred years, Boston Harbor was the dirtiest modern urban waterway in the world.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
I believe that.

Jeff Corwin:
It's now the cleanest modern waterway.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Way to go, Boston.

Jeff Corwin:
It brought back the right whales, but it brought back turtles that now could migrate up because it doesn't get cold. But eventually, it does get cold and they get cold stunned. So we have a whole sea turtle hospital in New England now that back in the day would get five patients a year, and now they get thousands of patients a year. And the other challenge with sea turtles is because the sand is warmer, nests with many species, including green sea turtles, are hatching out about 90% female.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Oh, interesting because the temperature of... It's like kind of the incubation temperature helps determine the sex of the animal.

Jeff Corwin:
Hotter means girls and colder means guys. And then it's reversed with crocodilians.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Because why not?

Jeff Corwin:
Why not? Yeah.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Because that's just how nature is.

Jeff Corwin:
So I don't know how you fix that problem. So on the short term, they're trying to do things like regulate the nest temperature. But truly recovered species are when we can sort of step back and say, like wild turkeys, you're doing it on your own now, you're doing good, or coyotes or other species, American alligators, bald eagles, species that were once almost extinct, but now have recovered to the point where they are doing it on their own.

Peter Gros:
The Endangered Species Act gave the sea turtles legal protection, but law alone doesn't save a species. What happened in Costa Rica showed what protection actually looks like on the ground, and who has to be a part of it.

Jeff Corwin:
The animal plant, we'd go to a market and buy these sea turtles and release them and go out with this guy to buy sea turtles. And Costa Rica, their nesting green turtles and their loggerheads and their leatherbacks had largely crashed because people were both eating the turtles and eating the eggs.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Wow.

Jeff Corwin:
And once they protected those beaches, they now have so many sea turtles that they will say to the local population, "Please don't eat the sea turtles, but we have managed these nests so well, you can have some of the eggs. You get to have 20% of the eggs."

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
That really speaks to some great recovery because allowing people to use these natural resources in their traditional way is fair and also speaks to how resilient some of these species really can be if they have the right intervention.

Jeff Corwin:
Right. And with sea turtle eggs, there's a lot of cultural importance, especially in Latin America. They would just go and dig up all the eggs. They just didn't have a chance. And once those nests stabilized, they were like, "It's okay, we can share this resource because we're already beating the odds," because it already is a game of numbers for sea turtles. If you're lucky, one in 10,000...

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Survives.

Jeff Corwin:
... will come back as an adult.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Walk me through that life cycle from when it's born.

Jeff Corwin:
So when the sea turtle, when the mom, she comes out and she excavates that nest out to deposit her eggs during that season, she'll do multiple nests, and she'll do like a decoy nest to do kind of sloppy that kind of fool the animals.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Clever.

Jeff Corwin:
The idea is you do multiple nests so your entire clutch isn't lost. And then she's laying between 30 and 70 eggs, a little bigger than a ping pong ball. And then she goes back to sea. When she comes out to nest, she is nesting on the very beach where she was born...

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Amazing.

Jeff Corwin:
... where her life began. And she is the only time a sea turtle, for the most part, with few places like Hawaii will have this phenomenon of sea turtles that actually will sleep in the beach, most sea turtles become pelagic. A sea turtle born that hatches out on Florida may find its way, we've tracked them to the coast of Africa.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Oh my gosh.

Jeff Corwin:
Sea turtles from Africa have shown up feeding in the horn of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Incredible.

Jeff Corwin:
So they are incredibly adaptive of using the ocean's currents to go from A to B or go from the new world to the old world.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
And we can find them in all of the oceans, essentially, right?

Jeff Corwin:
We even have some sea turtles that go into the Arctic.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
What?

Jeff Corwin:
We think of sea turtles as being cold-blooded and not being warm-blooded, being endothermic, but they are the only turtle that is megathermic. Because they are so big, they are like their own... They're a closed loop energy system. So the nest is laid there and she will go back to sea. And only the females will come out. Males will spend their whole lives in the ocean.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
At sea. Isn't that something?

Jeff Corwin:
And when they hatch out, if they're lucky enough, if they're that one in 10,000 that survive the flood, that survive that high tide, that survive the coyotes or the raccoons, that survive the ghost crabs and all the fish that will eat them, then they'll come back 20 years later. It will take two decades for that mom to come to the beach, excavate that nest out and bring that next generation in. So that's kind of how the cycle works.

Peter Gros:
The recovery of the green sea turtle didn't happen by accident, it happened because people decided it would. But the threats that nearly wiped them out haven't disappeared, and some new ones have arrived.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
So green sea turtles were listed on the endangered species list. And that made a big difference, at least in the US and in North America, in their protection. And I think it also made a difference worldwide.

Jeff Corwin:
It did because they were protected internationally, the IUCN and other groups. There's still places where people eat green turtles and other sea turtles. The green turtle is the one that's actually eaten the most. People don't eat leatherbacks.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
And they're eating this green meat.

Jeff Corwin:
Yeah.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
I can't get over that.

Jeff Corwin:
But it's like that's what they say is I've been to places where I've seen it being cooked in the streets of Indonesia and other places, but that was the most hunted sea turtle. They would hunt them for their eggs. And sometimes, they would just literally get them all on board, cut them open, remove the eggs. And you can look at those old National Geographic photos, and you don't really see that anymore. But they still face future challenges. One is a warming world, and how do we combat that, and the other are plastics.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Okay, talk to me about plastics in the ocean.

Jeff Corwin:
Yeah. We dump 10 billion pounds of plastics every year into our oceans. And you can see that as blue as a beautiful bluebird morning in New England. I've been to the Trash Pacific Gyre and I've seen that where you see something that looks like an island that is hundreds of miles in size of this gyro of trash that has all come together. And there are places, beautiful Bali, for example, you go there and every day, because people have spent all this money to be a tourist in beautiful Bali, they have to come in with excavators and front end loaders every morning just to clean the trash off the beach. And that is a preventable thing. It is something we could mitigate. So that's the good news. If we decided we could eliminate almost all of the plastic trash that goes into our oceans, there's a way we could manage that. But it's been documented that one big landscape plastic bag, you know those plastic bags that's really tough, can kill five individual sea turtles before it's broken up enough into little pieces that it could pass through.
And I have been to so many sea turtle hospitals where that is it. So you have them eating plastics, and then off Florida boat strikes, big problem. And then they have diseases that may be the result of climate change, may be the result of pollution. It's a papilloma type virus where they get these tumors. And they'll often get them in and they'll remove the tumors and stuff. So they have challenges. But overall, I don't like to look at things as good news or success. I would say it's a promising story. It's a hopeful story. We are at a place of uncertainty and hope with green sea turtles and all the other sea turtles that we have out there. What I would argue, we are there where we have this out of sight, out of mind, "Oh, we fixed it."

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Sure.

Jeff Corwin:
We live in a world now where, whether you like it or not, in the last century, humankind has consumed 70 to 80% of all our planets' nature. We, whether we like it or not, have been given this responsibility to be our planets' stewards.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Yeah.

Jeff Corwin:
And that is something that will always require vigilancy.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
The way I'm interpreting what you're saying is that if you are committed to protecting sea turtles or wildlife, nature at all, it's not a single decision. So it's not just choosing a paper straw over a plastic straw. It's not the right thing to get your paper straw and then the next car you buy is a huge gas guzzler, it is a lifetime kind of readjustment and commitment to these better environmental practices. It is the way you vote. It is the community that you live in. It is bringing a-

Jeff Corwin:
The businesses you support.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
The businesses you support.

Jeff Corwin:
Commerce.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
It's bringing that reusable bag and eliminating single use plastics. It's talking to your friends and family who might not be politically activated to research their candidates. It's the way you travel. It is this commitment. And it's not too hard. That's not to say it's overwhelming and it's too hard. It actually can become-

Jeff Corwin:
Well, if it is too hard, you can't do it. It's not sustainable. So it has to be something that you can achieve reasonably in your life. It's like the 5% rule. It's 5% of everything in your life, to give, to take, to manage, time, talent, treasure. It's that 5%. If everyone did that, that makes a big difference.

Peter Gros:
Conservation classifications tell us where a species stands. They don't tell us how it got there. Jeff has been on the ground for three decades, and his stories say more than status reports ever could.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
I've always believed in these classifications that we have, endangered, critically endangered, vulnerable, threatened, least concerned, et cetera. I think it really helps us to triage conservation work. And at the same time, I think you've made this point, it doesn't necessarily point us to the future. So when we have an animal that is of least concern, they are abundant, maybe they've gone through a lot, but they've arrived at this place where they're doing pretty well, it doesn't actually secure them for a future of abundance. And so I appreciate people like you who have this articulation for, the work isn't done yet.

Jeff Corwin:
And what you have to remember is that creatures that are critically endangered today, or extinct, were once abundant.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Abundant. There you go.

Jeff Corwin:
Passenger pigeons were abundant. The heathen was very abundant. And that's what created conservation, when we wiped out wild turkey. So again, a sign of success, like where green turtles are today. If you went to New England a hundred years ago, there were no wild turkeys. They were eaten up. There were very few white-tailed deer. And now, these are very abundant species and very abundant resources. And there are places now where turkeys are now worth thriving, but then they're in trouble again because of bird flu and other things. So you're right, we're never really out of the woods where humankind envelops everything with such a completeness. We constantly have to be vigilant. But yes, we have gotten to a point where species like green sea turtles, which were on the brink of disappearing, have recovered swimmingly. And that is something I have experienced in my own life.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
You have been on TV speaking about the power of nature and wildlife conservation for decades, and you've changed so much, you've been hugely influential. Is there a particular sea turtle story that you'd like to share with me that just stands out, either from filming or something that happened off camera?

Jeff Corwin:
There have been so many sea turtle stories.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
I bet, I bet.

Jeff Corwin:
Some mishaps. So we had this sea turtle, this big ridly sea turtle, probably weighed about a hundred pounds and it had lost all four of its flippers.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Poor thing.

Jeff Corwin:
So we had drained its enclosure to clean it and I was going to go grab the turtle. And I was leaning, talking to my cameraman. I was leaning on the edge of this thing, it's about chest high, and the sea turtle, the water is gone. And it's about half the size of this room. And without any flippers, that sea turtle managed to come over and bite off the tip of my toe.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Oh my God.

Jeff Corwin:
And I wielded in pain.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
I shouldn't laugh, I shouldn't laugh.

Jeff Corwin:
And I was like, "Oh my gosh." And I turned around and there's blood everywhere and this sea turtle trying to eat my foot.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
I mean, I can't even imagine how it's moving towards you.

Jeff Corwin:
You know how you have one toe that's the longest? It was like whatever toe and it cut off the tip of it. And so I was like, "Man, you're one determined turtle." So that was one story. And then the other story was I was in Borneo and I'd waited all night for this nest to hatch out, we were going to film it hatch out. And lo and behold, it starts to happen and you see them coming out. And it was sunrise coming up and they're going in. It was so beautiful, we're filming it up. And then they're all gone. And then I look at the nest and there's this one straggler. And its flipper's, not deformed, but it's just not right, and it's just the straggler. And you just know it's probably not going to make it. And it was really very emotional for me just to watch this thing kind of trying to keep up with the other guys.
And that was emotional for me to see that.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Sure. Yeah.

Jeff Corwin:
And so that was one incredible moment, or dealing with these cold stunned sea turtles that have come to New England to eat the bounty of plenty in the oceans. And then winter does come, comes later, but it does come and they get cold [inaudible 00:23:57]. And all of these people, little old ladies coming up, and we found this sea turtle and it was dead. And we brought it back to the center and we had it there. And it was completely cold, it was as cold as the ice. It had no heartbeat, it wasn't breathing. And the scientist said, "I like to wait." But we went back the next day and it had a heartbeat. It was that determined. And we released that turtle back to the wild many months later. So that's the resiliency of nature.

Peter Gros:
The comeback is real, but ask Jeff Corwin why it matters and the answer has nothing to do with data.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
I, just months ago, again in Costa Rica, was waiting on this beach with my co-host and we were waiting for jaguars, waiting for jaguars. And lo and behold, a wave sweeps up and there's a green sea turtle, female obviously, coming onto the sand to lay eggs for her nest. I had been snorkeling with sea turtles before, and so I have seen them just be fast, just super fast in the water and agile and just amazing, hard to keep up with. And she comes in on this wave, riding the wave pretty fast, and then kind of splat on the sand. And then suddenly, I see this massive body just using both of her flippers. And to me, this is a bit of anthropomorphizing...

Jeff Corwin:
I know where you're going with this.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
... the animal, it seemed like she was exhausted. And I'm a mother myself, just mom to mom, I was thinking to myself, she's so tired and she's just trying to get from the shore into the brush where she can lay these eggs. And it just took her like 10 minutes to get somewhere where if she was swimming would've been seconds.

Jeff Corwin:
Right.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
And I just had this compassion and empathy for the sea turtle in that moment thinking to myself, what a labor of love because there are predators on this beach. There are humans on this beach. There are seagulls and all kinds of things to eat her babies or to bother her, and yet she has to make her way with her heavy body to lay the eggs and then make her way back.

Jeff Corwin:
Yeah.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
And I just felt like so much compassion for that experience and for the fact that sea turtles have been perpetuating their species for millennia in the same way, but with the extreme effort.

Jeff Corwin:
For hundreds of millions of years, that sea turtle, when she comes up, this is a creature that's designed to have buoyancy, where all the heaviness of being a 200 pound animal...

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Disappears in the water.

Jeff Corwin:
... disappears in the water.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Yeah.

Jeff Corwin:
But then it's like landing on a planet of all that gravity. It has to come out with that heavy gravity and fight with the sand and the bugs. And then she has to excavate a hole that takes some hours to create this pit that's three feet deep, and then give birth. Literally, you can hear them. They sigh and they heave. And then she has to go back to the sea. And she's coming to the very place where her mother brought her into... Dad, he's gone, but she does all that work, but then she is done. And they are on their own. It's a game of numbers. She doesn't need 70 to survive, she needs just one to survive. And that one to survive maybe two or three times in her entire life when you think about it.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Right, right.

Jeff Corwin:
That's how it works.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
It's really difficult, I think, to be in the presence of a sea turtle and not feel impacted by it somehow. And now that we have so many more sea turtles because conservation has been working, the public has gotten on board, policies have been put in place, we can keep this species, or all of these species alive and around forever.

Jeff Corwin:
It's the reward of investing our time and our energy and our resources to bring this species back because when we lose a species, we lose a little piece of ourselves.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Yeah.

Jeff Corwin:
We lose a piece of our humanity, our dignity. We have allowed under our watch to lose something that we've been charged to protect as a steward. When we can learn from our mistakes and see this creature that has been here long before humankind has been, by tens of millions of years, and give it a chance to do it as it has done as a species, we are the better for it. So yeah, it's pretty incredible to see that. And sea turtles are a big part of us.
And the other thing that I have come to learn, I think back in the old days, science, and I think it just made it easier to harvest things, we took away emotion from them, complexity. We took away any idea of thinking, and we just say they're hardwired to be. It's all driven by instinct. Well, we now know that especially turtles are far more complex behaviorally. There's stories of sea turtles that have had bonds to people. I have been with sea turtles that I'm like, this creature has taken a shining to me. And I'm not being anthropomorphic. The more you study them, the more we don't know what's going on inside of them.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Sure. That is such a perfect way to end because it offers us so much interest in what happens next. There's so much more to discover and to know about them, thus, we can't wait to see how good it can get with sea turtles around the world.

Jeff Corwin:
Yeah. In a world where there's not a lot of good news, this is a good news story. It's also a gateway animal. It's a creature that can be a part of your life in a meaningful way, that can be your gateway to developing a connection and a relationship with our natural world.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
Jeff Corwin, I have to thank you for coming onto Back From the Brink and talking to us about how sea turtles have come back from the brink and how we are responsible for their future moving forward.

Jeff Corwin:
Yeah.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
It has been an amazing conversation and I have to thank you so much.

Jeff Corwin:
Thank you. It was fun.

Peter Gros:
From the edge of extinction to beaches full of nests, from boats loaded with harvested turtles to Boca Raton becoming one of the most important nesting sites on earth, the sea turtle didn't just survive, it became proof that when people choose to protect something, nature will do the rest. Green sea turtles have been making this journey for hundreds of millions of years, long before humans arrived on these shores. They're still here because of laws passed, beaches protected, and communities that decided this animal was worth fighting for. The work isn't done, but out there, the turtle is still swimming free in the wild oceans once again. This is Back From the Brink, from Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:
If you loved this episode and it sparked something in you, please follow or subscribe, leave a review, and send this episode to the turtle lover in your life. I'm Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, and I'll see you next time.

Updated on July 23, 2026

In the 1970s, the green sea turtle was vanishing. Poaching, egg harvesting and habitat loss had crashed global numbers by 67%, landing one of the ocean’s most treasured wild animals on the endangered species list. Extinction had become a genuine possibility.

In the first episode of Back From the Brink, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant sits down with wildlife biologist and TV host Jeff Corwin to unpack green sea turtle’s incredible comeback. After over 30 years of working with sea turtles around the world, Jeff has watched a critically endangered species he once feared we’d lose become, against all odds, an environmental conservation success. It’s a surprising story — told by one of television’s most passionate conservationists.

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The Green Sea Turtle’s Hidden Life Cycle

Show Transcript

[Rae] Walk me through that life cycle from where it’s born.

[Jeff] Yeah, so when the sea turtle, when the mom, she comes out and she excavates that nest out to deposit her eggs and she may during that season, she’ll do multiple nests. She’ll do like a decoy nest to do kind of sloppy that kind of fool the animals.

Oh, clever.

The idea is you do multiple nests so your entire clutch isn’t lost. And then, you know, she’s laying between 30 and 70 eggs.

[Rae] Okay.

Little bigger than a ping pong ball. And then she goes back to sea. When she comes out to nest, she is nesting on the very beach where she was born.

Amazing.

Where her life began. And she is the only time a sea turtle, for the most part, with few places like Hawaii will have this phenomenon of sea turtles that actually will sleep in the beach, most sea turtles become plagic. A sea turtle born that hatches out on Florida may find its way, we’ve tracked them to the coast of Africa.

[Rae] Oh my gosh.

[Jeff] Sea turtles from Africa have shown up beating in the horn of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

[Interviewer] Incredible.

So they are incredibly adaptive of using the ocean’s currents to go from A to B or go from the new world to the old world.

And we can find them in all of the oceans essentially, right?

We even have some sea turtles that go into the Arctic.

What?

Think of sea turtles as being cold blooded and not being warm blooded, being endothermic, but they are the only turtle that is megathermic because they are so big they are like their own, they’re a closed loop energy system. So the nest is laid there and she will go back to sea and only the females will come out. Males will spend their whole lives in the ocean.

At sea, isn’t that something?

And when they hatch out, you know, if they’re lucky enough, if they’re that one in 10,000 that survive the flood, that survive that high tide, that survive the coyotes of the raccoons, that survive the ghost crabs and all the fish that will eat them, then they’ll come back 20 years later. It will take two decades for that mom to come to the beach, excavate that nest out and bring that next generation in. So that’s kind of how the cycle works.

The recovery of the green sea turtle didn’t happen by accident, it happened because people decided it would. But the threats that nearly wiped them out haven’t disappeared and some new ones have arrived.

So green sea turtles were listed on the endangered species list. And that made a big difference at least in the US and in North America in their protection. And you know, and I think it also made a difference worldwide.

It did because they were protected internationally. The IUCN and other groups and there was a tremendous-. There’s still places where people eat green turtles and other sea turtles. The green turtle is the one that’s actually eaten the most. People don’t eat leatherbacks.

And they’re eating this green meat.

Yeah.

I can’t get over that.

That’s what they say is, I’ve been to places where I’ve seen it being cooked in the streets of Indonesia and other places. But that was the most hunted sea turtle. They would hunt them for their eggs. And sometimes they would just literally get them all on board, cut them open, remove the eggs. And you look at those old National Geographic photos and you don’t really see that anymore. But they still face future challenges. One is a warming world.

Yeah.

And how do we combat that? And the other are plastics.

Okay, talk to me about plastics in the ocean.

Yeah, we dump 10 billion pounds of plastics every year into our oceans. And you can see that as blue as a beautiful bluebird morning in New England. I’ve been to the Trash Pacific Gyre and I’ve seen that and where you see something that looks like an island that is hundreds of miles in size of this gyro of trash that has all come together. And there are places where beautiful, Bali for example, you go there and they have to every day, because people have spent all this money to be a tourist in beautiful Bali, they have to come in with excavators and front end loaders every morning just to clean the trash off the beach. And that is a preventable thing. It is something we could mitigate. So that’s the good news. If we decided, we could eliminate almost all of the plastic trash that goes into our oceans, there’s a way we could manage that. But it’s been documented that one like big landscape plastic bag, you know, those plastic bags that’s really tough, can kill five individual sea turtles

[Rae] Just one.

Before it’s broken up enough into little pieces that it could pass through. And I have been to so many sea turtle hospitals where that is it. So you have them eating plastics, and then off Florida boat strikes, big problem. And then they have diseases that may be the result of climate change, may be the result of pollution. It’s a papilloma type virus where they get these tumors and they’ll often get them in and they’ll remove the tumors and stuff. So they have challenges. But overall, I don’t like to look at things as good news or success, I would say it’s a promising story.

Okay.

It’s a hopeful story. We are at a place of uncertainty and hope with green sea turtles and all the other sea turtles that we have out there. But I would argue we are there where we have this out of sight, out of mind, oh, we fixed it.

Sure.

We live in a world now where, whether you like it or not, in the last century, humankind has consumed 70 to 80% of all our planet’s nature. We, whether we like it or not, have been given this responsibility to be our planet stewards. And that is something that will always require vigilancy. (soft music)

A sea turtle hatchling has a one-in-10,000 shot at survival. And if it beats those odds, it won’t return to nest for another two decades. In this episodette, Jeff Corwin walks Dr. Rae through the green sea turtle’s remarkable life cycle, from decoy nests to transoceanic migration. Then he turns to the threats still facing the species today: 10 billion pounds of plastic dumped into the ocean every year, boat strikes, disease and a planet where humankind has consumed 70%–80% of nature in the last century. It’s not a fixed problem — it’s an ongoing one.

About Jeff Corwin

Jeff Corwin is a wildlife biologist, conservationist and an Emmy Award–winning producer and host of more than a dozen television series that have been broadcast in more than 100 countries. His shows are featured on networks including Discovery, Animal Planet, Disney, the Food Network, NBC, CNN and Travel Channel. Corwin holds Bachelor of Science degrees in biology and anthropology from Bridgewater State College and a Master of Science degree in wildlife and fisheries conservation from the University of Massachusetts. He’s the founder of the EcoZone, an interactive museum in Norwell, Massachusetts. When not in the field, Corwin resides with his wife and two daughters on a small island off the southeastern coast of Massachusetts.

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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. \n 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>. \n Check out how <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-aussies-are-saving-koalas">Aussies are saving koalas</a>. 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At the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, sea turtles harmed by fishing gear, boat strikes and pollution are […]\n" "id" => 5020 "modified" => "2026-09-14 12:23:03" "screenreader_text" => null "slug" => "road-to-recovery" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:5 [ …5] "title" => "Road to Recovery" "title_plain" => "Road to Recovery" "type" => "video" "updated_date" => "2026-09-14 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/video/road-to-recovery/" ] 5021 => array:20 [ "attachments" => array:9 [ …9] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Expert insights from Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, co-hosts of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild\n Sea otters are marine mammals known for their dense fur, tool-using paws and vital role in the kelp forests of the North Pacific Ocean. They live along rocky coastlines and nearshore waters where they dive for shellfish, groom constantly to stay warm and float on their backs to rest, eat and raise their pups. By keeping sea urchins in check, sea otters help kelp forests thrive. After being hunted to the brink of extinction for their fur, their own comeback has become one of the ocean’s most important conservation stories.\n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5027" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images5-scaled.jpg" alt="A raft of sea otters floats together near a rocky shoreline surrounded by patches of kelp." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images5-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images5-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images5-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images5-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images5-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images5-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images5-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h2>Key takeaways</h2>\n <ul>\n <li>Sea otters are marine mammals in the weasel family and are the smallest marine mammal in North America.</li>\n <li>They have the densest fur of any animal — up to 1 million hairs per square inch — which keeps them warm without blubber.</li>\n <li>Sea otters groom constantly. Clean, air-filled fur is the only thing standing between them and the cold Pacific.</li>\n <li>They eat marine invertebrates, such as sea urchins, crabs, clams, mussels and snails, often using rocks as tools to crack shells.</li>\n <li>Most sea otters live in coastal Alaska, with smaller populations down the Pacific coast to California.</li>\n <li>As a keystone species, sea otters protect kelp forests by keeping urchin populations in check.</li>\n <li>They’re wild animals. Watch them from a respectful distance!</li>\n </ul>\n <h2>What’s a sea otter?</h2>\n A sea otter is a marine mammal that lives in the coastal waters of the North Pacific Ocean. It belongs to the weasel family, a cousin to river otters, badgers and minks. At about 4 feet long, it’s the smallest marine mammal in North America.\n What makes a sea otter special among other marine mammals? No blubber, just fur! It has the thickest coat in the animal kingdom — up to 1 million hairs per square inch — and every hair traps a layer of air that works like a built-in wetsuit, holding the frigid Pacific Ocean off its skin.\n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5032" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images10-scaled.jpg" alt="An adult sea otter and a pup float together on the water while holding a piece of kelp." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images10-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images10-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images10-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images10-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images10-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images10-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images10-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h2>Sea otter quick facts</h2>\n <ul>\n <li>Common name: Sea otter</li>\n <li>Scientific name: Enhydra lutris</li>\n <li>Animal group: Mammal</li>\n <li>Mammal type: Marine mammal</li>\n <li>Animal family: Weasel family (Mustelidae)</li>\n <li>Native range: Coastal waters of the North Pacific</li>\n <li>Habitat: Rocky coastlines, nearshore waters, kelp forests and bays</li>\n <li>Adult length: About 4 feet from nose to tail</li>\n <li>Average weight: Males about 65 pounds; females about 45 pounds</li>\n <li>Adult appearance: Dense fur, rounded face, small ears, whiskers, webbed hind feet and strong front paws</li>\n <li>Lifespan: Roughly 10 to 15 years in the wild</li>\n <li>Diet: Marine invertebrates — sea urchins, crabs, clams, mussels, snails and other shellfish</li>\n <li>Notable behavior: Floating on their backs to rest, groom, eat and even sleep</li>\n <li>Conservation status: Endangered; conservation focuses on habitat protection, oil spill response and marine mammal rescue</li>\n </ul>\n <h2>Explore Sea Otter Stories</h2>\n Keep exploring sea otters through Wild Kingdom videos, articles and related stories about marine mammals, kelp forests, rescue and conservation.\n <ul>\n <li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/sea-otter-fun-facts">Sea Otter Fun Facts</a></li>\n <li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/secret-life-of-sea-otters-clip">Secret Life of Sea Otters Clip</a></li>\n <li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-be-sea-otter-savvy">How to Be Sea Otter Savvy</a></li>\n <li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/sea-otter-conservation">Sea Otter Conservation</a></li>\n <li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/podcast/sea-otter-surrogates">Sea Otter Surrogates</a></li>\n <li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/the-forest-beneath-the-sea-clip">The Forest Beneath the Sea Clip</a></li>\n </ul>\n <h2>What does a sea otter look like?</h2>\n Sea otters have rounded faces, small dark eyes, long whiskers and short ears set close against the head. Their fur is deep brown, famously thick and often lightens with age. Many older otters end up with grizzled, silver-gray heads that make them easy to pick out.\n Everything about a sea otter’s body is built for water. Those long whiskers help it hunt by touch in murky depths. Its webbed hind feet, strong tail and streamlined body make it a nimble swimmer. And its sensitive front paws are made for gripping rocks and prying open shellfish.\n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5025" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images3-scaled.jpg" alt="A sea otter floats on its back while holding a dark sea urchin against its chest in open water." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images3-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images3-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images3-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h2>Where do sea otters live?</h2>\n Sea otters live in cold, coastal waters of the North Pacific Ocean, hugging rocky shorelines, bays and <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/podcast/kelp-forest-photoshoot">kelp forest habitats</a>. They rarely stray far from land, sticking to water shallow enough to dive to the seafloor and back for a meal.\n The largest numbers live along the coast of Alaska, with smaller populations scattered down the Pacific coast through British Columbia, Washington and California.\n Wherever they settle, sea otters need the same three things: plenty of shellfish to eat, calm water to rest in and kelp to anchor to so they don’t drift off while they sleep.\n <h2>Why are sea otters important?</h2>\n Sea otters are what scientists call a keystone species — an animal that holds an entire ecosystem together. Without it, the whole system can fall apart.\n Here’s how the kelp forest ecosystem works. Sea urchins feed on kelp, and with no predator to keep them in check, their numbers explode. Left alone, they can chew a thriving kelp forest down. Sea otters are the predator that stops it. A single otter eats about a quarter of its body weight in shellfish a day. By keeping urchins in balance, otters let kelp forests grow tall and dense, which creates food and shelter for hundreds of other species, from fish and crabs to seals and shorebirds.\n Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, explains, “Sea otters can transform ecosystems with their intense foraging, which keeps marine habitats robust and healthy. In California, endangered southern sea otters are on the rebound thanks to wildlife conservation, but the challenges run deep, all the way to the ocean floor.”\n Sea otters are a reminder that protecting a single species can safeguard an entire coastline. Their story is a doorway into the coastal food webs, rescue and rehabilitation work, and <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/aquatic-animals">ocean habitats</a> that depend on animals like these.\n <h2><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5029" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images7-scaled.jpg" alt="Quote graphic featuring text about sea otters' role in maintaining healthy marine habitats, attributed to Peter Gros." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images7-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images7-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images7-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images7-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images7-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images7-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images7-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></h2>\n <h2>Are sea otters endangered?</h2>\n Yes, sea otters are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List and their populations in the U.S. are protected under federal law. But the full answer is a happy one. After nearly vanishing altogether, sea otters are fighting their way back.\n For more than a century, sea otters were hunted commercially for their fur. The same dense fur that keeps them warm made them a target. The species was pushed to the brink of extinction, with only a small fraction of its numbers left. Once the hunting stopped, otters slowly began rebuilding their range and that recovery still continues today.\n Sea otters are protected from hunting today, but they still face oil spills, <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/from-trash-to-art-saving-oceans-through-sculpture">pollution</a>, disease, entanglements in fishing gear, habitat changes, food web shifts and human disturbance. Because they live so close to shore, sea otters feel whatever happens along the coast first, which is why their conservation focuses on protecting habitat, cutting human-caused threats and rescuing stranded or injured otters.\n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5030" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images8-scaled.jpg" alt="Peter Gros, wearing scuba gear, floats in the ocean beside strands of kelp." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images8-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images8-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images8-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images8-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images8-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images8-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images8-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h2>What’s being done to support sea otter conservation?</h2>\n Efforts to protect sea otters include <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/marine-mammal-rescue-day">wildlife rescue</a>, rehabilitation, scientific research and habitat protection. This work happens in two ways: saving individual animals and protecting the ecosystems they depend on.\n When otters turn up stranded, injured or orphaned, rescue teams step in to rehabilitate them and, whenever possible, return them to the wild. Orphaned pups get a remarkable kind of help: at some aquariums, adult females act as <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/podcast/sea-otter-surrogates">surrogate mothers</a>, teaching rescued pups how to groom, forage and survive on their own before they’re released.\n Other efforts aim at the bigger picture. Since kelp forests only thrive when urchins are kept in check, scientists are working to bring back another urchin predator — the sunflower sea star — to see whether it can help kelp forests recover right alongside the otters.\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, sees that research opening doors: “You’re creating some new science that you’re hoping can help other folks and other labs do similar work and build a strong, healthy population of sea stars.”\n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5028" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images6-scaled.jpg" alt="A young sea otter pup lies on a padded surface while being bottle-fed by a caregiver wearing protective gloves." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images6-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images6-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images6-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images6-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images6-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images6-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images6-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h2>Watch sea otters on Wild Kingdom</h2>\n Sea otters are part of a bigger Wild Kingdom story about marine mammals, kelp forests, rescue, rehabilitation and the people working to help wildlife thrive. Learn <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-watch-mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild">how to watch Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a> to see more conservation comeback stories.\n <h2>Frequently asked questions about sea otters</h2>\n <h3>Are sea otters mammals?</h3>\n Yes, sea otters are marine mammals, which means they are warm-blooded, breathe air, have fur and nurse their young.\n <h3>How much do sea otters weigh?</h3>\n On average, adult males weigh 65 pounds and females weigh 45 pounds. Northern sea otters are often larger than southern sea otters.\n <h3>Are sea otters friendly?</h3>\n No. Sea otters may look cute and curious, but they’re wild animals, not friendly pets. They shouldn’t be touched, fed or approached. The safest way to enjoy sea otters is to watch from a distance and <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-be-an-ecotourist">follow local wildlife viewing rules.</a>\n <h3>Where do 90% of sea otters live?</h3>\n About 90% of the world’s sea otters live in Alaska. Smaller sea otter populations live along parts of the Pacific coast, including areas of California, Washington and British Columbia.\n <h3>What do sea otters eat in the wild?</h3>\n Sea otters eat marine animals such as sea urchins, crabs, clams, mussels, snails and other shellfish. Their diet can vary by habitat, season and what food is available in the area.\n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5026" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images4-scaled.jpg" alt="A sea otter rests among floating kelp on calm water, with seaweed draped across its body." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images4-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images4-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images4-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images4-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images4-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images4-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images4-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h3>How do sea otters float on their backs?</h3>\n Sea otters float thanks to their dense fur. Each hair traps a layer of air that keeps them buoyant at the surface, so they can rest, groom and even eat while lying on their backs.\n <h3>Why are sea otters important for kelp forests?</h3>\n Sea otters help support kelp forests by eating sea urchins, which graze on kelp. By keeping urchin numbers in check, sea otters give kelp forests room to grow and support other marine life.\n <h3>What family are sea otters in?</h3>\n Sea otters are part of the weasel family and are relatives of river otters, weasels, badgers and mink.\n <h3>What are sea otters’ physical characteristics?</h3>\n Sea otters have dense fur, rounded faces, small ears, long whiskers, webbed hind feet and strong front paws. These traits help them swim, dive, groom and handle food in coastal waters.\n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5031" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images9-scaled.jpg" alt="An underwater view of a sea otter swimming through blue-green water with air bubbles surrounding its body." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images9-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images9-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images9-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images9-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images9-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images9-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images9-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h3>Where do sea otters sleep?</h3>\n Sea otters usually rest right at the surface, floating on their backs. They often wrap themselves in kelp, which anchors them in place, so they don’t drift while they sleep.\n <h3>How can people safely view sea otters?</h3>\n Watch sea otters safely from a distance by using binoculars or a zoom lens. Follow local wildlife viewing rules. Don’t approach, feed, touch or disturb sea otters. <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/what-do-i-do-if-i-find-an-injured-animal">If you see a sick, injured or stranded sea otter</a>, contact local wildlife authorities or a licensed marine mammal response organization.\n  \n Sources:\n Association of Zoos & Aquariums, First Temporary Experimental Outplanting of Sunflower Stars in California Marks Major Milestone in Ocean Recovery, Jan. 20, 2026, accessed June 2026.\n IUCN, Enhydra lutris (Sea Otter), The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, accessed August 2026, iucnredlist.org\n Monterey Bay Aquarium, Sea Otter, accessed August 2026, montereybayaquarium.org/animals-the-ocean/animals-a-to-z/sea-otter\n Monterey Bay Aquarium, Sea Otter Recovery Program, accessed August 2026, montereybayaquarium.org\n Seattle Aquarium, The Densest Fur of Any Animal on Earth: All About Sea Otters, Dec. 30, 2024, accessed August 2026, seattleaquarium.org\n U.S. Department of the Interior, 12 Facts About Otters for Sea Otter Awareness Week, accessed August 2026, doi.gov\n U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Southern Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris nereis), accessed August 2026, fws.gov/species/southern-sea-otter-enhydra-lutris-nereis\n U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, What Makes the Sea Otter a Keystone Species?, July 30, 2021, accessed August 2026, fws.gov\n """ "custom_fields" => array:19 [ …19] "date" => "2026-08-18 10:07:16" "excerpt" => "Expert insights from Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, co-hosts of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Sea otters are marine mammals known for their dense fur, tool-using paws and vital role in the kelp forests of the North Pacific Ocean. They live […]\n" "id" => 5021 "modified" => "2026-08-18 10:07:16" "screenreader_text" => "Two sea otters float side by side on their backs in calm water, facing the camera with paws tucked against their chests." "slug" => "sea-otters" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:6 [ …6] "title" => "Sea Otters" "title_plain" => "Sea Otters" "type" => "article" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/article/sea-otters/" ] 5022 => array:20 [ "attachments" => array:9 [ …9] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Expert insights from Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, co-hosts of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild\n Sea turtles are marine reptiles that have navigated the world’s oceans for more than 100 million years, long before humans and even alongside the dinosaurs. Built for life at sea, they cross vast stretches of open water, return to the same beaches where they hatched and connect nearly every coastal and ocean habitat along the way. Today, these ancient mariners are also at the center of an important conservation story, because nearly all sea turtle species are now classified as threatened or <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/endangered-species-act">endangered.</a> \n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5041" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_9-scaled.jpg" alt="A sea turtle swims above a coral reef in clear tropical waters." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_9-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_9-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_9-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_9-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_9-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_9-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_9-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h2>Key takeaways  </h2>\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":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Sea turtles are reptiles, not mammals. </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":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">They live in oceans around the world, but females return to beaches to nest. </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":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Seven species range across the globe, varying in size, diet and habitat.  </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":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Flippers power their swimming and their shells offer protection. </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":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Hatchlings (baby sea turtles) are small enough to fit in your hand. </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":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Diets range from seagrass and jellyfish to sponges, crabs and shrimp. </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":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Fishing gear, coastal development, pollution, climate change and human disturbance are their biggest threats. </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":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Conservation includes rescue, rehabilitation, nest protection, education and ocean habitat work. </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":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">If you spot a sea turtle or nest, watch from a distance and follow posted rules.  </li>\n </ul>\n <h2>What’s a sea turtle? </h2>\n A sea turtle is a marine reptile built almost entirely for ocean life. Like other reptiles, it breathes air, lays eggs and has scales. But where land turtles and tortoises have stubby legs for walking, a sea turtle has flippers made for gliding through open water. \n Sea turtles aren’t mammals. They don’t have fur, they don’t nurse their young and they don’t give live birth. Instead, female sea turtles come ashore on sandy beaches to lay their eggs, and the hatchlings dig out and make their own way to the ocean. It’s one of the most remarkable first journeys in the animal kingdom.  \n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5035" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_3-scaled.jpg" alt="Two sea turtles swim side by side beneath rays of sunlight filtering through the water." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_3-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_3-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_3-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h2> Sea turtle quick facts  </h2>\n <ul>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Common name: Sea turtle </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Animal group: Reptile  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Reptile type: Marine reptile  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Number of species: Seven — green, loggerhead, leatherback, hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley, olive ridley and flatback </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Native range: Oceans around the world  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Habitat: Coastal waters, open ocean, coral reefs, seagrass beds and nesting beaches  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Adult appearance: Shell, flippers, streamlined body and beak-like mouth  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Baby sea turtles: Hatchlings emerge from nests on sandy beaches  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Diet: Varies by species; common foods include seagrass, algae, jellyfish, sponges, crabs, shrimp and other marine life  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Nesting behavior: Females come ashore to lay eggs in sand  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Conservation status: Nearly all sea turtle species are classified as threatened or endangered </li>\n </ul>\n <h2>Explore sea turtle stories </h2>\n Keep exploring sea turtles through Wild Kingdom videos, articles and related stories about ocean wildlife, rescue, rehabilitation and conservation.  \n <ul>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="21" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/celebrating-world-sea-turtle-day">Celebrating World Sea Turtle Day</a>  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="21" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/sea-turtle-stranding-brings-organizations-together-for-rescue">Sea Turtle Stranding Brings Organizations Together for Rescue</a>  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="21" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/manatee-and-sea-turtle-conservation">Manatee and Sea Turtle Conservation</a>  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="21" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/sea-creatures-of-the-florida-coast-clip">Sea Creatures of the Florida Coast Clip</a>  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="21" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/podcast/the-green-sea-turtles-impossible-comeback">The Green Sea Turtle’s Impossible Comeback</a></li>\n </ul>\n <h2>How many types of sea turtles are there? </h2>\n There are seven species of sea turtle, and each one has its own look, diet and story. \n <ul>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="30" 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">Green sea turtle: The largest of the hard-shelled species. Adults are mostly vegetarian, grazing on seagrass and algae. </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="30" 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">Loggerhead: Named for its oversized head and powerful jaws, which it uses to crush conch, whelks and other hard-shell prey. </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="30" 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">Leatherback: The giant of the group and the deepest diver, with a leathery, ridged back instead of a hard shell. It travels farther than any other sea turtle and feeds almost entirely on jellyfish. </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="30" 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">Hawksbill: A narrow, pointed beak lets it reach sponges tucked into coral reefs, making it a familiar sight on healthy reef systems. </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="30" 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">Kemp’s ridley: The smallest and most endangered sea turtle, known for nesting in large, synchronized groups. </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="30" 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">Olive ridley: Named for its olive-green shell and famous for arribadas, mass nesting events where thousands of females come ashore together. </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="30" 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">Flatback: Found around Australia, with a flatter, smoother shell than its relatives. </li>\n </ul>\n <h2><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5037" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_5-scaled.jpg" alt="A leatherback sea turtle crawls along a sandy beach near the shoreline." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_5-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_5-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_5-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_5-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_5-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_5-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_5-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></h2>\n <h2>What does a sea turtle look like? </h2>\n Sea turtles have streamlined shells and trade legs for flippers. The front pair powers them forward like a pair of wings, while the back pair steers and digs nests in the sand. Sea turtles don’t look alike. A Kemp’s ridley stays small enough to carry, while a leatherback can grow to the size of a small car. Shell shape, color and head size all shift from one species to the next. \n Baby sea turtles are called hatchlings. Much smaller than adults, they usually emerge from their nests at night and start their scramble toward the ocean.  \n <h2>Where do sea turtles live?  </h2>\n Sea turtles live in oceans around the world from <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/coral-reef-conservation-in-omaha-and-beyond">coral reefs</a> and seagrass beds to open water and quiet coastal bays. Where a sea turtle lives often changes as it grows. Hatchlings may drift and feed in the open ocean, while adults settle into coastal feeding grounds and migrate between feeding and nesting sites. \n Females return to the beach to lay their eggs, often the very beach where they hatched, guided back across hundreds of miles of open water. That’s what makes nesting beaches so important: hatchlings need safe sand, darkness and a clear path to the sea. \n <h2>Why are sea turtles important?  </h2>\n Sea turtles help hold ocean and coastal ecosystems together. Green sea turtles keep seagrass meadows healthy by grazing them like underwater lawns, hawksbills clear space on reefs by eating sponges, and all of them move nutrients between the open sea and the beaches where they nest. \n They also draw people into ocean conservation, from beach cleanups and marine-debris efforts to rescue, rehabilitation and responsible wildlife viewing.  \n Few animals carry a longer history. Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, reflects on both their remarkable past and the challenges they face today: “Sea turtles have roamed the oceans for more than a hundred million years, but the future of these ancient mariners is under serious threat from human activities like fishing, coastal development and climate change. Wild Kingdom has been telling their story for decades.”  \n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5042" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_10-scaled.jpg" alt="Quote graphic featuring Peter Gros discussing the ancient history of sea turtles." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_10-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_10-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_10-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_10-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_10-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_10-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_10-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h2>Are sea turtles endangered?  </h2>\n Many sea turtle species are threatened or endangered. The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) reports that nearly all sea turtle species fall into one of these two categories. \n Sea turtles face a range of challenges, many tied to human activity: <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/from-trash-to-art-saving-oceans-through-sculpture">fishing gear</a>, coastal development, pollution, climate change, illegal wildlife activity and disturbance at nesting beaches. Because the picture varies by species and population, it’s most accurate to say that many sea turtles face serious challenges, not that every turtle everywhere is in the same situation. \n <h2><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5040" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_8-scaled.jpg" alt="A sea turtle fitted with a tracking device moves toward the ocean along a sandy beach." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_8-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_8-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_8-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_8-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_8-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_8-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_8-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></h2>\n <h2>What’s being done to support sea turtle conservation?  </h2>\n Sea turtle conservation includes rescue, rehabilitation, nest protection, field research, public education, fisheries-related work and habitat restoration.  \n <a href="https://www.turtlesafe.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AZA’s Saving Animals From Extinction Sea Turtle</a> program works with partners around the world to support sea turtle conservation. It points to fishery bycatch — accidental capture in fishing gear — as one of the most significant threats sea turtles face. \n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-be-an-ecotourist">Conservation work</a> can help reduce that bycatch, protect nesting beaches, give stranded and injured turtles a second chance and help people learn to share coastal spaces responsibly. \n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, highlights how researchers keep learning from sea turtles after their release: “The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre fits released turtles with shell-mounted GPS and follows each one’s journey, turning their stories into vital data and hope for sea turtle conservation across Australia.”  \n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5039" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_7-scaled.jpg" alt="Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant stands in shallow water next to a marine researcher examining a sea turtle along a tropical coastline." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_7-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_7-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_7-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_7-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_7-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_7-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_7-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h2>Watch sea turtles on Wild Kingdom </h2>\n Sea turtles are part of a bigger Wild Kingdom story about ocean wildlife, rescue, rehabilitation and the people working to help animals thrive. Keep exploring related videos and articles, then find out <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-watch-mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild">how to watch Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a>.  \n <h2>Frequently asked questions about sea turtles  </h2>\n <h3>Is a sea turtle a reptile?  </h3>\n Yes, a sea turtle is a reptile. Sea turtles breathe air, lay eggs and have scales, but they’re adapted for life in the ocean.  \n <h3>Are sea turtles mammals?  </h3>\n No, sea turtles aren’t mammals; they’re reptiles. Unlike mammals, sea turtles don’t have fur, don’t nurse their young and don’t give live birth.  \n <h3>Are sea turtles tortoises?  </h3>\n No, sea turtles aren’t tortoises. <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/giving-desert-tortoises-a-head-start">Tortoises</a> live on land and have legs built for walking. Sea turtles live mostly in the ocean and have flippers for swimming.  \n <h3>Where does a sea turtle live?  </h3>\n Sea turtles live in ocean habitats around the world. Depending on the species, they may use coastal waters, open ocean, coral reefs, seagrass beds, bays and sandy nesting beaches.  \n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5036" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_4-scaled.jpg" alt="A sea turtle feeds on seagrass along the sandy ocean floor." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_4-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_4-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_4-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_4-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_4-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_4-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_4-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h3>Are sea turtles endangered?  </h3>\n Many sea turtle species are threatened or endangered. AZA notes that nearly all sea turtle species are classified as either threatened or endangered. \n <h3>Why are sea turtles endangered?  </h3>\n Sea turtles are endangered or threatened because of several human-related pressures, including fishing gear, coastal development, pollution, climate change, illegal wildlife activity and disturbance near nesting beaches.  \n <h3>What’s the biggest threat to sea turtles?  </h3>\n Fishery bycatch is one of the biggest threats to sea turtles. It happens when they’re accidentally caught in fishing gear. AZA identifies bycatch as one of the most significant threats sea turtles face around the world. \n <h3>What are the different kinds of sea turtles?  </h3>\n There are seven species: green, loggerhead, leatherback, hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley, olive ridley and flatback sea turtles. Each species has its own range, diet, size and conservation challenges.  \n <h3>What do sea turtles eat in the ocean?  </h3>\n Sea turtle diets vary by species. Some eat seagrass or algae, while others eat jellyfish, sponges, crabs, shrimp, snails or other marine animals.  \n <h3>How long do sea turtles usually live?  </h3>\n Sea turtles are generally long-lived animals. Many can live for several decades, though lifespan varies by species and the risks they survive as hatchlings and adults. \n <h3>How big do sea turtles get?  </h3>\n Sea turtle size depends on the species, from the smaller Kemp’s ridley to the leatherback, the largest sea turtle, which can grow to the size of a small car. \n <h3>How small are baby sea turtles when they’re born?  </h3>\n Baby sea turtles, called hatchlings, are very small when they emerge from the nest. Their exact size depends on the species, but they’re small enough to fit in a person’s hand. Even so, hatchlings should never be picked up or handled unless directed by trained wildlife professionals.  \n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5038" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_6-scaled.jpg" alt="Dozens of hatchling sea turtles make their way across a sandy beach toward the ocean." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_6-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_6-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_6-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_6-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_6-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_6-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_6-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h3>How can people help sea turtles?  </h3>\n People can help sea turtles by keeping beaches clean, reducing plastic waste, respecting nesting areas, turning off bright beach lights when required, giving turtles space and following local wildlife rules. If you see a <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/what-do-i-do-if-i-find-an-injured-animal">stranded, injured or trapped sea turtle</a>, contact local wildlife authorities or a licensed rescue organization.  \n <h3>Can you touch a sea turtle?  </h3>\n No, don’t touch, feed, chase, crowd or disturb sea turtles, hatchlings or nests. Watch from a safe distance and follow posted beach or wildlife rules.  \n \n Sources:\n Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Working Together to Secure a Future for Sea Turtles, June 16, 2026, accessed June 2026.  \n NOAA Fisheries, Sea Turtles, accessed August 2026, fisheries.noaa.gov/sea-turtles. \n """ "custom_fields" => array:19 [ …19] "date" => "2026-08-18 10:17:10" "excerpt" => "Expert insights from Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, co-hosts of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Sea turtles are marine reptiles that have navigated the world’s oceans for more than 100 million years, long before humans and even alongside the dinosaurs. Built […]\n" "id" => 5022 "modified" => "2026-08-18 10:17:10" "screenreader_text" => "Sea turtle swims through clear blue water surrounded by air bubbles." "slug" => "sea-turtles" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:6 [ …6] "title" => "Sea Turtles" "title_plain" => "Sea Turtles" "type" => "article" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/article/sea-turtles/" ] 5050 => array:20 [ "attachments" => array:1 [ …1] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Saving endangered species often requires bold action and daring rescues. \n 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. \n 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>. \n Learn how <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/filming-bighorn-sheep-on-wild-kingdom">Wild Kingdom has filmed bighorn sheep</a> over the years, then watch “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/saving-the-sierra-bighorn">Saving the Sierra Bighorn</a>.” \n Go up-close with lynx in “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/return-of-the-lynx">Return of the Lynx</a>,” see wolf pups in “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/leader-of-the-pack">Leader of the Pack</a>” and journey into the swamp in “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/graduation-day-for-a-gator">Graduation Day for a Gator</a>.” \n """ "custom_fields" => array:19 [ …19] "date" => "2026-08-22 12:00:17" "excerpt" => "Saving endangered species often requires bold action and daring rescues. 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 […]\n" "id" => 5050 "modified" => "2026-08-25 23:16:12" "screenreader_text" => null "slug" => "captures-for-conservation" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:5 [ …5] "title" => "Captures for Conservation" "title_plain" => "Captures for Conservation" "type" => "video" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/video/captures-for-conservation/" ] 5052 => array:20 [ "attachments" => array:3 [ …3] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ 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.\n <img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_2-scaled.jpg" />\n <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.\n Join Peter and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant on unforgettable journeys in search of remarkable stories of wildlife protection.\n 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.\n <img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_4-scaled.jpg" />\n 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.\n <img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_5-scaled.jpg" />\n 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.\n “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.”\n “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.”\n <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" />\n 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.\n 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.\n <h2>Frequently asked questions</h2>\n <h3>When does Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Season 4 premiere?</h3>\n Season 4 premieres on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, on NBC’s “The More You Know” block.\n <h3>Who hosts Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild?</h3>\n Wildlife expert Peter Gros and wildlife ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant host Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild.\n <img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_3-scaled.jpg" />\n <h3>Where can I watch Protecting the Wild?</h3>\n 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.\n <h3>What animals are featured in Season 4?</h3>\n Jaguars, grizzly bears, koalas, tapirs, spider monkeys, sea otters and orcas are just some of the animals featured in Season 4.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:19 [ …19] "date" => "2026-08-25 09:32:24" "excerpt" => "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, […]\n" "id" => 5052 "modified" => "2026-08-25 14:18:03" "screenreader_text" => null "slug" => "wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild-returns-for-season-4-on-nbc" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:3 [ …3] "title" => "Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Returns for Season 4 on NBC" "title_plain" => "Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Returns for Season 4 on NBC" "type" => "video" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/video/wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild-returns-for-season-4-on-nbc/" ] 5069 => array:20 [ "attachments" => array:1 [ …1] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Dr. Rae and Peter explore the secrets behind keeping animals healthy and thriving under human care with the help of a good diet.  \n 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. \n 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>. \n For an in-depth look at these species, watch “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/saving-the-sierra-bighorn">Panda-Monimum!</a>,” “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/rescue-down-under">Rescue Down Under</a>,” “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/leader-of-the-pack">Leader of the Pack</a>” and “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/second-chance-spider-monkeys">Second Chance Spider Monkeys</a>.” \n """ "custom_fields" => array:19 [ …19] "date" => "2026-08-29 12:00:49" "excerpt" => "Dr. Rae and Peter explore the secrets behind keeping animals healthy and thriving under human care with the help of a good diet.  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 […]\n" "id" => 5069 "modified" => "2026-09-03 18:34:49" "screenreader_text" => null "slug" => "feeding-time" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:5 [ …5] "title" => "Feeding Time!" "title_plain" => "Feeding Time!" "type" => "video" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/video/feeding-time/" ] 5079 => array:20 [ "attachments" => array:7 [ …7] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Expert insights from: Nicki Boyd, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance general curator and Jennifer Moll, lead wildlife care specialist, San Diego Zoo \n <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" />\n Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance\n 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. \n <h2>Key takeaways </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">The San Diego Zoo is home to 21 koalas, the largest colony in the U.S. and the largest outside Australia and China. </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">San Diego’s Australia-like climate lets the zoo grow eucalyptus onsite, something most zoos can’t do. </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">The zoo leads the AZA’s new SAFE Koala program and funds conservation work in Australia to protect koalas in the wild. </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">Koalas are listed as vulnerable and face growing threats from habitat loss, wildfires, invasive pests and disease. </li>\n </ul>\n <h2>Koala quick facts </h2>\n <ul>\n <li>Common name: Koala </li>\n <li>Scientific name: Phascolarctos cinereus </li>\n <li>Animal group: Mammal </li>\n <li>Mammal type: Marsupial </li>\n <li>Habitat: Eastern Australia eucalyptus forest </li>\n <li>Lifespan: 10 to 15 years in the wild </li>\n <li>Diet: 1 to 1.5 pounds of eucalyptus leaves each day </li>\n <li>Size: 2 to 3 feet tall, 9 to 29 pounds </li>\n <li>Sleep: 18 to 22 hours each day to help conserve energy </li>\n <li>Social life: Solitary </li>\n <li>Behavior: Active at night, spends most of day eating and sleeping </li>\n <li>Young: Newborn <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/small-survivors">joeys</a> live in mother’s pouch and with her until they’re around a year old </li>\n <li>Conservation status: Threatened; koala’s biggest threats are loss of habitat, vehicle strikes, dog attacks, bushfires and disease </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" />Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</div>\n <h2>How big is the San Diego Zoo’s koala colony?</h2>\n 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. \n <h2>What do koalas eat? </h2>\n 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. \n Eucalyptus leaves don’t provide many calories, but koalas make up for this by spending most of their day sleeping. \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"></iframe></div>\n Video courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance\n <h2>Why is eucalyptus so hard to provide? </h2>\n 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. \n “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. \n <h2>Why is San Diego Zoo uniquely suited to raise koalas? </h2>\n 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. \n That Australian-like climate doesn’t just feed the koalas, it makes San Diego feel like a part of Australia. \n “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!” \n <h2>Where do the koalas live in the zoo? </h2>\n 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. \n “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. \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" />Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</div>\n <h2>How has koala care changed over time? </h2>\n Today, the koalas live outside 24/7, but this wasn’t always the case at the zoo. \n 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. \n “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.” \n When the new space was created in 2013, the zoo made sure all koalas lived outside 24 hours a day to combat this disease. \n “It’s definitely made a great improvement on their quality of life and quality of their health,” Moll said. \n <h2>How do koalas choose a mate? </h2>\n 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. \n As far as which koala makes the perfect match? Moll has a theory. \n “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.” \n 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. \n <h2>What’s the SAFE Koala program? </h2>\n 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. \n Koalas are what conservationists call an umbrella species: Protect them, and you protect everything living under their canopy too. \n “Koalas will be the umbrella species that can save the echidna, the wombat, the forest which would house cockatoos and many species,” Boyd said. \n Working alongside other accredited zoos, San Diego shares its research and expertise, so <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/eyes-on-the-wild">conservation wins reach koalas in the wild</a> — not just those in human care. \n “We want people to see how cool and unique they are and drive empathy to help that conservation,” Boyd said. \n “We’re learning so much … we can use that knowledge and apply different strategies and send it to our colleagues in Australia,” Boyd said. \n <h2>Are koalas endangered? </h2>\n 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. \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" />Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</div>\n <h2>What are the biggest threats to koalas? </h2>\n Koalas face several threats — habitat loss, climate change and wildfires, invasive pests and disease. \n 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. \n Wildfires are destroying even more of what remains. As the climate warms, <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-wildfires-affect-urban-areas-the-ecosystem-and-wildlife">fire seasons grow more intense</a> and eucalyptus is dangerously combustible. \n “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. \n 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. \n “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.” \n 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. \n <h2>How does the San Diego Zoo help koalas in the wild? </h2>\n The San Diego Zoo helps wild koalas by funding and supporting conservation work in Australia, following the lead of the <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-aussies-are-saving-koalas">researchers and organizations</a> who know the animals and their habitats best. \n 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. \n 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. \n “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. \n 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. \n “It was a study on what does it take to repopulate an area with koalas again,” Moll said. \n 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. \n “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. \n 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 <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/rescue-down-under">the people already fighting for them</a>. \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"></iframe></div>\n Video courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance\n <h2>Koala fun facts </h2>\n Koalas are full of surprises, and some of the most fascinating are right at their fingertips (and toes). \n They have two thumbs. Each front paw has five digits arranged as two thumbs and three fingers, giving koalas an exceptional grip for climbing and pulling eucalyptus close. \n “They’re not opposable thumbs like ours are, but they help for grabbing that eucalyptus and bringing it down to them,” Moll said. \n They have a built-in comb. On each back foot, two toes are fused together to form a “grooming claw” the koala uses to clean its fur. \n “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. \n They’re built to climb. One toe on each back foot has no nail at all. Koalas use their powerful hind legs to push themselves up tree trunks. \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" />Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</div>\n <h2>How can you help save koalas? </h2>\n 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. \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">Adopt a koala. Through San Diego Zoo’s <a href="https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/adopt/koala">symbolic adoption program</a>, you can help care for koalas and support conservation. </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">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. </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">Support Australian groups directly. Organizations on the ground in Australia, such as the <a href="https://www.scienceforwildlife.org/donate">Greater Blue Mountains Koala Program</a> are leading the fight to save wild koalas. </li>\n </ul>\n Every bit of support helps ensure that koalas, and the forests they depend on, are still here for generations to come. \n <h2>Frequently asked questions about koalas </h2>\n <h3>Are koalas bears? </h3>\n No. Despite the nickname “koala bear,” koalas are marsupials — mammals that carry their young in a pouch — not bears. \n <h3>How long do koalas live? </h3>\n Koalas typically live 10 to 15 years. \n <h3>What do koalas eat? </h3>\n 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. \n <h3>How much do koalas sleep? </h3>\n Koalas sleep around 18 to 22 hours a day. Eucalyptus provides little energy, so koalas conserve it by sleeping most of the day. \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" />Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</div>\n <h3>How many koalas are at the San Diego Zoo? </h3>\n The zoo is home to 21 koalas — the largest koala colony in the United States, and the largest outside Australia and China. \n <h3>Why are koalas endangered? </h3>\n 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. \n <h3>Do koalas really have two thumbs? </h3>\n Yes, each paw has five digits arranged as two thumbs and three fingers, giving koalas a strong grip for climbing and holding eucalyptus. \n <h3>Can you see the koalas? </h3>\n Yes! You can visit the San Diego Zoo’s Australian Outback section to see their koala colony. \n All photos courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:19 [ …19] "date" => "2026-08-30 20:30:39" "excerpt" => "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 […]\n" "id" => 5079 "modified" => "2026-09-02 09:48:12" "screenreader_text" => "Koala perched in a eucalyptus tree, gripping branches and looking toward the camera." "slug" => "inside-the-largest-koala-colony-in-the-u-s" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:4 [ …4] "title" => "Inside the Largest Koala Colony in the U.S." "title_plain" => "Inside the Largest Koala Colony in the U.S." "type" => "article" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/article/inside-the-largest-koala-colony-in-the-u-s/" ] 5087 => array:20 [ "attachments" => array:2 [ …2] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ 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.\n 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.\n <h3>Explore alligator stories</h3>\n Learn more about alligators through these Wild Kingdom videos and articles.\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-alligators-beat-the-endangered-species-list">How Alligators Beat the Endangered Species List</a>\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/american-alligators">American Alligators</a>\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/graduation-day-for-a-gator">Graduation Day for a Gator</a>\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/reptile-rescue">Reptile Rescue</a>\n <h3>Why Feeding an Alligator Is the Worst Thing You Can Do</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"></iframe></div>\n 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.\n  \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>About Coyote Peterson</h4>\n 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.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:29 [ …29] "date" => "2026-09-03 23:45:52" "excerpt" => "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. In this episode, Dr. Rae sits down with Coyote Peterson, wildlife educator and creator […]\n" "id" => 5087 "modified" => "2026-09-04 19:15:46" "screenreader_text" => null "slug" => "from-near-extinction-to-5-million-the-american-alligators-comeback" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:6 [ …6] "title" => "From Near Extinction to 5 Million: The American Alligator’s Comeback" "title_plain" => "From Near Extinction to 5 Million: The American Alligator’s Comeback" "type" => "podcast" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/from-near-extinction-to-5-million-the-american-alligators-comeback/" ] ] ] "useExperimentation" => "0" ] "debug" => true "emailJourneyId" => "APIEvent-0915228a-9b5d-b8bc-68b3-1667d737d130" "globals" => array:15 [ "alertContent" => null "analyticsId" => "UA-12109817-22" "bodyBackgroundColor" => "u-bgWhite" "experimentationId" => "25226340136" "gtmId" => "M2XNHQ" "pageClass" => null "pageTitle" => "Mutual of Omaha" "sectionClass" => null "server" => array:9 [ "canonical" => "https://moocat.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/podcast/the-green-sea-turtles-impossible-comeback" "environment" => "cat" "host" => null "hostWithScheme" => null "path" => null "scheme" => null "uri" => null "url" => null "urlWithQuery" => null ] "showZipCodeOverlay" => false "states" => array:53 [ "AK" => "Alaska" "AL" => "Alabama" "AR" => "Arkansas" "AZ" => "Arizona" "CA" => "California" "CO" => "Colorado" "CT" => "Connecticut" "DC" => "District of Columbia" "DE" => "Delaware" "FL" => "Florida" "GA" => "Georgia" "HI" => "Hawaii" "IA" => "Iowa" "ID" => "Idaho" "IL" => "Illinois" "IN" => "Indiana" "KS" => "Kansas" "KY" => "Kentucky" "LA" => "Louisiana" "MA" => "Massachusetts" "MD" => "Maryland" "ME" => "Maine" "MI" => "Michigan" "MN" => "Minnesota" "MO" => "Missouri" "MS" => "Mississippi" "MT" => "Montana" "NC" => "North Carolina" "ND" => "North Dakota" "NE" => "Nebraska" "NH" => "New Hampshire" "NJ" => "New Jersey" "NM" => "New Mexico" "NV" => "Nevada" "NY" => "New York" "OH" => "Ohio" "OK" => "Oklahoma" "OR" => "Oregon" "PA" => "Pennsylvania" "PR" => "Puerto Rico" "RI" => "Rhode Island" "SC" => "South Carolina" "SD" => "South Dakota" "TN" => "Tennessee" "TX" => "Texas" "UT" => "Utah" "VA" => "Virginia" "VI" => "Virgin Islands" "VT" => "Vermont" "WA" => "Washington" "WI" => "Wisconsin" "WV" => "West Virginia" "WY" => "Wyoming" ] "tealiumEnv" => "qa" "twig" => array:2 [ "main" => "design-guide-4" "master" => "design-guide-4" ] "unsupportedBrowser" => false "version" => null ] "package" => array:4 [ "name" => "wild-kingdom" "namespace" => "Mutualofomaha\WildKingdom" "prefix" => "" "vendor" => "mutualofomaha" ] "podcastList" => array:2 [ "new-season" => [] "previous-seasons" => array:28 [ 0 => array:21 [ "attachments" => array:2 [ 0 => array:9 [ …9] 1 => array:9 [ …9] ] "author" => array:8 [ "description" => "" "first_name" => "Kristy" "id" => 1902 "last_name" => "Jaixen Krupa" "name" => "req76576" "nickname" => "Kristy" "slug" => "req76576" "url" => "" ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ 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.\n 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.\n <h3>Explore alligator stories</h3>\n Learn more about alligators through these Wild Kingdom videos and articles.\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-alligators-beat-the-endangered-species-list">How Alligators Beat the Endangered Species List</a>\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/american-alligators">American Alligators</a>\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/graduation-day-for-a-gator">Graduation Day for a Gator</a>\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/reptile-rescue">Reptile Rescue</a>\n <h3>Why Feeding an Alligator Is the Worst Thing You Can Do</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"></iframe></div>\n 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.\n  \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>About Coyote Peterson</h4>\n 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.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:29 [ "card_description" => array:1 [ …1] "customize_related_posts" => array:1 [ …1] "episode" => array:1 [ …1] "feature_post_indicator" => array:1 [ …1] "featured_image" => array:24 [ …24] "hero_description" => array:1 [ …1] "is_available" => true "listening_platform" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_amazon" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_apple" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_audacy" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_spotify" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_youtube" => array:1 [ …1] "meta_keywords" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaDescription" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImage" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImageAlt" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTitle" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTwitterImage" => array:1 [ …1] "open_graph_meta_video_url" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_summary" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_url" => array:1 [ …1] "runtime" => array:1 [ …1] "season" => array:1 [ …1] "season_name" => "Season 3" "thumbnail_image" => array:24 [ …24] "transcript" => array:1 [ …1] "updated_date" => array:1 [ …1] "use_experimentation" => array:1 [ …1] ] "date" => "2026-09-03 23:45:52" "excerpt" => "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. In this episode, Dr. Rae sits down with Coyote Peterson, wildlife educator and creator […]\n" "id" => 5087 "modified" => "2026-09-04 19:15:46" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "304" "slug" => "from-near-extinction-to-5-million-the-american-alligators-comeback" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:6 [ 0 => array:5 [ …5] 1 => array:5 [ …5] 2 => array:5 [ …5] 3 => array:5 [ …5] 4 => array:5 [ …5] 5 => array:5 [ …5] ] "title" => "From Near Extinction to 5 Million: The American Alligator’s Comeback" "title_plain" => "From Near Extinction to 5 Million: The American Alligator’s Comeback" "type" => "podcast" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/from-near-extinction-to-5-million-the-american-alligators-comeback/" ] 1 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:2 [ 0 => array:9 [ …9] 1 => array:9 [ …9] ] "author" => array:8 [ "description" => "" "first_name" => "Taylor" "id" => 3446 "last_name" => "Scott-Rohrer" "name" => "req91258" "nickname" => "Taylor" "slug" => "req91258" "url" => "" ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ 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.\n 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.\n <h3>Explore Bear Stories</h3>\n Discover more bear facts through Wild Kingdom videos and articles about bear conservation, rescue and rehabilitation.\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/black-bear-fun-facts">Bear Fun Facts</a>\n <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>\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/into-the-bears-den">Into the Bear’s Den Episode</a>\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/do-all-bears-hibernate-in-winter">Do All Bears Hibernate in the Winter?</a>\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-we-can-prepare-for-bear-hibernation">How We Can Prepare for Bear Hibernation</a>\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"></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=""> \n Show Transcript<img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.mutualofomaha.com/wildkingdom/v3/icons/explore/down_arrow_WK-reveal.svg" alt="arrow" /> \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.\n – 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?\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 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.\n </div>\n </div>\n </div>\n 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. \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>About Wes Larson</h4>\n 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.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:31 [ "card_description" => array:1 [ …1] "current_airdate" => array:1 [ …1] "customize_related_posts" => array:1 [ …1] "episode" => array:1 [ …1] "feature_post_indicator" => array:1 [ …1] "featured_image" => array:24 [ …24] "formatted_current_airdate" => "August 5" "hero_description" => array:1 [ …1] "is_available" => true "listening_platform" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_amazon" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_apple" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_audacy" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_spotify" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_youtube" => array:1 [ …1] "meta_keywords" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaDescription" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImage" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImageAlt" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTitle" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTwitterImage" => array:1 [ …1] "open_graph_meta_video_url" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_summary" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_url" => array:1 [ …1] "runtime" => array:1 [ …1] "season" => array:1 [ …1] "season_name" => "Season 3" "thumbnail_image" => array:24 [ …24] "transcript" => array:1 [ …1] "updated_date" => array:1 [ …1] "use_experimentation" => array:1 [ …1] ] "date" => "2026-07-08 21:14:39" "excerpt" => "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, […]\n" "id" => 4914 "modified" => "2026-08-21 11:03:51" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "303" "slug" => "what-it-actually-took-to-bring-grizzly-bears-back" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:6 [ 0 => array:5 [ …5] 1 => array:5 [ …5] 2 => array:5 [ …5] 3 => array:5 [ …5] 4 => array:5 [ …5] 5 => array:5 [ …5] ] "title" => "What It Actually Took to Bring Grizzly Bears Back" "title_plain" => "What It Actually Took to Bring Grizzly Bears Back" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2026-08-20 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/what-it-actually-took-to-bring-grizzly-bears-back/" ] 10 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:1 [ 0 => array:9 [ …9] ] "author" => array:8 [ "description" => "" "first_name" => "Kristy" "id" => 1902 "last_name" => "Jaixen Krupa" "name" => "req76576" "nickname" => "Kristy" "slug" => "req76576" "url" => "" ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Ever wondered why some people and animals form such strong bonds? Or why these connections are so vital to our well-being? In this episode, we continue with more stories from the AZA conference, speaking with Dr. Kathayoon Khalil, a conservation psychologist with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, about the powerful role of empathy in human-animal connections. We also dive into the world of tarantulas with Sarah Bowser to explore fascinating facts about these misunderstood creatures and the threats they face in the wild. Thom Demas from the Tennessee Aquarium wraps up the episode with a deep dive into the underwater world of a little-known fish that shows how stream health impacts us all — wildlife and humans.\n For more AZA stories, explore <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-zoos-are-saving-animals-from-extinction">AZA’s Saving Animals From Extinction Program (SAFE)</a>.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:30 [ "card_description" => array:1 [ …1] "custom_related_post_list" => array:1 [ …1] "customize_related_posts" => array:1 [ …1] "episode" => array:1 [ …1] "feature_post_indicator" => array:1 [ …1] "featured_image" => array:24 [ …24] "hero_description" => array:1 [ …1] "is_available" => true "listening_platform" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_amazon" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_apple" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_audacy" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_spotify" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_youtube" => array:1 [ …1] "meta_keywords" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaDescription" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImage" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImageAlt" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTitle" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTwitterImage" => array:1 [ …1] "open_graph_meta_video_url" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_summary" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_url" => array:1 [ …1] "runtime" => array:1 [ …1] "season" => array:1 [ …1] "season_name" => "Season 2" "thumbnail_image" => array:24 [ …24] "transcript" => array:1 [ …1] "updated_date" => array:1 [ …1] "use_experimentation" => array:1 [ …1] ] "date" => "2025-04-01 09:00:56" "excerpt" => "Ever wondered why some people and animals form such strong bonds? Or why these connections are so vital to our well-being? In this episode, we continue with more stories from the AZA conference, speaking with Dr. Kathayoon Khalil, a conservation psychologist with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, about the powerful role of empathy in human-animal […]\n" "id" => 3989 "modified" => "2026-07-08 22:36:33" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "206" "slug" => "hope-for-the-wild-stories-from-the-aza-part-2" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:1 [ 0 => array:5 [ …5] ] "title" => "Hope for the Wild: Stories From the AZA, Part 2" "title_plain" => "Hope for the Wild: Stories From the AZA, Part 2" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2025-04-01 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/hope-for-the-wild-stories-from-the-aza-part-2/" ] 11 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:1 [ 0 => array:9 [ …9] ] "author" => array:8 [ "description" => "" "first_name" => "Kristy" "id" => 1902 "last_name" => "Jaixen Krupa" "name" => "req76576" "nickname" => "Kristy" "slug" => "req76576" "url" => "" ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => "Every year, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) hosts its annual conference, bringing together zoo and aquarium professionals dedicated to wildlife conservation. In this episode, we hear stories from the conference. First, Ben Jones, vice president of conservation and education at the Houston Zoo, shares his mission to protect endangered mountain gorillas. Then, Dr. Chase LaDue, National Geographic Explorer, conservation scientist at the Oklahoma City Zoo and executive director of the Sri Lanka Elephant Project, discusses fostering coexistence between humans and elephants. Their stories reveal the critical importance of protecting the wild — and why it matters for all of us who share this planet.\n" "custom_fields" => array:32 [ "card_description" => array:1 [ …1] "current_airdate" => array:1 [ …1] "custom_related_post_list" => array:1 [ …1] "customize_related_posts" => array:1 [ …1] "episode" => array:1 [ …1] "feature_post_indicator" => array:1 [ …1] "featured_image" => array:24 [ …24] "formatted_current_airdate" => "March 25" "hero_description" => array:1 [ …1] "is_available" => true "listening_platform" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_amazon" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_apple" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_audacy" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_spotify" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_youtube" => array:1 [ …1] "meta_keywords" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaDescription" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImage" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImageAlt" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTitle" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTwitterImage" => array:1 [ …1] "open_graph_meta_video_url" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_summary" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_url" => array:1 [ …1] "runtime" => array:1 [ …1] "season" => array:1 [ …1] "season_name" => "Season 2" "thumbnail_image" => array:24 [ …24] "transcript" => array:1 [ …1] "updated_date" => array:1 [ …1] "use_experimentation" => array:1 [ …1] ] "date" => "2025-03-25 09:31:53" "excerpt" => "Every year, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) hosts its annual conference, bringing together zoo and aquarium professionals dedicated to wildlife conservation. In this episode, we hear stories from the conference. First, Ben Jones, vice president of conservation and education at the Houston Zoo, shares his mission to protect endangered mountain gorillas. Then, Dr. […]\n" "id" => 3973 "modified" => "2026-07-08 22:35:05" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "205" "slug" => "hope-for-the-wild-stories-from-the-aza-part-1" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:1 [ 0 => array:5 [ …5] ] "title" => "Hope for the Wild: Stories From the AZA, Part 1" "title_plain" => "Hope for the Wild: Stories From the AZA, Part 1" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2025-03-25 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/hope-for-the-wild-stories-from-the-aza-part-1/" ] 12 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:2 [ 0 => array:9 [ …9] 1 => array:9 [ …9] ] "author" => array:8 [ "description" => "" "first_name" => "Kristy" "id" => 1902 "last_name" => "Jaixen Krupa" "name" => "req76576" "nickname" => "Kristy" "slug" => "req76576" "url" => "" ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Fewer than 100 ocelots remain in the United States, making these rare wildcats incredibly difficult to study and protect. Filmmaker and wildlife biologist Ben Masters discusses the importance of documenting endangered species, and how his work has led him to capture rare footage of these elusive cats. He uncovers the many challenges ocelots face, from habitat loss to the struggle for visibility in conservation efforts, and why it’s crucial to continue fighting for their survival.\n Bonus track: Kristin Ulvestad from the Reid Park Zoo explains the important ecological role of songbirds and how the unique call of the Lucy’s warbler is a sure sign of spring.\n Watch this episode of <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/the-hidden-world-of-ocelots/9000414715" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, “The Hidden World of Ocelots” on NBC.com</a>, the NBC app or Peacock.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:30 [ "card_description" => array:1 [ …1] "custom_related_post_list" => array:1 [ …1] "customize_related_posts" => array:1 [ …1] "episode" => array:1 [ …1] "feature_post_indicator" => array:1 [ …1] "featured_image" => array:24 [ …24] "hero_description" => array:1 [ …1] "is_available" => true "listening_platform" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_amazon" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_apple" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_audacy" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_spotify" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_youtube" => array:1 [ …1] "meta_keywords" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaDescription" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImage" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImageAlt" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTitle" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTwitterImage" => array:1 [ …1] "open_graph_meta_video_url" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_summary" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_url" => array:1 [ …1] "runtime" => array:1 [ …1] "season" => array:1 [ …1] "season_name" => "Season 2" "thumbnail_image" => array:24 [ …24] "transcript" => array:1 [ …1] "updated_date" => array:1 [ …1] "use_experimentation" => array:1 [ …1] ] "date" => "2025-03-18 10:01:52" "excerpt" => "Fewer than 100 ocelots remain in the United States, making these rare wildcats incredibly difficult to study and protect. Filmmaker and wildlife biologist Ben Masters discusses the importance of documenting endangered species, and how his work has led him to capture rare footage of these elusive cats. He uncovers the many challenges ocelots face, from […]\n" "id" => 3955 "modified" => "2026-07-08 22:33:44" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "204" "slug" => "uncovering-the-elusive-ocelot" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:1 [ 0 => array:5 [ …5] ] "title" => "Uncovering the Elusive Ocelot" "title_plain" => "Uncovering the Elusive Ocelot" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2025-03-18 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/uncovering-the-elusive-ocelot/" ] 13 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:2 [ 0 => array:9 [ …9] 1 => array:9 [ …9] ] "author" => array:8 [ "description" => "" "first_name" => "Kristy" "id" => 1902 "last_name" => "Jaixen Krupa" "name" => "req76576" "nickname" => "Kristy" "slug" => "req76576" "url" => "" ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ With fewer than 360 North Atlantic right whales remaining in the wild, these incredible marine giants are critically endangered. In this episode, Orla O’Brien, scientist with the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium discusses this urgent wildlife crisis and the challenges facing this species. O’Brien explains why right whales are often overlooked — an “out of sight, out of mind” issue — and how innovative technology plays a crucial role in protecting them, offering hope for their future.\n Bonus track: Jeff Baughman of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo talks about a much smaller animal — but still one of North America’s most endangered amphibians — the Wyoming toad.\n Watch this episode of <a href="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/article/protecting-the-wild-in-california-mexico-and-more/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, “Safe Passage for Whales” on NBC.com</a>, the NBC app or Peacock.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:30 [ "card_description" => array:1 [ …1] "custom_related_post_list" => array:1 [ …1] "customize_related_posts" => array:1 [ …1] "episode" => array:1 [ …1] "feature_post_indicator" => array:1 [ …1] "featured_image" => array:24 [ …24] "hero_description" => array:1 [ …1] "is_available" => true "listening_platform" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_amazon" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_apple" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_audacy" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_spotify" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_youtube" => array:1 [ …1] "meta_keywords" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaDescription" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImage" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImageAlt" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTitle" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTwitterImage" => array:1 [ …1] "open_graph_meta_video_url" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_summary" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_url" => array:1 [ …1] "runtime" => array:1 [ …1] "season" => array:1 [ …1] "season_name" => "Season 2" "thumbnail_image" => array:24 [ …24] "transcript" => array:1 [ …1] "updated_date" => array:1 [ …1] "use_experimentation" => array:1 [ …1] ] "date" => "2025-03-11 08:37:41" "excerpt" => "With fewer than 360 North Atlantic right whales remaining in the wild, these incredible marine giants are critically endangered. In this episode, Orla O’Brien, scientist with the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium discusses this urgent wildlife crisis and the challenges facing this species. O’Brien explains why right whales are […]\n" "id" => 3942 "modified" => "2026-07-08 22:32:27" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "203" "slug" => "how-tech-can-save-right-whales" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:1 [ 0 => array:5 [ …5] ] "title" => "How Tech Can Save Right Whales" "title_plain" => "How Tech Can Save Right Whales" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2025-03-11 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/how-tech-can-save-right-whales/" ] 14 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:2 [ 0 => array:9 [ …9] 1 => array:9 [ …9] ] "author" => array:8 [ "description" => "" "first_name" => "" "id" => 4532 "last_name" => "" "name" => "req100870" "nickname" => "Katelyn" "slug" => "req100870" "url" => "" ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Every year, boat strikes injure and kill tens of thousands of manatees. In this episode, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant and Peter Gros explore the challenges these gentle mammals face in the wild and the ongoing efforts to protect them. Guest expert Dr. Claire Erlacher-Reid, senior staff veterinarian at SeaWorld Rescue, who specializes in marine mammal rehabilitation and rescue, discusses the threats manatees face, the critical work being done to help them and the wonderful experience of rehabilitating and releasing these magnificent animals back into the wild.\n Bonus track: Learn how a group of real-life mermaids are helping educate the public about the benefits of shark and ray conservation.\n Watch this episode of <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/gentle-giants/9000414725" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, “Gentle Giants,” on NBC.com</a>, the NBC app or Peacock.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:30 [ "card_description" => array:1 [ …1] "custom_related_post_list" => array:1 [ …1] "customize_related_posts" => array:1 [ …1] "episode" => array:1 [ …1] "feature_post_indicator" => array:1 [ …1] "featured_image" => array:24 [ …24] "hero_description" => array:1 [ …1] "is_available" => true "listening_platform" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_amazon" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_apple" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_audacy" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_spotify" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_youtube" => array:1 [ …1] "meta_keywords" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaDescription" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImage" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImageAlt" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTitle" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTwitterImage" => array:1 [ …1] "open_graph_meta_video_url" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_summary" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_url" => array:1 [ …1] "runtime" => array:1 [ …1] "season" => array:1 [ …1] "season_name" => "Season 2" "thumbnail_image" => array:24 [ …24] "transcript" => array:1 [ …1] "updated_date" => array:1 [ …1] "use_experimentation" => array:1 [ …1] ] "date" => "2025-03-04 08:00:21" "excerpt" => "Every year, boat strikes injure and kill tens of thousands of manatees. In this episode, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant and Peter Gros explore the challenges these gentle mammals face in the wild and the ongoing efforts to protect them. Guest expert Dr. Claire Erlacher-Reid, senior staff veterinarian at SeaWorld Rescue, who specializes in marine mammal rehabilitation […]\n" "id" => 3912 "modified" => "2026-07-08 22:30:49" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "202" "slug" => "a-manatees-journey-from-rescue-to-release" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:1 [ 0 => array:5 [ …5] ] "title" => "A Manatee’s Journey From Rescue to Release" "title_plain" => "A Manatee’s Journey From Rescue to Release" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2025-03-04 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/a-manatees-journey-from-rescue-to-release/" ] 15 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:2 [ 0 => array:9 [ …9] 1 => array:9 [ …9] ] "author" => array:8 [ "description" => "" "first_name" => "" "id" => 4532 "last_name" => "" "name" => "req100870" "nickname" => "Katelyn" "slug" => "req100870" "url" => "" ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/wild-kingdoms-storied-history-of-harpy-eagles" rel="noopener">The harpy eagle</a>, once feared in Panama for its massive size and powerful talons, has now soared to national hero status. Today, it’s celebrated as the country’s national bird. Wildlife expert Ron Magill chats about these incredible birds, how he helped bring the harpy eagle into the spotlight in Panama, and how original Wild Kingdom host Jim Fowler’s influence inspired him to become a zookeeper, shaping his lifelong dedication to wildlife conservation.\n Bonus track: Mary Ann Colley from Butterfly Pavilion talks about pollinators and the importance of invertebrate conservation. \n Watch this episode of <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, “The Most Powerful Predator in the Sky,” on NBC.com</a>, the NBC app or Peacock.\n  \n """ "custom_fields" => array:30 [ "card_description" => array:1 [ …1] "custom_related_post_list" => array:1 [ …1] "customize_related_posts" => array:1 [ …1] "episode" => array:1 [ …1] "feature_post_indicator" => array:1 [ …1] "featured_image" => array:24 [ …24] "hero_description" => array:1 [ …1] "is_available" => true "listening_platform" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_amazon" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_apple" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_audacy" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_spotify" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_youtube" => array:1 [ …1] "meta_keywords" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaDescription" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImage" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImageAlt" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTitle" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTwitterImage" => array:1 [ …1] "open_graph_meta_video_url" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_summary" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_url" => array:1 [ …1] "runtime" => array:1 [ …1] "season" => array:1 [ …1] "season_name" => "Season 2" "thumbnail_image" => array:24 [ …24] "transcript" => array:1 [ …1] "updated_date" => array:1 [ …1] "use_experimentation" => array:1 [ …1] ] "date" => "2025-02-25 09:40:54" "excerpt" => "The harpy eagle, once feared in Panama for its massive size and powerful talons, has now soared to national hero status. Today, it’s celebrated as the country’s national bird. Wildlife expert Ron Magill chats about these incredible birds, how he helped bring the harpy eagle into the spotlight in Panama, and how original Wild Kingdom […]\n" "id" => 3902 "modified" => "2026-07-08 22:50:23" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "201" "slug" => "how-the-harpy-eagle-united-a-nation" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:1 [ 0 => array:5 [ …5] ] "title" => "How the Harpy Eagle United a Nation" "title_plain" => "How the Harpy Eagle United a Nation" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2025-02-25 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/how-the-harpy-eagle-united-a-nation/" ] 16 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:1 [ 0 => array:9 [ …9] ] "author" => array:8 [ "description" => "" "first_name" => "" "id" => 4532 "last_name" => "" "name" => "req100870" "nickname" => "Katelyn" "slug" => "req100870" "url" => "" ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Dr. Rae and Peter chat with Dan Bailey, a bear biologist and conservationist, about his vital work on black bear monitoring and den research. Learn about the major threats they face from human activities and illegal hunting and how we can coexist with these remarkable creatures\n Watch Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild on NBC’s The More You Know programming block and <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild">NBC.com</a>.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:31 [ "card_description" => array:1 [ …1] "customize_related_posts" => array:1 [ …1] "description" => array:1 [ …1] "episode" => array:1 [ …1] "feature_post_indicator" => array:1 [ …1] "featured_image" => array:24 [ …24] "featured_image_url_small" => array:1 [ …1] "hero_description" => array:1 [ …1] "is_available" => true "listening_platform" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_amazon" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_apple" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_audacy" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_spotify" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_youtube" => array:1 [ …1] "meta_keywords" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaDescription" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImage" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImageAlt" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTitle" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTwitterImage" => array:1 [ …1] "open_graph_meta_video_url" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_summary" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_url" => array:1 [ …1] "runtime" => array:1 [ …1] "season" => array:1 [ …1] "season_name" => "Season 1" "thumbnail_image" => array:24 [ …24] "transcript" => array:1 [ …1] "updated_date" => array:1 [ …1] "use_experimentation" => array:1 [ …1] ] "date" => "2024-10-01 07:13:01" "excerpt" => "Dr. Rae and Peter chat with Dan Bailey, a bear biologist and conservationist, about his vital work on black bear monitoring and den research. Learn about the major threats they face from human activities and illegal hunting and how we can coexist with these remarkable creatures Watch Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild […]\n" "id" => 3599 "modified" => "2026-07-08 22:26:27" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "112" "slug" => "our-black-bear-neighbors" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:1 [ 0 => array:5 [ …5] ] "title" => "Our Black Bear Neighbors" "title_plain" => "Our Black Bear Neighbors" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2024-10-01 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/our-black-bear-neighbors/" ] 17 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:2 [ 0 => array:9 [ …9] 1 => array:9 [ …9] ] "author" => array:8 [ "description" => "" "first_name" => "" "id" => 4532 "last_name" => "" "name" => "req100870" "nickname" => "Katelyn" "slug" => "req100870" "url" => "" ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Over a hundred years ago, sea otters were hunted to near extinction for their fur. Peter and Dr. Rae chat with Megan Smylie, sea otter program manager at the Aquarium of the Pacific, about the incredible efforts to restore their population. Learn about the inspiring sea otter surrogacy program, where surrogate mothers Millie and Chloe nurture and train orphaned sea otter pups, teaching them essential survival skills before returning to the wild.\n See sea otters in action, including adorable sea otter pups, on the Season One episode of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/secret-life-of-sea-otters/9000363901" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Secret Life of Sea Otters.”</a>\n """ "custom_fields" => array:32 [ "card_description" => array:1 [ …1] "custom_related_post_list" => array:1 [ …1] "customize_related_posts" => array:1 [ …1] "description" => array:1 [ …1] "episode" => array:1 [ …1] "feature_post_indicator" => array:1 [ …1] "featured_image" => array:24 [ …24] "featured_image_url_small" => array:1 [ …1] "hero_description" => array:1 [ …1] "is_available" => true "listening_platform" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_amazon" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_apple" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_audacy" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_spotify" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_youtube" => array:1 [ …1] "meta_keywords" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaDescription" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImage" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImageAlt" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTitle" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTwitterImage" => array:1 [ …1] "open_graph_meta_video_url" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_summary" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_url" => array:1 [ …1] "runtime" => array:1 [ …1] "season" => array:1 [ …1] "season_name" => "Season 1" "thumbnail_image" => array:24 [ …24] "transcript" => array:1 [ …1] "updated_date" => array:1 [ …1] "use_experimentation" => array:1 [ …1] ] "date" => "2024-09-24 07:47:32" "excerpt" => "Over a hundred years ago, sea otters were hunted to near extinction for their fur. Peter and Dr. Rae chat with Megan Smylie, sea otter program manager at the Aquarium of the Pacific, about the incredible efforts to restore their population. Learn about the inspiring sea otter surrogacy program, where surrogate mothers Millie and Chloe […]\n" "id" => 3585 "modified" => "2026-07-08 22:23:24" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "111" "slug" => "sea-otter-surrogates" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:1 [ 0 => array:5 [ …5] ] "title" => "Sea Otter Surrogates" "title_plain" => "Sea Otter Surrogates" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2024-09-24 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/sea-otter-surrogates/" ] 18 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:2 [ 0 => array:9 [ …9] 1 => array:9 [ …9] ] "author" => array:8 [ "description" => "" "first_name" => "" "id" => 4532 "last_name" => "" "name" => "req100870" "nickname" => "Katelyn" "slug" => "req100870" "url" => "" ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/wolves-and-the-endangered-species-act">Wolves play a crucial role as keystone species,</a>, essential for maintaining the health and balance of ecosystems. In this episode, Peter and Dr. Rae chat with Regina Mossotti, Vice President of Animal Care at the Saint Louis Zoo, who discusses her deep commitment to wolf advocacy and dispels common myths about “big, bad wolves.”\n Watch the full episode of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/into-the-wolf-den/9000363899" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Into the Wolf Den”</a>.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:32 [ "card_description" => array:1 [ …1] "custom_related_post_list" => array:1 [ …1] "customize_related_posts" => array:1 [ …1] "description" => array:1 [ …1] "episode" => array:1 [ …1] "feature_post_indicator" => array:1 [ …1] "featured_image" => array:24 [ …24] "featured_image_url_small" => array:1 [ …1] "hero_description" => array:1 [ …1] "is_available" => true "listening_platform" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_amazon" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_apple" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_audacy" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_spotify" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_youtube" => array:1 [ …1] "meta_keywords" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaDescription" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImage" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImageAlt" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTitle" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTwitterImage" => array:1 [ …1] "open_graph_meta_video_url" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_summary" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_url" => array:1 [ …1] "runtime" => array:1 [ …1] "season" => array:1 [ …1] "season_name" => "Season 1" "thumbnail_image" => array:24 [ …24] "transcript" => array:1 [ …1] "updated_date" => array:1 [ …1] "use_experimentation" => array:1 [ …1] ] "date" => "2024-09-17 07:53:10" "excerpt" => "Wolves play a crucial role as keystone species,, essential for maintaining the health and balance of ecosystems. In this episode, Peter and Dr. Rae chat with Regina Mossotti, Vice President of Animal Care at the Saint Louis Zoo, who discusses her deep commitment to wolf advocacy and dispels common myths about “big, bad wolves.” Watch […]\n" "id" => 3532 "modified" => "2026-07-08 22:21:49" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "110" "slug" => "big-good-wolves" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:1 [ 0 => array:5 [ …5] ] "title" => "Big Good Wolves" "title_plain" => "Big Good Wolves" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2024-09-17 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/big-good-wolves/" ] 19 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:2 [ 0 => array:9 [ …9] 1 => array:9 [ …9] ] "author" => array:8 [ "description" => "" "first_name" => "" "id" => 4532 "last_name" => "" "name" => "req100870" "nickname" => "Katelyn" "slug" => "req100870" "url" => "" ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Zoos play a crucial role in wildlife survival, acting as research hubs and connecting people to the wonders of nature. In this episode, Dr. Rae and Peter chat with Patty Ihrig-Bueckendorf, a Saint Louis Zoo hellbender keeper, about the vital role zookeepers play in animal rehabilitation and species preservation. Ihrig-Bueckendorf shares her work with hellbender salamander — a species that’s been on the endangered species list since 2003 — highlighting the efforts to save these unique creatures.\n Learn <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/hellbender-conservation-success">more about the hellbender from the Saint Louis Zoo</a>, plus watch the full episode of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/raising-hellbenders/9000363892" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Raising Hellbenders”</a>.\n  \n """ "custom_fields" => array:31 [ "card_description" => array:1 [ …1] "customize_related_posts" => array:1 [ …1] "description" => array:1 [ …1] "episode" => array:1 [ …1] "feature_post_indicator" => array:1 [ …1] "featured_image" => array:24 [ …24] "featured_image_url_small" => array:1 [ …1] "hero_description" => array:1 [ …1] "is_available" => true "listening_platform" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_amazon" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_apple" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_audacy" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_spotify" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_youtube" => array:1 [ …1] "meta_keywords" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaDescription" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImage" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImageAlt" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTitle" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTwitterImage" => array:1 [ …1] "open_graph_meta_video_url" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_summary" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_url" => array:1 [ …1] "runtime" => array:1 [ …1] "season" => array:1 [ …1] "season_name" => "Season 1" "thumbnail_image" => array:24 [ …24] "transcript" => array:1 [ …1] "updated_date" => array:1 [ …1] "use_experimentation" => array:1 [ …1] ] "date" => "2024-09-10 08:00:13" "excerpt" => "Zoos play a crucial role in wildlife survival, acting as research hubs and connecting people to the wonders of nature. In this episode, Dr. Rae and Peter chat with Patty Ihrig-Bueckendorf, a Saint Louis Zoo hellbender keeper, about the vital role zookeepers play in animal rehabilitation and species preservation. Ihrig-Bueckendorf shares her work with hellbender […]\n" "id" => 3517 "modified" => "2026-07-08 22:19:36" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "109" "slug" => "a-day-in-the-life-of-a-zookeeper" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:1 [ 0 => array:5 [ …5] ] "title" => "A Day in the Life of a Zookeeper" "title_plain" => "A Day in the Life of a Zookeeper" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2024-09-10 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-zookeeper/" ] 2 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:4 [ 0 => array:9 [ …9] 1 => array:9 [ …9] 2 => array:9 [ …9] 3 => array:9 [ …9] ] "author" => array:8 [ "description" => "" "first_name" => "Kristy" "id" => 1902 "last_name" => "Jaixen Krupa" "name" => "req76576" "nickname" => "Kristy" "slug" => "req76576" "url" => "" ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ 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.\n <h2>Explore Bird Stories</h2>\n Discover more bird facts through Wild Kingdom videos and articles about North American songbirds, birds of prey and more.\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/your-guide-to-north-american-songbirds">Your Guide to North American Songbirds</a>\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-organizations-protect-north-american-songbirds">How Organizations Protect North American Songbirds</a>\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/10-tips-for-backyard-birding">10 Tips For Backyard Birding</a>\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/birds-of-a-feather">Birds of a Feather Episode</a>\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/birds-the-word-discover-birds-of-prey">Discover Birds of Prey</a>\n <h2>The Bird-Friendly Checklist Everyone Can Follow</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"></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=""> \n Show Transcript<img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.mutualofomaha.com/wildkingdom/v3/icons/explore/down_arrow_WK-reveal.svg" alt="arrow" /> \n </a></div>\n <div class="Accordion-panelBody">(lighthearted music) \n – Our Migratory Bird Center was founded in the 1990s, \n but the work for migratory bird conservation \n kind of started long before that. \n And in the 1980s, the person who then went on \n to kind of be the founder of the Migratory Bird Center, \n Dr. Russell Greenberg, he was noticing a decline \n in migratory songbird populations in North America. \n So if you think about, you know, 40 years ago, \n we’re in the ’80s and he’s noticing \n and trying to figure out sort of like, \n “Where are these birds going? \n I know they’re here in North America during part of the year \n and then they disappear and then sometimes they come back \n and sometimes they don’t.” \n And we’re starting to see fewer and fewer of these birds. \n So he kind of said, “All right, I’m going to try \n to figure out where it is that these birds are going.” \n He went down to Mexico to conduct a bit of research there \n and to try to see if he could find those same birds \n and figure out where it was that they were going \n when they left our areas in North America here. \n What he kind of found while he was down there \n was that there were lots and lots of birds \n in undisturbed forest. \n And he’s looking around, he’s trying to figure out, \n okay, what are the types of habitat that they’re utilizing? \n He was on one area of a valley and heard a lot of bird calls \n and things like that happening. \n And he looked over and it looked like an area \n that appeared to be sort of like an undisturbed forest. \n Went over to check it out, \n and what he realized is that it was a coffee farm. \n So there was coffee growing in the understory \n and then lots of native trees providing high shade \n for birds, really high-quality habitats \n and lots of this, you know, this area \n that effectively looked like a forest \n but was actually a coffee farm. \n And he said, “Hmm, this seems like this could be \n a really important habitat measure for migratory birds \n and providing a healthy over wintering habitat for them.” \n And so that kind of led to just this concept \n that coffee could be grown in a way that was friendly \n to birds and biodiversity. \n And that sort of went on to become \n the Smithsonian Bird Friendly certification program. \n – I mean, this is just such a serendipitous story, right? \n And I think probably the biggest shock to Dr. Greenberg \n was thinking he’s looking at what we’re saying, \n like pristine, untouched, you know, old growth forest, \n going in and actually seeing like, “Oh, this is a farm.” \n (chuckles) Who knew a farm could look like this? \n Because certainly in North America, we, \n at that time, didn’t have those examples. \n Many of us in the West are quite detached \n from the things we consume. \n Can you help me understand what does coffee look like? \n Like it’s apparently not a tree. (chuckles) \n How does coffee grow \n and how can that fit into a forest ecosystem? \n – So coffee is kind of like a shrub. \n When it’s ripe, it’s these nice, beautiful \n bright red cherries that kind of grow out \n on the coffee shrub itself. \n And the shrubs, they can get to be quite tall. \n And so they can grow in the understory. \n So coffee is a unique crop in that it is perfectly happy \n to grow under the shade of trees. \n And that’s actually how it was originally grown. \n And it was only actually up until the 1970s that coffee, \n most coffee was grown that way. \n And then around the ’70s, that’s when we saw the conversion \n of a lot of coffee farm from this agroforestry \n where there’s the agriculture kind of in the understory \n of the forest above to the removal of a lot of the trees \n and a lot of the, kind of the native plants \n and things like that that are in there \n to grow coffee in the sun instead. \n And there are a number of different reasons \n why that change kind of happened. \n There’s rising number of people who were drinking coffee \n and the governments are kind of saying, \n “Hey, we want to make sure that we can keep up \n with this demand.” \n And there was this idea that if you eliminated \n some of the shade trees, that you could, in theory, \n grow more coffee in that way, \n that the cherries would ripen faster \n and that that would be a higher yield \n for the producers there. \n There ended up being a big conversion of the way \n that coffee was grown from the agroforests, \n how it originally grew, into just this \n kind of clear cut monoculture where the coffee \n is just kind of baking in the sun \n and you’re just seeing rows and rows of crops \n and very little space for birds and biodiversity \n to coexist in that way. \n – So we have a scientist who traveled down with the team \n and discovered, okay, there is habitat fragmentation \n and habitat loss, but it looks like there’s also solutions \n at the same time. \n And then what stemmed from there? \n – What we ended up kind of seeing was, you know, \n when Dr. Greenberg came back and was trying to figure out, \n you know, what do we do with this information \n that we now have. \n So I now, you know, we have made this association \n that the agroforests can provide really high-quality habitat \n for birds and biodiversity. \n The question then became, how do we incentivize producers \n to grow their coffee in this way? \n So for those remaining folks that have kept \n this high-quality habitat on their land, \n how can we make it so that they feel \n there’s a reason for them to continue growing coffee \n in this way, how do we incentivize that? \n – And let me interrupt you here just for me to get a sense. \n Like tell me a little bit about the economics of this. \n Is it somehow like cheaper \n to do the monoculture where it’s just coffee? \n Is it somehow more expensive for landowners \n to continue with the polyculture? \n Like why would someone choose one over the other? \n – So for each individual farmer that can be a, \n or a landowner or producer, \n there’s different motivating factors, \n and it kind of boils down to how you want \n to sell your coffee. \n So there’s coffee that can be sold as specialty grade \n and that’s when we think about, \n you know, high quality, high-end specialty coffees \n versus your commodity coffee, which I kind of refer to \n as like your gas station coffee where it’s just like a mix \n of a bunch of beans and we’re not really sure \n where it’s coming from and maybe the qualities \n is a bit lower. \n So there’s a lot of different factors that can go into \n how a producer can sell their coffee \n and how much money they can get for it. \n So that was kind of what led to the creation \n of the Bird Friendly program was trying to find a way \n to provide this incentive for producers \n that they could get more money for their coffee. \n And Smithsonian will prove, we will vouch for them that, \n yes, this coffee is grown in a way \n that’s really good for birds. \n (uplifting music)</div>\n </div>\n </div>\n <h6></h6>\n 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. \n  \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  \n <h3>About Kirstin Hill</h3>\n 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.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:31 [ "card_description" => array:1 [ …1] "current_airdate" => array:1 [ …1] "customize_related_posts" => array:1 [ …1] "episode" => array:1 [ …1] "feature_post_indicator" => array:1 [ …1] "featured_image" => array:24 [ …24] "formatted_current_airdate" => "August 13" "hero_description" => array:1 [ …1] "is_available" => true "listening_platform" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_amazon" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_apple" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_audacy" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_spotify" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_youtube" => array:1 [ …1] "meta_keywords" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaDescription" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImage" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImageAlt" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTitle" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTwitterImage" => array:1 [ …1] "open_graph_meta_video_url" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_summary" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_url" => array:1 [ …1] "runtime" => array:1 [ …1] "season" => array:1 [ …1] "season_name" => "Season 3" "thumbnail_image" => array:24 [ …24] "transcript" => array:1 [ …1] "updated_date" => array:1 [ …1] "use_experimentation" => array:1 [ …1] ] "date" => "2025-07-01 13:28:59" "excerpt" => "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 […]\n" "id" => 4943 "modified" => "2026-08-10 17:54:12" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "302" "slug" => "how-coffee-is-bringing-songbrids-back" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:6 [ 0 => array:5 [ …5] 1 => array:5 [ …5] 2 => array:5 [ …5] 3 => array:5 [ …5] 4 => array:5 [ …5] 5 => array:5 [ …5] ] "title" => "How Coffee Is Bringing Songbirds Back" "title_plain" => "How Coffee Is Bringing Songbirds Back" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2026-08-06 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/how-coffee-is-bringing-songbrids-back/" ] 20 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:2 [ 0 => array:9 [ …9] 1 => array:9 [ …9] ] "author" => array:8 [ "description" => "" "first_name" => "" "id" => 4532 "last_name" => "" "name" => "req100870" "nickname" => "Katelyn" "slug" => "req100870" "url" => "" ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ For three months during nesting season, researchers relocate to Eastern Egg Rock Island to monitor and protect puffins. Peter and Dr. Rae sit down with Emma Lachance Linklater, a biologist who spent months living among the puffins on the remote island. Lachance Linklater shares her unforgettable experiences studying these precious seabirds and highlights the hard work and determination of field biologists committed to protecting and preserving wildlife.\n Watch the Protecting the Wild episode <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/puffin-island/9000363889" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Puffin Island”</a>.\n Want to see where it all began? Marlin Perkins visited the same island in the classic Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom episode, <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/classic-episodes/return-of-the-puffin">“Return of the Puffin.”</a>\n """ "custom_fields" => array:31 [ "card_description" => array:1 [ …1] "customize_related_posts" => array:1 [ …1] "description" => array:1 [ …1] "episode" => array:1 [ …1] "feature_post_indicator" => array:1 [ …1] "featured_image" => array:24 [ …24] "featured_image_url_small" => array:1 [ …1] "hero_description" => array:1 [ …1] "is_available" => true "listening_platform" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_amazon" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_apple" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_audacy" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_spotify" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_youtube" => array:1 [ …1] "meta_keywords" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaDescription" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImage" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImageAlt" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTitle" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTwitterImage" => array:1 [ …1] "open_graph_meta_video_url" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_summary" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_url" => array:1 [ …1] "runtime" => array:1 [ …1] "season" => array:1 [ …1] "season_name" => "Season 1" "thumbnail_image" => array:24 [ …24] "transcript" => array:1 [ …1] "updated_date" => array:1 [ …1] "use_experimentation" => array:1 [ …1] ] "date" => "2024-09-03 07:22:19" "excerpt" => "For three months during nesting season, researchers relocate to Eastern Egg Rock Island to monitor and protect puffins. Peter and Dr. Rae sit down with Emma Lachance Linklater, a biologist who spent months living among the puffins on the remote island. Lachance Linklater shares her unforgettable experiences studying these precious seabirds and highlights the hard […]\n" "id" => 3472 "modified" => "2026-07-08 22:17:49" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "108" "slug" => "the-fight-to-save-our-puffins" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:1 [ 0 => array:5 [ …5] ] "title" => "The Fight to Save Our Puffins" "title_plain" => "The Fight to Save Our Puffins" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2024-09-03 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/the-fight-to-save-our-puffins/" ] 21 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:2 [ 0 => array:9 [ …9] 1 => array:9 [ …9] ] "author" => array:8 [ "description" => "" "first_name" => "" "id" => 4532 "last_name" => "" "name" => "req100870" "nickname" => "Katelyn" "slug" => "req100870" "url" => "" ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Dr. Rae and Peter explore the challenges beavers face from habitat loss and human conflict with wildlife biologist, Molly Alves. Learn about the Tulalip Beaver Project and their efforts in relocating beavers from nuisance areas to places where their natural building skills create thriving, biodiverse ecosystems. Discover the incredible impact of these industrious creatures and the efforts to protect them.\n Learn more about <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/beaver-conservation-in-the-pacific-northwest">beaver conservation in the Pacific Northwest</a>, plus hear from the <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-the-tulalip-and-yurok-tribes-protect-wildlife">Tulalip and Yurok Tribes on how they’re making a meaningful impact on protecting beavers and condors</a>.\n Watch the Protecting the Wild episode <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/eager-beavers/9000363894" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Eager Beavers”</a>.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:31 [ "card_description" => array:1 [ …1] "customize_related_posts" => array:1 [ …1] "description" => array:1 [ …1] "episode" => array:1 [ …1] "feature_post_indicator" => array:1 [ …1] "featured_image" => array:24 [ …24] "featured_image_url_small" => array:1 [ …1] "hero_description" => array:1 [ …1] "is_available" => true "listening_platform" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_amazon" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_apple" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_audacy" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_spotify" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_youtube" => array:1 [ …1] "meta_keywords" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaDescription" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImage" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImageAlt" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTitle" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTwitterImage" => array:1 [ …1] "open_graph_meta_video_url" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_summary" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_url" => array:1 [ …1] "runtime" => array:1 [ …1] "season" => array:1 [ …1] "season_name" => "Season 1" "thumbnail_image" => array:24 [ …24] "transcript" => array:1 [ …1] "updated_date" => array:1 [ …1] "use_experimentation" => array:1 [ …1] ] "date" => "2024-08-27 07:41:34" "excerpt" => "Dr. Rae and Peter explore the challenges beavers face from habitat loss and human conflict with wildlife biologist, Molly Alves. Learn about the Tulalip Beaver Project and their efforts in relocating beavers from nuisance areas to places where their natural building skills create thriving, biodiverse ecosystems. Discover the incredible impact of these industrious creatures and […]\n" "id" => 3454 "modified" => "2026-07-08 22:16:07" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "107" "slug" => "our-ecosystem-engineers" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:1 [ 0 => array:5 [ …5] ] "title" => "Our Ecosystem Engineers" "title_plain" => "Our Ecosystem Engineers" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2024-08-27 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/our-ecosystem-engineers/" ] 22 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:2 [ 0 => array:9 [ …9] 1 => array:9 [ …9] ] "author" => array:8 [ "description" => "" "first_name" => "" "id" => 4532 "last_name" => "" "name" => "req100870" "nickname" => "Katelyn" "slug" => "req100870" "url" => "" ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Just over a decade ago, the native foxes of California’s Channel Islands were on the brink of extinction. In this episode, Peter and Dr. Rae are joined by Nadya Seal Faith, a conservation biologist from the Santa Barbara Zoo. They discuss her incredible work on the islands conserving these species and the pivotal role bald eagles played in restoring the ecosystem’s balance.\n Learn more about the Channel Island fox in <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/about-the-channel-island-fox">this informative (and cute) piece from our friends at the Santa Barbara Zoo</a>. Plus, did you know the Channel Island fox was <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/endangered-species-act">one of the first species to be listed as endangered since the Endangered Species Act</a> was signed into place?\n Watch the Protecting the Wild episode <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/the-lost-fox-of-the-channel-islands/9000363893" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“The Lost Fox of the Channel Islands”</a>.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:31 [ "card_description" => array:1 [ …1] "customize_related_posts" => array:1 [ …1] "description" => array:1 [ …1] "episode" => array:1 [ …1] "feature_post_indicator" => array:1 [ …1] "featured_image" => array:24 [ …24] "featured_image_url_small" => array:1 [ …1] "hero_description" => array:1 [ …1] "is_available" => true "listening_platform" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_amazon" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_apple" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_audacy" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_spotify" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_youtube" => array:1 [ …1] "meta_keywords" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaDescription" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImage" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImageAlt" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTitle" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTwitterImage" => array:1 [ …1] "open_graph_meta_video_url" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_summary" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_url" => array:1 [ …1] "runtime" => array:1 [ …1] "season" => array:1 [ …1] "season_name" => "Season 1" "thumbnail_image" => array:24 [ …24] "transcript" => array:1 [ …1] "updated_date" => array:1 [ …1] "use_experimentation" => array:1 [ …1] ] "date" => "2024-08-20 08:44:08" "excerpt" => "Just over a decade ago, the native foxes of California’s Channel Islands were on the brink of extinction. In this episode, Peter and Dr. Rae are joined by Nadya Seal Faith, a conservation biologist from the Santa Barbara Zoo. They discuss her incredible work on the islands conserving these species and the pivotal role bald […]\n" "id" => 3436 "modified" => "2026-07-08 22:14:08" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "106" "slug" => "a-fox-success-story" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:1 [ 0 => array:5 [ …5] ] "title" => "A Fox Success Story" "title_plain" => "A Fox Success Story" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2024-08-20 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/a-fox-success-story/" ] 23 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:1 [ 0 => array:9 [ …9] ] "author" => array:8 [ "description" => "" "first_name" => "" "id" => 4532 "last_name" => "" "name" => "req100870" "nickname" => "Katelyn" "slug" => "req100870" "url" => "" ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Across the United States, bats are under siege, facing numerous threats that endanger their populations. In this episode, Co-Hosts Dr. Rae and Peter are joined by Dr. Nate Fuller, a bat ecologist, to discuss the critical need to save these misunderstood creatures and what we can do to educate others about their importance to the environment.\n You can learn <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/experiencing-bat-conservation">more about bats from Bat Conservation International from this article</a>. Plus, learn about a <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/all-about-bats-with-mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom">bat’s role in nature and about some common misconceptions from Peter</a>.\n Watch the Protecting the Wild episode <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/the-bats-of-texas/9000363891" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“The Bats of Texas”</a>.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:31 [ "card_description" => array:1 [ …1] "customize_related_posts" => array:1 [ …1] "description" => array:1 [ …1] "episode" => array:1 [ …1] "feature_post_indicator" => array:1 [ …1] "featured_image" => array:24 [ …24] "featured_image_url_small" => array:1 [ …1] "hero_description" => array:1 [ …1] "is_available" => true "listening_platform" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_amazon" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_apple" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_audacy" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_spotify" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_youtube" => array:1 [ …1] "meta_keywords" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaDescription" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImage" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImageAlt" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTitle" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTwitterImage" => array:1 [ …1] "open_graph_meta_video_url" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_summary" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_url" => array:1 [ …1] "runtime" => array:1 [ …1] "season" => array:1 [ …1] "season_name" => "Season 1" "thumbnail_image" => array:24 [ …24] "transcript" => array:1 [ …1] "updated_date" => array:1 [ …1] "use_experimentation" => array:1 [ …1] ] "date" => "2024-08-13 08:00:34" "excerpt" => "Across the United States, bats are under siege, facing numerous threats that endanger their populations. In this episode, Co-Hosts Dr. Rae and Peter are joined by Dr. Nate Fuller, a bat ecologist, to discuss the critical need to save these misunderstood creatures and what we can do to educate others about their importance to the […]\n" "id" => 3408 "modified" => "2026-07-08 22:11:23" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "105" "slug" => "bats" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:1 [ 0 => array:5 [ …5] ] "title" => "Bats!" "title_plain" => "Bats!" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2024-08-13 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/bats/" ] 24 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:3 [ 0 => array:9 [ …9] 1 => array:9 [ …9] 2 => array:9 [ …9] ] "author" => array:8 [ "description" => "" "first_name" => "" "id" => 4532 "last_name" => "" "name" => "req100870" "nickname" => "Katelyn" "slug" => "req100870" "url" => "" ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Over the past 50 years, climate change, poor water quality and overfishing have devastated up to 60% of our kelp forest. Join Co-Hosts Peter and Dr. Rae as they uncover the vital importance of kelp forests with special guest Dr. Jennifer Adler, a renowned conservation photographer and underwater photojournalist. She shares her incredible experiences capturing the beauty and mystery of deep-water ecosystems and underwater sea caves.\n Watch the <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/the-forest-beneath-the-sea/9000363896" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Protecting the Wild episode that features kelp and Dr. Jennifer Adler, “The Forest Beneath the Sea”.</a>\n Plus, did you know sea otters are critical in helping save the sea kelp population? <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/secret-life-of-sea-otters/9000363901" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more about sea otters on another episode.</a>\n """ "custom_fields" => array:31 [ "card_description" => array:1 [ …1] "customize_related_posts" => array:1 [ …1] "description" => array:1 [ …1] "episode" => array:1 [ …1] "feature_post_indicator" => array:1 [ …1] "featured_image" => array:24 [ …24] "featured_image_url_small" => array:1 [ …1] "hero_description" => array:1 [ …1] "is_available" => true "listening_platform" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_amazon" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_apple" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_audacy" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_spotify" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_youtube" => array:1 [ …1] "meta_keywords" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaDescription" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImage" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImageAlt" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTitle" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTwitterImage" => array:1 [ …1] "open_graph_meta_video_url" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_summary" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_url" => array:1 [ …1] "runtime" => array:1 [ …1] "season" => array:1 [ …1] "season_name" => "Season 1" "thumbnail_image" => array:24 [ …24] "transcript" => array:1 [ …1] "updated_date" => array:1 [ …1] "use_experimentation" => array:1 [ …1] ] "date" => "2024-08-06 07:50:46" "excerpt" => "Over the past 50 years, climate change, poor water quality and overfishing have devastated up to 60% of our kelp forest. Join Co-Hosts Peter and Dr. Rae as they uncover the vital importance of kelp forests with special guest Dr. Jennifer Adler, a renowned conservation photographer and underwater photojournalist. She shares her incredible experiences capturing […]\n" "id" => 3391 "modified" => "2026-07-08 22:08:44" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "104" "slug" => "kelp-forest-photoshoot" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:1 [ 0 => array:5 [ …5] ] "title" => "Kelp Forest Photoshoot" "title_plain" => "Kelp Forest Photoshoot" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2024-08-06 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/kelp-forest-photoshoot/" ] 25 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:3 [ 0 => array:9 [ …9] 1 => array:9 [ …9] 2 => array:9 [ …9] ] "author" => array:8 [ "description" => "" "first_name" => "" "id" => 4532 "last_name" => "" "name" => "req100870" "nickname" => "Katelyn" "slug" => "req100870" "url" => "" ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ In this episode, we go on a journey through time and conservation with Peter and Dr. Rae as they talk with Jeff Ewelt, executive director of ZooMontana, about the remarkable resurgence of the black-footed ferret, believed extinct until 1981. They discuss special moments on the show like meeting the ferret clone Elizabeth Ann and releasing endangered ferrets into the wild at Hogg Ranch.\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/return-of-the-black-footed-ferret">Read more about conservation efforts for the black-footed ferret here</a>. Plus, do you know the <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/celebrating-national-ferret-day">differences between a black-footed ferret and a domestic ferret</a>?\n You can see Peter, Dr. Rae and Jeff in action with black-footed ferrets and the people working to save them on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild<a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/conservation-comeback/9000363908" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> “Conservation Comeback” .</a>\n """ "custom_fields" => array:31 [ "card_description" => array:1 [ …1] "customize_related_posts" => array:1 [ …1] "description" => array:1 [ …1] "episode" => array:1 [ …1] "feature_post_indicator" => array:1 [ …1] "featured_image" => array:24 [ …24] "featured_image_url_small" => array:1 [ …1] "hero_description" => array:1 [ …1] "is_available" => true "listening_platform" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_amazon" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_apple" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_audacy" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_spotify" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_youtube" => array:1 [ …1] "meta_keywords" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaDescription" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImage" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImageAlt" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTitle" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTwitterImage" => array:1 [ …1] "open_graph_meta_video_url" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_summary" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_url" => array:1 [ …1] "runtime" => array:1 [ …1] "season" => array:1 [ …1] "season_name" => "Season 1" "thumbnail_image" => array:24 [ …24] "transcript" => array:1 [ …1] "updated_date" => array:1 [ …1] "use_experimentation" => array:1 [ …1] ] "date" => "2024-07-30 07:30:59" "excerpt" => "In this episode, we go on a journey through time and conservation with Peter and Dr. Rae as they talk with Jeff Ewelt, executive director of ZooMontana, about the remarkable resurgence of the black-footed ferret, believed extinct until 1981. They discuss special moments on the show like meeting the ferret clone Elizabeth Ann and releasing […]\n" "id" => 3364 "modified" => "2026-07-08 22:52:46" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "103" "slug" => "clones" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:1 [ 0 => array:5 [ …5] ] "title" => "Clones" "title_plain" => "Clones" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2024-07-30 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/clones/" ] 26 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:3 [ 0 => array:9 [ …9] 1 => array:9 [ …9] 2 => array:9 [ …9] ] "author" => array:8 [ "description" => "" "first_name" => "" "id" => 4532 "last_name" => "" "name" => "req100870" "nickname" => "Katelyn" "slug" => "req100870" "url" => "" ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Have you heard the remarkable story of the mountain lion that roamed the Hollywood hills? In this episode, Peter and Dr. Rae sit down with Beth Pratt, wildlife advocate and author to discuss the enduring legacy of P-22, the iconic mountain lion who called Griffith Park in Los Angeles home. Together, they’ll touch on the pressing issue of habitat loss — one of the greatest threats to wildlife — and explore innovative solutions for coexisting with wildlife in our urban landscapes.\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/what-p-22-taught-us-about-urban-wildlife">Learn more about P-22 and what he taught us in this article.</a>\n Beth and P-22 were featured on an episode of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild<a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/urban-wildlife/9000363902" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> “Urban Wildlife”</a>.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:31 [ "card_description" => array:1 [ …1] "customize_related_posts" => array:1 [ …1] "description" => array:1 [ …1] "episode" => array:1 [ …1] "feature_post_indicator" => array:1 [ …1] "featured_image" => array:24 [ …24] "featured_image_url_small" => array:1 [ …1] "hero_description" => array:1 [ …1] "is_available" => true "listening_platform" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_amazon" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_apple" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_audacy" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_spotify" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_youtube" => array:1 [ …1] "meta_keywords" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaDescription" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImage" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImageAlt" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTitle" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTwitterImage" => array:1 [ …1] "open_graph_meta_video_url" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_summary" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_url" => array:1 [ …1] "runtime" => array:1 [ …1] "season" => array:1 [ …1] "season_name" => "Season 1" "thumbnail_image" => array:24 [ …24] "transcript" => array:1 [ …1] "updated_date" => array:1 [ …1] "use_experimentation" => array:1 [ …1] ] "date" => "2024-07-23 08:05:04" "excerpt" => "Have you heard the remarkable story of the mountain lion that roamed the Hollywood hills? In this episode, Peter and Dr. Rae sit down with Beth Pratt, wildlife advocate and author to discuss the enduring legacy of P-22, the iconic mountain lion who called Griffith Park in Los Angeles home. Together, they’ll touch on the […]\n" "id" => 3339 "modified" => "2026-07-08 19:59:01" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "102" "slug" => "the-most-famous-cougar-in-the-world" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:1 [ 0 => array:5 [ …5] ] "title" => "The Most Famous Cougar in the World" "title_plain" => "The Most Famous Cougar in the World" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2024-07-23 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/the-most-famous-cougar-in-the-world/" ] 27 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:2 [ 0 => array:9 [ …9] 1 => array:9 [ …9] ] "author" => array:8 [ "description" => "" "first_name" => "" "id" => 4532 "last_name" => "" "name" => "req100870" "nickname" => "Katelyn" "slug" => "req100870" "url" => "" ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Dive into the depths of Southern California’s waters with Peter and Dr. Rae as they chat with Carlos Gauna, an expert drone operator and shark photographer, where he discusses how his videos can impact our understanding of misrepresented animals like sharks. Carlos recounts thrilling tales from his time on the show — including a heart-pounding moment when the hope of spotting a shark seemed completely lost.\n Interested in more on sharks? <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/mysteries-of-the-great-white/9000363906" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch the Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild episode, “Mysteries of the Great White”.</a>\n """ "custom_fields" => array:31 [ "card_description" => array:1 [ …1] "customize_related_posts" => array:1 [ …1] "description" => array:1 [ …1] "episode" => array:1 [ …1] "feature_post_indicator" => array:1 [ …1] "featured_image" => array:24 [ …24] "featured_image_url_small" => array:1 [ …1] "hero_description" => array:1 [ …1] "is_available" => true "listening_platform" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_amazon" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_apple" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_audacy" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_spotify" => array:1 [ …1] "listening_platform_youtube" => array:1 [ …1] "meta_keywords" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaDescription" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImage" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaImageAlt" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTitle" => array:1 [ …1] "openGraphMetaTwitterImage" => array:1 [ …1] "open_graph_meta_video_url" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_summary" => array:1 [ …1] "podcast_url" => array:1 [ …1] "runtime" => array:1 [ …1] "season" => array:1 [ …1] "season_name" => "Season 1" "thumbnail_image" => array:24 [ …24] "transcript" => array:1 [ …1] "updated_date" => array:1 [ …1] "use_experimentation" => array:1 [ …1] ] "date" => "2024-07-16 07:31:58" "excerpt" => "Dive into the depths of Southern California’s waters with Peter and Dr. Rae as they chat with Carlos Gauna, an expert drone operator and shark photographer, where he discusses how his videos can impact our understanding of misrepresented animals like sharks. Carlos recounts thrilling tales from his time on the show — including a heart-pounding […]\n" "id" => 3331 "modified" => "2026-07-08 19:56:18" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "101" "slug" => "sharks" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:1 [ 0 => array:5 [ …5] ] "title" => "Sharks!" "title_plain" => "Sharks!" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2024-07-16 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/sharks/" ] 3 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:3 [ 0 => array:9 [ …9] 1 => array:9 [ …9] 2 => array:9 [ …9] ] "author" => array:8 [ "description" => "" "first_name" => "Taylor" "id" => 3446 "last_name" => "Scott-Rohrer" …4 ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ In the 1970s, the green sea turtle was vanishing. Poaching, egg harvesting and habitat loss had crashed global numbers by 67%, landing one of the ocean’s most treasured wild animals on the endangered species list. Extinction had become a genuine possibility. \n In the first episode of Back From the Brink, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant sits down with wildlife biologist and TV host Jeff Corwin to unpack green sea turtle’s incredible comeback. After over 30 years of working with sea turtles around the world, Jeff has watched a critically endangered species he once feared we’d lose become, against all odds, an environmental conservation success. It’s a surprising story — told by one of television’s most passionate conservationists. \n <h3>Explore Sea Turtle Stories </h3>\n Discover more sea turtle facts through Wild Kingdom videos and articles about turtle conservation, rescue and rehabilitation. \n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/sea-turtle-stranding-brings-organizations-together-for-rescue">Sea Turtle Stranding Brings Organizations Together for Rescue</a> \n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/manatee-and-sea-turtle-conservation">Manatee and Sea Turtle Conservation</a> \n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/reef-revival">Reef Revival Episode</a> \n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/celebrating-world-sea-turtle-day">Celebrating World Sea Turtle Day</a> \n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/why-do-some-species-migrate">Why Do Some Species Migrate?</a> \n <h3>The Green Sea Turtle’s Hidden Life Cycle</h3>\n <div class="iframe-video"><iframe loading="lazy" title="The Green Sea Turtles's Hidden Life Cycle" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0zRghzwDh0w" width="1263" height="710" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>\n <div class="Accordion Container">\n <div id="turtle-video-transcript" class="Accordion-panel">\n <div class="Accordion-panelHeader"><a class="Accordion-panelTrigger" href="#turtle-video-transcript" data-accordion-trigger=""> \n Show Transcript<img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.mutualofomaha.com/wildkingdom/v3/icons/explore/down_arrow_WK-reveal.svg" alt="arrow" /> \n </a></div>\n <div class="Accordion-panelBody">\n [Rae] Walk me through that life cycle from where it’s born.\n [Jeff] Yeah, so when the sea turtle, when the mom, she comes out and she excavates that nest out to deposit her eggs and she may during that season, she’ll do multiple nests. She’ll do like a decoy nest to do kind of sloppy that kind of fool the animals.\n Oh, clever.\n The idea is you do multiple nests so your entire clutch isn’t lost. And then, you know, she’s laying between 30 and 70 eggs.\n [Rae] Okay.\n Little bigger than a ping pong ball. And then she goes back to sea. When she comes out to nest, she is nesting on the very beach where she was born.\n Amazing.\n Where her life began. And she is the only time a sea turtle, for the most part, with few places like Hawaii will have this phenomenon of sea turtles that actually will sleep in the beach, most sea turtles become plagic. A sea turtle born that hatches out on Florida may find its way, we’ve tracked them to the coast of Africa.\n [Rae] Oh my gosh.\n [Jeff] Sea turtles from Africa have shown up beating in the horn of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.\n [Interviewer] Incredible.\n So they are incredibly adaptive of using the ocean’s currents to go from A to B or go from the new world to the old world.\n And we can find them in all of the oceans essentially, right?\n We even have some sea turtles that go into the Arctic.\n What?\n Think of sea turtles as being cold blooded and not being warm blooded, being endothermic, but they are the only turtle that is megathermic because they are so big they are like their own, they’re a closed loop energy system. So the nest is laid there and she will go back to sea and only the females will come out. Males will spend their whole lives in the ocean.\n At sea, isn’t that something?\n And when they hatch out, you know, if they’re lucky enough, if they’re that one in 10,000 that survive the flood, that survive that high tide, that survive the coyotes of the raccoons, that survive the ghost crabs and all the fish that will eat them, then they’ll come back 20 years later. It will take two decades for that mom to come to the beach, excavate that nest out and bring that next generation in. So that’s kind of how the cycle works.\n The recovery of the green sea turtle didn’t happen by accident, it happened because people decided it would. But the threats that nearly wiped them out haven’t disappeared and some new ones have arrived.\n So green sea turtles were listed on the endangered species list. And that made a big difference at least in the US and in North America in their protection. And you know, and I think it also made a difference worldwide.\n It did because they were protected internationally. The IUCN and other groups and there was a tremendous-. There’s still places where people eat green turtles and other sea turtles. The green turtle is the one that’s actually eaten the most. People don’t eat leatherbacks.\n And they’re eating this green meat.\n Yeah.\n I can’t get over that.\n That’s what they say is, I’ve been to places where I’ve seen it being cooked in the streets of Indonesia and other places. But that was the most hunted sea turtle. They would hunt them for their eggs. And sometimes they would just literally get them all on board, cut them open, remove the eggs. And you look at those old National Geographic photos and you don’t really see that anymore. But they still face future challenges. One is a warming world.\n Yeah.\n And how do we combat that? And the other are plastics.\n Okay, talk to me about plastics in the ocean.\n Yeah, we dump 10 billion pounds of plastics every year into our oceans. And you can see that as blue as a beautiful bluebird morning in New England. I’ve been to the Trash Pacific Gyre and I’ve seen that and where you see something that looks like an island that is hundreds of miles in size of this gyro of trash that has all come together. And there are places where beautiful, Bali for example, you go there and they have to every day, because people have spent all this money to be a tourist in beautiful Bali, they have to come in with excavators and front end loaders every morning just to clean the trash off the beach. And that is a preventable thing. It is something we could mitigate. So that’s the good news. If we decided, we could eliminate almost all of the plastic trash that goes into our oceans, there’s a way we could manage that. But it’s been documented that one like big landscape plastic bag, you know, those plastic bags that’s really tough, can kill five individual sea turtles\n [Rae] Just one.\n Before it’s broken up enough into little pieces that it could pass through. And I have been to so many sea turtle hospitals where that is it. So you have them eating plastics, and then off Florida boat strikes, big problem. And then they have diseases that may be the result of climate change, may be the result of pollution. It’s a papilloma type virus where they get these tumors and they’ll often get them in and they’ll remove the tumors and stuff. So they have challenges. But overall, I don’t like to look at things as good news or success, I would say it’s a promising story.\n Okay.\n It’s a hopeful story. We are at a place of uncertainty and hope with green sea turtles and all the other sea turtles that we have out there. But I would argue we are there where we have this out of sight, out of mind, oh, we fixed it.\n Sure.\n We live in a world now where, whether you like it or not, in the last century, humankind has consumed 70 to 80% of all our planet’s nature. We, whether we like it or not, have been given this responsibility to be our planet stewards. And that is something that will always require vigilancy. (soft music)\n </div>\n </div>\n </div>\n A sea turtle hatchling has a one-in-10,000 shot at survival. And if it beats those odds, it won’t return to nest for another two decades. In this episodette, Jeff Corwin walks Dr. Rae through the green sea turtle’s remarkable life cycle, from decoy nests to transoceanic migration. Then he turns to the threats still facing the species today: 10 billion pounds of plastic dumped into the ocean every year, boat strikes, disease and a planet where humankind has consumed 70%–80% of nature in the last century. It’s not a fixed problem — it’s an ongoing one. \n <div class="iframe-portrait"><iframe loading="lazy" title="turtle-video-social" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4EGtKCuOJrc" width="488" height="867" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>\n <h4>About Jeff Corwin </h4>\n Jeff Corwin is a wildlife biologist, conservationist and an Emmy Award–winning producer and host of more than a dozen television series that have been broadcast in more than 100 countries. His shows are featured on networks including Discovery, Animal Planet, Disney, the Food Network, NBC, CNN and Travel Channel. Corwin holds Bachelor of Science degrees in biology and anthropology from Bridgewater State College and a Master of Science degree in wildlife and fisheries conservation from the University of Massachusetts. He’s the founder of the EcoZone, an interactive museum in Norwell, Massachusetts. When not in the field, Corwin resides with his wife and two daughters on a small island off the southeastern coast of Massachusetts. \n """ "custom_fields" => array:31 [ …31] "date" => "2026-07-08 21:11:49" "excerpt" => "In the 1970s, the green sea turtle was vanishing. Poaching, egg harvesting and habitat loss had crashed global numbers by 67%, landing one of the ocean’s most treasured wild animals on the endangered species list. Extinction had become a genuine possibility. In the first episode of Back From the Brink, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant sits down with wildlife biologist and TV host Jeff Corwin […]\n" "id" => 4912 "modified" => "2026-08-20 12:08:04" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "301" "slug" => "the-green-sea-turtles-impossible-comeback" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:6 [ …6] "title" => "The Green Sea Turtle’s Impossible Comeback" "title_plain" => "The Green Sea Turtle’s Impossible Comeback" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2026-07-23 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/the-green-sea-turtles-impossible-comeback/" ] 4 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:26 [ …26] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Conversations of squeaks, whistles and buzzes are an important way that beluga whales communicate in the dark depths of the ocean. In this episode, Dr. Kristin Westdal of Oceans North chats about her groundbreaking research of beluga behaviors and how noise pollution in the water can impact these beautiful mammals. She shares some unforgettable moments of up-close encounters with belugas while kayaking in the frigid waters near Churchill, Manitoba.\n Bonus track: Sunny Nelson from Lincoln Park Zoo shares her journey researching the beautiful, and nearly extinct, Bali Myna, a rare bird found only in Bali, Indonesia.\n Watch <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/canaries-of-the-sea/9000414730" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Canaries of the Sea” on NBC.com</a>.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:29 [ …29] "date" => "2025-05-13 10:55:28" "excerpt" => "Conversations of squeaks, whistles and buzzes are an important way that beluga whales communicate in the dark depths of the ocean. In this episode, Dr. Kristin Westdal of Oceans North chats about her groundbreaking research of beluga behaviors and how noise pollution in the water can impact these beautiful mammals. She shares some unforgettable moments […]\n" "id" => 4142 "modified" => "2026-07-08 22:47:57" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "212" "slug" => "the-sounds-of-beluga-whales" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:1 [ …1] "title" => "The Sounds of Beluga Whales" "title_plain" => "The Sounds of Beluga Whales" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2025-05-13 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/the-sounds-of-beluga-whales/" ] 5 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:2 [ …2] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ As climate change rapidly melts Arctic sea ice, polar bears could face near extinction by the end of the century. But thanks to the work of dedicated conservationists, there’s hope. In this episode, Nikki Smith, curator at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, shares her mission to help save polar bears in the wild and secure the future of this incredible species. She discusses the many challenges they face, from rising temperatures disrupting their breeding and growth to surviving in extreme freezing conditions and how the zoo’s breeding program is essential for the survival of this species.\n Bonus track: Jennica King at Sedgwick County Zoo shares how the zoo’s efforts gave two orphaned bears a second chance — not just to survive, but to thrive.\n <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/on-thin-ice/9000414720" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch “On Thin Ice” on NBC.com</a>.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:30 [ …30] "date" => "2025-05-06 09:32:46" "excerpt" => "As climate change rapidly melts Arctic sea ice, polar bears could face near extinction by the end of the century. But thanks to the work of dedicated conservationists, there’s hope. In this episode, Nikki Smith, curator at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, shares her mission to help save polar bears in the wild and secure […]\n" "id" => 4113 "modified" => "2026-07-08 22:46:46" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "211" "slug" => "the-incredible-resilience-of-polar-bears" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:1 [ …1] "title" => "The Incredible Resilience of Polar Bears" "title_plain" => "The Incredible Resilience of Polar Bears" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2025-05-06 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/the-incredible-resilience-of-polar-bears/" ] 6 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:2 [ …2] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Bison may no longer be on the brink of extinction, but their journey is far from over. With dwindling genetic diversity and the absence of natural selection, these prairie ecosystem engineers are not as wild as they once were. In this episode, Dr. Daniel Kinka, director of rewilding at American Prairie, shares the story of bison — from their near extinction due to westward expansion to their return to the plains. We also learn why bison rewilding is essential to restoring biodiversity and ensuring the prairie thrives for generations to come.\n Bonus track: Jen Osburn Eliot at Oregon Zoo shares how it’s helping Northwestern pond turtles grow strong in a program that raises and releases them back into the wild.\n Watch <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/rewilding-the-american-prairie/9000414728" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Rewilding the American Prairie” on NBC.com</a>.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:30 [ …30] "date" => "2025-04-29 16:36:14" "excerpt" => "Bison may no longer be on the brink of extinction, but their journey is far from over. With dwindling genetic diversity and the absence of natural selection, these prairie ecosystem engineers are not as wild as they once were. In this episode, Dr. Daniel Kinka, director of rewilding at American Prairie, shares the story of […]\n" "id" => 4098 "modified" => "2026-07-08 22:44:32" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "210" "slug" => "restoring-the-bison-reviving-the-prairie" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:1 [ …1] "title" => "Restoring the Bison, Reviving the Prairie" "title_plain" => "Restoring the Bison, Reviving the Prairie" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2025-04-29 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/restoring-the-bison-reviving-the-prairie/" ] 7 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:2 [ …2] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ The Bahamas stands as the only nation in the world to establish a shark sanctuary encompassing its entire marine environment. In this episode, we speak with Bahamian biologist and passionate shark advocate, Candace Fields, on why sharks are the true guardians of our oceans, highlighting their essential role in maintaining the vibrant underwater landscapes of coral reefs. She discusses how we can change the common misconceptions about sharks in the media, helping people learn to admire, not fear, these ocean superheroes.\n Bonus track: Dr. Rory Telemeco of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo shares how collaborative conservation efforts are restoring the Blunt-nosed leopard lizard to the landscape to preserve this nearly extinct species.\n Watch <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/a-world-without-sharks/9000414722" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“A World Without Sharks”</a> on NBC.com.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:30 [ …30] "date" => "2025-04-22 09:00:05" "excerpt" => "The Bahamas stands as the only nation in the world to establish a shark sanctuary encompassing its entire marine environment. In this episode, we speak with Bahamian biologist and passionate shark advocate, Candace Fields, on why sharks are the true guardians of our oceans, highlighting their essential role in maintaining the vibrant underwater landscapes of […]\n" "id" => 4072 "modified" => "2026-07-08 22:41:27" "screenreader_text" => null "seasonEpisodeShort" => "209" "slug" => "sharks-guardians-of-our-oceans" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:1 [ …1] "title" => "Sharks: Guardians of Our Oceans" "title_plain" => "Sharks: Guardians of Our Oceans" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2025-04-22 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/sharks-guardians-of-our-oceans/" ] 8 => array:22 [ "attachments" => array:2 [ …2] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ For seven years, North American zoos saw no coati births, leaving their population shrouded in uncertainty. But at Brevard Zoo in Florida, a groundbreaking milestone changed everything — welcoming the first coati litter in nearly a decade. Lauren Hinson, director of animal programs and coati studbook keeper, takes us behind the scenes of this incredible journey. From the challenges of understanding this species to the joy of seeing new life thrive, she reveals what it took to make this conservation success story a reality, and why it matters now more than ever.\n Bonus track: Lisa Faust of Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo introduces us to the critically endangered Puerto Rican parrot, a remarkable bird that is on the brink of a comeback!\n <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/coati-comeback/9000414711" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch “Coati Comeback” on NBC.com</a>.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:30 [ …30] "date" => "2025-04-15 09:00:33" "excerpt" => "For seven years, North American zoos saw no coati births, leaving their population shrouded in uncertainty. But at Brevard Zoo in Florida, a groundbreaking milestone changed everything — welcoming the first coati litter in nearly a decade. 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In this episode, Kelly Link, a biologist at the Georgia Aquarium, recounts her up close and personal adventures with these filter feeders, including an incredible 33-hour-mission to bring two whale sharks to safety in Atlanta. She dives into the urgent need for whale shark conservation as their global population continues to decline and many of their behaviors in the wild remain a mystery.\n Bonus track: From bears to frogs, countless animals are at risk due to habitat loss. Learn how Darren Minier and Isabella Linares of the Oakland Zoo are stepping up to rescue and protect wildlife in need.\n <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/the-biggest-fish-on-earth/9000414718" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch “The Biggest Fish on Earth” on NBC.com</a>.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:30 [ …30] "date" => "2025-04-08 08:30:21" "excerpt" => "Whale sharks face a constant threat from hunting, with thousands killed each year for their fins. In this episode, Kelly Link, a biologist at the Georgia Aquarium, recounts her up close and personal adventures with these filter feeders, including an incredible 33-hour-mission to bring two whale sharks to safety in Atlanta. 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"req91258" "nickname" => "Taylor" "slug" => "req91258" "url" => "" ] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ In the 1970s, the green sea turtle was vanishing. Poaching, egg harvesting and habitat loss had crashed global numbers by 67%, landing one of the ocean’s most treasured wild animals on the endangered species list. Extinction had become a genuine possibility. \n In the first episode of Back From the Brink, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant sits down with wildlife biologist and TV host Jeff Corwin to unpack green sea turtle’s incredible comeback. After over 30 years of working with sea turtles around the world, Jeff has watched a critically endangered species he once feared we’d lose become, against all odds, an environmental conservation success. It’s a surprising story — told by one of television’s most passionate conservationists. \n <h3>Explore Sea Turtle Stories </h3>\n Discover more sea turtle facts through Wild Kingdom videos and articles about turtle conservation, rescue and rehabilitation. \n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/sea-turtle-stranding-brings-organizations-together-for-rescue">Sea Turtle Stranding Brings Organizations Together for Rescue</a> \n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/manatee-and-sea-turtle-conservation">Manatee and Sea Turtle Conservation</a> \n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/reef-revival">Reef Revival Episode</a> \n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/celebrating-world-sea-turtle-day">Celebrating World Sea Turtle Day</a> \n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/why-do-some-species-migrate">Why Do Some Species Migrate?</a> \n <h3>The Green Sea Turtle’s Hidden Life Cycle</h3>\n <div class="iframe-video"><iframe loading="lazy" title="The Green Sea Turtles's Hidden Life Cycle" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0zRghzwDh0w" width="1263" height="710" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>\n <div class="Accordion Container">\n <div id="turtle-video-transcript" class="Accordion-panel">\n <div class="Accordion-panelHeader"><a class="Accordion-panelTrigger" href="#turtle-video-transcript" data-accordion-trigger=""> \n Show Transcript<img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.mutualofomaha.com/wildkingdom/v3/icons/explore/down_arrow_WK-reveal.svg" alt="arrow" /> \n </a></div>\n <div class="Accordion-panelBody">\n [Rae] Walk me through that life cycle from where it’s born.\n [Jeff] Yeah, so when the sea turtle, when the mom, she comes out and she excavates that nest out to deposit her eggs and she may during that season, she’ll do multiple nests. She’ll do like a decoy nest to do kind of sloppy that kind of fool the animals.\n Oh, clever.\n The idea is you do multiple nests so your entire clutch isn’t lost. And then, you know, she’s laying between 30 and 70 eggs.\n [Rae] Okay.\n Little bigger than a ping pong ball. And then she goes back to sea. When she comes out to nest, she is nesting on the very beach where she was born.\n Amazing.\n Where her life began. And she is the only time a sea turtle, for the most part, with few places like Hawaii will have this phenomenon of sea turtles that actually will sleep in the beach, most sea turtles become plagic. A sea turtle born that hatches out on Florida may find its way, we’ve tracked them to the coast of Africa.\n [Rae] Oh my gosh.\n [Jeff] Sea turtles from Africa have shown up beating in the horn of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.\n [Interviewer] Incredible.\n So they are incredibly adaptive of using the ocean’s currents to go from A to B or go from the new world to the old world.\n And we can find them in all of the oceans essentially, right?\n We even have some sea turtles that go into the Arctic.\n What?\n Think of sea turtles as being cold blooded and not being warm blooded, being endothermic, but they are the only turtle that is megathermic because they are so big they are like their own, they’re a closed loop energy system. So the nest is laid there and she will go back to sea and only the females will come out. Males will spend their whole lives in the ocean.\n At sea, isn’t that something?\n And when they hatch out, you know, if they’re lucky enough, if they’re that one in 10,000 that survive the flood, that survive that high tide, that survive the coyotes of the raccoons, that survive the ghost crabs and all the fish that will eat them, then they’ll come back 20 years later. It will take two decades for that mom to come to the beach, excavate that nest out and bring that next generation in. So that’s kind of how the cycle works.\n The recovery of the green sea turtle didn’t happen by accident, it happened because people decided it would. But the threats that nearly wiped them out haven’t disappeared and some new ones have arrived.\n So green sea turtles were listed on the endangered species list. And that made a big difference at least in the US and in North America in their protection. And you know, and I think it also made a difference worldwide.\n It did because they were protected internationally. The IUCN and other groups and there was a tremendous-. There’s still places where people eat green turtles and other sea turtles. The green turtle is the one that’s actually eaten the most. People don’t eat leatherbacks.\n And they’re eating this green meat.\n Yeah.\n I can’t get over that.\n That’s what they say is, I’ve been to places where I’ve seen it being cooked in the streets of Indonesia and other places. But that was the most hunted sea turtle. They would hunt them for their eggs. And sometimes they would just literally get them all on board, cut them open, remove the eggs. And you look at those old National Geographic photos and you don’t really see that anymore. But they still face future challenges. One is a warming world.\n Yeah.\n And how do we combat that? And the other are plastics.\n Okay, talk to me about plastics in the ocean.\n Yeah, we dump 10 billion pounds of plastics every year into our oceans. And you can see that as blue as a beautiful bluebird morning in New England. I’ve been to the Trash Pacific Gyre and I’ve seen that and where you see something that looks like an island that is hundreds of miles in size of this gyro of trash that has all come together. And there are places where beautiful, Bali for example, you go there and they have to every day, because people have spent all this money to be a tourist in beautiful Bali, they have to come in with excavators and front end loaders every morning just to clean the trash off the beach. And that is a preventable thing. It is something we could mitigate. So that’s the good news. If we decided, we could eliminate almost all of the plastic trash that goes into our oceans, there’s a way we could manage that. But it’s been documented that one like big landscape plastic bag, you know, those plastic bags that’s really tough, can kill five individual sea turtles\n [Rae] Just one.\n Before it’s broken up enough into little pieces that it could pass through. And I have been to so many sea turtle hospitals where that is it. So you have them eating plastics, and then off Florida boat strikes, big problem. And then they have diseases that may be the result of climate change, may be the result of pollution. It’s a papilloma type virus where they get these tumors and they’ll often get them in and they’ll remove the tumors and stuff. So they have challenges. But overall, I don’t like to look at things as good news or success, I would say it’s a promising story.\n Okay.\n It’s a hopeful story. We are at a place of uncertainty and hope with green sea turtles and all the other sea turtles that we have out there. But I would argue we are there where we have this out of sight, out of mind, oh, we fixed it.\n Sure.\n We live in a world now where, whether you like it or not, in the last century, humankind has consumed 70 to 80% of all our planet’s nature. We, whether we like it or not, have been given this responsibility to be our planet stewards. And that is something that will always require vigilancy. (soft music)\n </div>\n </div>\n </div>\n A sea turtle hatchling has a one-in-10,000 shot at survival. And if it beats those odds, it won’t return to nest for another two decades. In this episodette, Jeff Corwin walks Dr. Rae through the green sea turtle’s remarkable life cycle, from decoy nests to transoceanic migration. Then he turns to the threats still facing the species today: 10 billion pounds of plastic dumped into the ocean every year, boat strikes, disease and a planet where humankind has consumed 70%–80% of nature in the last century. It’s not a fixed problem — it’s an ongoing one. \n <div class="iframe-portrait"><iframe loading="lazy" title="turtle-video-social" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4EGtKCuOJrc" width="488" height="867" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>\n <h4>About Jeff Corwin </h4>\n Jeff Corwin is a wildlife biologist, conservationist and an Emmy Award–winning producer and host of more than a dozen television series that have been broadcast in more than 100 countries. His shows are featured on networks including Discovery, Animal Planet, Disney, the Food Network, NBC, CNN and Travel Channel. Corwin holds Bachelor of Science degrees in biology and anthropology from Bridgewater State College and a Master of Science degree in wildlife and fisheries conservation from the University of Massachusetts. He’s the founder of the EcoZone, an interactive museum in Norwell, Massachusetts. When not in the field, Corwin resides with his wife and two daughters on a small island off the southeastern coast of Massachusetts. \n """ "custom_fields" => array:31 [ "card_description" => array:1 [ 0 => "Fifty years ago, green sea turtles neared extinction. Wildlife biologist Jeff Corwin traces their remarkable comeback. " ] "current_airdate" => array:1 [ 0 => "20260730" ] "customize_related_posts" => array:1 [ 0 => "default" ] "episode" => array:1 [ 0 => "Episode 1" ] "feature_post_indicator" => array:1 [ 0 => "0" ] "featured_image" => array:24 [ "ID" => 4948 "alt" => "Close-up view of a sea turtle swimming underwater, facing the camera with flippers extended. The turtle is framed within a blue circular shape against an orange background with decorative yellow line accents." 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At 300 pounds and with a carapace that's almost four feet long, she's remarkably graceful. And today, she started an immense journey. She's leaving her feeding grounds to travel hundreds, maybe thousands of miles back to where she herself was hatched, where she'll mate and lay hundreds of eggs this season. It's a process that is filled with obstacles already, but for the past 60 years, nesting and survival into adulthood has been a minefield for the species. Decades of habitat loss, egg harvesting and overpoaching by humans has dealt a catastrophic blow to green sea turtle populations. By the 1970s, their global numbers had declined by up to 67%. But today, the picture is very different. This is the story of that extraordinary rebound and the international effort to make sure it happened.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n When we lose a species, we lose a little piece of ourselves. We lose a piece of our humanity, our dignity. When we can learn from our mistakes and see this creature that has been here long before humankind has been, by tens of millions of years, and give it a chance to do it as it has done as a species, we are the better for it.\r\n \r\n Peter Gros:\r\n Today, we'll hear this remarkable story from Jeff Corwin.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n You likely know Jeff as the host of Emmy winning shows like Wildlife Nation and Ocean Treks. He's a wildlife biologist, a television presenter, an author and a passionate conservationist. Jeff has worked closely with sea turtles across the Americas and in the Caribbean. Welcome to Back From the Brink, from Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. I'm Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant.\r\n \r\n Peter Gros:\r\n And I'm Peter Gros, wildlife expert.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n And in each episode, we're looking at some of the most incredible comeback stories in nature and the people who made it happen.\r\n \r\n Peter Gros:\r\n Jeff Corwin has spent over 30 years working with sea turtles around the world. And that time, he's watched something amazing happen. A species that was critically endangered when he started his career is now thriving. But before we get to the compact, we need to understand more about this fascinating animal.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Welcome, Jeff Corwin. This is so exciting for me.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n Thank you, Rae. I appreciate that.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Welcome to Back From the Brink.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n Yeah.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n And we could talk about pretty much any species of animal with you, but I actually am very glad that you are going to talk to us about green sea turtles and the trajectory they've had over time.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n Sure.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n And one of the reasons I'm so stoked is because just last December, I had my first experience with a green sea turtle. I was in Costa Rica with Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom protecting the wild. We were doing all kinds of stories, but we were also looking at the different species of sea turtles in that area. And so I got to actually see some up close for the first time, which was really excellent. So I want to know, why is this the species we're talking about? What is it about them that gets you so excited?\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n Well, I love sea turtles. And as a kid growing up in New England, we didn't see a lot of sea turtles.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Yeah, sure.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n And when I was a little boy, my dad was a Boston police officer and he would drop me off at the New England Aquarium. And they were like, "Who's this little seven-year-old, eight-year-old kid here every weekend?" And I knew all the names of the creatures. And before you know it, I was helping them do assessments, health assessments on their only sea turtle, which is Myrtle the Turtle. And she's still there today.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Is she?\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n She's one of the oldest giant well-fed Ruben-esque sea turtles you'll ever see and she's thriving there at the New England Aquarium. But since then, I've had a chance to work with sea turtles all around the world, and I've worked with almost all the sea turtles.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Okay. For many people out there who are not like you and me and kind of in it with wildlife all the time, a sea turtle is a sea turtle is a sea turtle. So can you talk to me about what a green sea turtle looks like? Is it kind of like how a brown bear is actually brown, or is it more like how a blue whale is kind of blue but a little bit more gray and dark? What does this green sea turtle really look like?\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n Well, they don't look green at all.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Thank you.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n So do you know why they're called green sea turtles?\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n I don't.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n Because of their meat, because when you would eat the flesh, the muscle tissue and fat tissue is green because of all the foraging. They forge in a lot of alginous type material, and they're absorbing that chromatophore type. The pigments, they're absorbing that.\r\n \r\n Peter Gros:\r\n The fact that green sea turtles are named for the color of their meat explains why some of their population crashed. Over the course of Jeff's career, he's been a witness to the sea turtles journey and the many factors leading to the crash, and the comeback.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n In my career, I've seen the arc of sea turtles. So I'm going on over 30 years in my career. And when I began my career, sea turtles were very critically endangered. And now, I can see sea turtles when I'm out fishing in the summer off Massachusetts. We have sea turtles.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n No, I didn't know it was that good.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n Yes. So green turtles were critically endangered, loggerheads, critically endangered, leatherbacks, all the sea turtles were critically endangered. Some now are endangered, but loggerheads have drifted their way into threatened status. And green turtles are probably, many scientists would say, are no longer threatened. They're very abundant. And a lot of that came down to was eliminating the hunting of sea turtles because they were a food, and they still are a food, for many people around the world, including Costa Rica. And having this global mission to make people want to protect them, have them sort of be ambassador species that we can love, and then protecting and restoring habitat and protecting the oceans where they foraged is what allowed us to bring them back.\r\n And if you were to go to Boca Raton, for example, 40 years ago, they had a dearth of sea turtles. Just a couple would come up and nest. But now, Boca Raton, Florida is probably the most important nesting site for sea turtles, especially loggerhead sea turtles. But green turtles have made an extraordinary recovery. So in the short term, in the midterm, sea turtles are doing incredibly well. The long term, we don't know because they're facing other challenges. But where I live in New England, because our waters have gotten so warm, and also because they are cleaner than they have been in a hundred years, Boston Harbor was the dirtiest modern urban waterway in the world.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n I believe that.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n It's now the cleanest modern waterway.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Way to go, Boston.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n It brought back the right whales, but it brought back turtles that now could migrate up because it doesn't get cold. But eventually, it does get cold and they get cold stunned. So we have a whole sea turtle hospital in New England now that back in the day would get five patients a year, and now they get thousands of patients a year. And the other challenge with sea turtles is because the sand is warmer, nests with many species, including green sea turtles, are hatching out about 90% female.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Oh, interesting because the temperature of... It's like kind of the incubation temperature helps determine the sex of the animal.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n Hotter means girls and colder means guys. And then it's reversed with crocodilians.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Because why not?\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n Why not? Yeah.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Because that's just how nature is.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n So I don't know how you fix that problem. So on the short term, they're trying to do things like regulate the nest temperature. But truly recovered species are when we can sort of step back and say, like wild turkeys, you're doing it on your own now, you're doing good, or coyotes or other species, American alligators, bald eagles, species that were once almost extinct, but now have recovered to the point where they are doing it on their own.\r\n \r\n Peter Gros:\r\n The Endangered Species Act gave the sea turtles legal protection, but law alone doesn't save a species. What happened in Costa Rica showed what protection actually looks like on the ground, and who has to be a part of it.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n The animal plant, we'd go to a market and buy these sea turtles and release them and go out with this guy to buy sea turtles. And Costa Rica, their nesting green turtles and their loggerheads and their leatherbacks had largely crashed because people were both eating the turtles and eating the eggs.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Wow.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n And once they protected those beaches, they now have so many sea turtles that they will say to the local population, "Please don't eat the sea turtles, but we have managed these nests so well, you can have some of the eggs. You get to have 20% of the eggs."\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n That really speaks to some great recovery because allowing people to use these natural resources in their traditional way is fair and also speaks to how resilient some of these species really can be if they have the right intervention.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n Right. And with sea turtle eggs, there's a lot of cultural importance, especially in Latin America. They would just go and dig up all the eggs. They just didn't have a chance. And once those nests stabilized, they were like, "It's okay, we can share this resource because we're already beating the odds," because it already is a game of numbers for sea turtles. If you're lucky, one in 10,000...\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Survives.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n ... will come back as an adult.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Walk me through that life cycle from when it's born.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n So when the sea turtle, when the mom, she comes out and she excavates that nest out to deposit her eggs during that season, she'll do multiple nests, and she'll do like a decoy nest to do kind of sloppy that kind of fool the animals.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Clever.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n The idea is you do multiple nests so your entire clutch isn't lost. And then she's laying between 30 and 70 eggs, a little bigger than a ping pong ball. And then she goes back to sea. When she comes out to nest, she is nesting on the very beach where she was born...\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Amazing.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n ... where her life began. And she is the only time a sea turtle, for the most part, with few places like Hawaii will have this phenomenon of sea turtles that actually will sleep in the beach, most sea turtles become pelagic. A sea turtle born that hatches out on Florida may find its way, we've tracked them to the coast of Africa.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Oh my gosh.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n Sea turtles from Africa have shown up feeding in the horn of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Incredible.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n So they are incredibly adaptive of using the ocean's currents to go from A to B or go from the new world to the old world.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n And we can find them in all of the oceans, essentially, right?\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n We even have some sea turtles that go into the Arctic.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n What?\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n We think of sea turtles as being cold-blooded and not being warm-blooded, being endothermic, but they are the only turtle that is megathermic. Because they are so big, they are like their own... They're a closed loop energy system. So the nest is laid there and she will go back to sea. And only the females will come out. Males will spend their whole lives in the ocean.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n At sea. Isn't that something?\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n And when they hatch out, if they're lucky enough, if they're that one in 10,000 that survive the flood, that survive that high tide, that survive the coyotes or the raccoons, that survive the ghost crabs and all the fish that will eat them, then they'll come back 20 years later. It will take two decades for that mom to come to the beach, excavate that nest out and bring that next generation in. So that's kind of how the cycle works.\r\n \r\n Peter Gros:\r\n The recovery of the green sea turtle didn't happen by accident, it happened because people decided it would. But the threats that nearly wiped them out haven't disappeared, and some new ones have arrived.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n So green sea turtles were listed on the endangered species list. And that made a big difference, at least in the US and in North America, in their protection. And I think it also made a difference worldwide.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n It did because they were protected internationally, the IUCN and other groups. There's still places where people eat green turtles and other sea turtles. The green turtle is the one that's actually eaten the most. People don't eat leatherbacks.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n And they're eating this green meat.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n Yeah.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n I can't get over that.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n But it's like that's what they say is I've been to places where I've seen it being cooked in the streets of Indonesia and other places, but that was the most hunted sea turtle. They would hunt them for their eggs. And sometimes, they would just literally get them all on board, cut them open, remove the eggs. And you can look at those old National Geographic photos, and you don't really see that anymore. But they still face future challenges. One is a warming world, and how do we combat that, and the other are plastics.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Okay, talk to me about plastics in the ocean.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n Yeah. We dump 10 billion pounds of plastics every year into our oceans. And you can see that as blue as a beautiful bluebird morning in New England. I've been to the Trash Pacific Gyre and I've seen that where you see something that looks like an island that is hundreds of miles in size of this gyro of trash that has all come together. And there are places, beautiful Bali, for example, you go there and every day, because people have spent all this money to be a tourist in beautiful Bali, they have to come in with excavators and front end loaders every morning just to clean the trash off the beach. And that is a preventable thing. It is something we could mitigate. So that's the good news. If we decided we could eliminate almost all of the plastic trash that goes into our oceans, there's a way we could manage that. But it's been documented that one big landscape plastic bag, you know those plastic bags that's really tough, can kill five individual sea turtles before it's broken up enough into little pieces that it could pass through.\r\n And I have been to so many sea turtle hospitals where that is it. So you have them eating plastics, and then off Florida boat strikes, big problem. And then they have diseases that may be the result of climate change, may be the result of pollution. It's a papilloma type virus where they get these tumors. And they'll often get them in and they'll remove the tumors and stuff. So they have challenges. But overall, I don't like to look at things as good news or success. I would say it's a promising story. It's a hopeful story. We are at a place of uncertainty and hope with green sea turtles and all the other sea turtles that we have out there. What I would argue, we are there where we have this out of sight, out of mind, "Oh, we fixed it."\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Sure.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n We live in a world now where, whether you like it or not, in the last century, humankind has consumed 70 to 80% of all our planets' nature. We, whether we like it or not, have been given this responsibility to be our planets' stewards.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Yeah.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n And that is something that will always require vigilancy.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n The way I'm interpreting what you're saying is that if you are committed to protecting sea turtles or wildlife, nature at all, it's not a single decision. So it's not just choosing a paper straw over a plastic straw. It's not the right thing to get your paper straw and then the next car you buy is a huge gas guzzler, it is a lifetime kind of readjustment and commitment to these better environmental practices. It is the way you vote. It is the community that you live in. It is bringing a-\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n The businesses you support.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n The businesses you support.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n Commerce.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n It's bringing that reusable bag and eliminating single use plastics. It's talking to your friends and family who might not be politically activated to research their candidates. It's the way you travel. It is this commitment. And it's not too hard. That's not to say it's overwhelming and it's too hard. It actually can become-\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n Well, if it is too hard, you can't do it. It's not sustainable. So it has to be something that you can achieve reasonably in your life. It's like the 5% rule. It's 5% of everything in your life, to give, to take, to manage, time, talent, treasure. It's that 5%. If everyone did that, that makes a big difference.\r\n \r\n Peter Gros:\r\n Conservation classifications tell us where a species stands. They don't tell us how it got there. Jeff has been on the ground for three decades, and his stories say more than status reports ever could.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n I've always believed in these classifications that we have, endangered, critically endangered, vulnerable, threatened, least concerned, et cetera. I think it really helps us to triage conservation work. And at the same time, I think you've made this point, it doesn't necessarily point us to the future. So when we have an animal that is of least concern, they are abundant, maybe they've gone through a lot, but they've arrived at this place where they're doing pretty well, it doesn't actually secure them for a future of abundance. And so I appreciate people like you who have this articulation for, the work isn't done yet.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n And what you have to remember is that creatures that are critically endangered today, or extinct, were once abundant.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Abundant. There you go.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n Passenger pigeons were abundant. The heathen was very abundant. And that's what created conservation, when we wiped out wild turkey. So again, a sign of success, like where green turtles are today. If you went to New England a hundred years ago, there were no wild turkeys. They were eaten up. There were very few white-tailed deer. And now, these are very abundant species and very abundant resources. And there are places now where turkeys are now worth thriving, but then they're in trouble again because of bird flu and other things. So you're right, we're never really out of the woods where humankind envelops everything with such a completeness. We constantly have to be vigilant. But yes, we have gotten to a point where species like green sea turtles, which were on the brink of disappearing, have recovered swimmingly. And that is something I have experienced in my own life.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n You have been on TV speaking about the power of nature and wildlife conservation for decades, and you've changed so much, you've been hugely influential. Is there a particular sea turtle story that you'd like to share with me that just stands out, either from filming or something that happened off camera?\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n There have been so many sea turtle stories.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n I bet, I bet.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n Some mishaps. So we had this sea turtle, this big ridly sea turtle, probably weighed about a hundred pounds and it had lost all four of its flippers.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Poor thing.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n So we had drained its enclosure to clean it and I was going to go grab the turtle. And I was leaning, talking to my cameraman. I was leaning on the edge of this thing, it's about chest high, and the sea turtle, the water is gone. And it's about half the size of this room. And without any flippers, that sea turtle managed to come over and bite off the tip of my toe.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Oh my God.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n And I wielded in pain.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n I shouldn't laugh, I shouldn't laugh.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n And I was like, "Oh my gosh." And I turned around and there's blood everywhere and this sea turtle trying to eat my foot.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n I mean, I can't even imagine how it's moving towards you.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n You know how you have one toe that's the longest? It was like whatever toe and it cut off the tip of it. And so I was like, "Man, you're one determined turtle." So that was one story. And then the other story was I was in Borneo and I'd waited all night for this nest to hatch out, we were going to film it hatch out. And lo and behold, it starts to happen and you see them coming out. And it was sunrise coming up and they're going in. It was so beautiful, we're filming it up. And then they're all gone. And then I look at the nest and there's this one straggler. And its flipper's, not deformed, but it's just not right, and it's just the straggler. And you just know it's probably not going to make it. And it was really very emotional for me just to watch this thing kind of trying to keep up with the other guys.\r\n And that was emotional for me to see that.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Sure. Yeah.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n And so that was one incredible moment, or dealing with these cold stunned sea turtles that have come to New England to eat the bounty of plenty in the oceans. And then winter does come, comes later, but it does come and they get cold [inaudible 00:23:57]. And all of these people, little old ladies coming up, and we found this sea turtle and it was dead. And we brought it back to the center and we had it there. And it was completely cold, it was as cold as the ice. It had no heartbeat, it wasn't breathing. And the scientist said, "I like to wait." But we went back the next day and it had a heartbeat. It was that determined. And we released that turtle back to the wild many months later. So that's the resiliency of nature.\r\n \r\n Peter Gros:\r\n The comeback is real, but ask Jeff Corwin why it matters and the answer has nothing to do with data.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n I, just months ago, again in Costa Rica, was waiting on this beach with my co-host and we were waiting for jaguars, waiting for jaguars. And lo and behold, a wave sweeps up and there's a green sea turtle, female obviously, coming onto the sand to lay eggs for her nest. I had been snorkeling with sea turtles before, and so I have seen them just be fast, just super fast in the water and agile and just amazing, hard to keep up with. And she comes in on this wave, riding the wave pretty fast, and then kind of splat on the sand. And then suddenly, I see this massive body just using both of her flippers. And to me, this is a bit of anthropomorphizing...\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n I know where you're going with this.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n ... the animal, it seemed like she was exhausted. And I'm a mother myself, just mom to mom, I was thinking to myself, she's so tired and she's just trying to get from the shore into the brush where she can lay these eggs. And it just took her like 10 minutes to get somewhere where if she was swimming would've been seconds.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n Right.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n And I just had this compassion and empathy for the sea turtle in that moment thinking to myself, what a labor of love because there are predators on this beach. There are humans on this beach. There are seagulls and all kinds of things to eat her babies or to bother her, and yet she has to make her way with her heavy body to lay the eggs and then make her way back.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n Yeah.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n And I just felt like so much compassion for that experience and for the fact that sea turtles have been perpetuating their species for millennia in the same way, but with the extreme effort.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n For hundreds of millions of years, that sea turtle, when she comes up, this is a creature that's designed to have buoyancy, where all the heaviness of being a 200 pound animal...\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Disappears in the water.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n ... disappears in the water.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Yeah.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n But then it's like landing on a planet of all that gravity. It has to come out with that heavy gravity and fight with the sand and the bugs. And then she has to excavate a hole that takes some hours to create this pit that's three feet deep, and then give birth. Literally, you can hear them. They sigh and they heave. And then she has to go back to the sea. And she's coming to the very place where her mother brought her into... Dad, he's gone, but she does all that work, but then she is done. And they are on their own. It's a game of numbers. She doesn't need 70 to survive, she needs just one to survive. And that one to survive maybe two or three times in her entire life when you think about it.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Right, right.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n That's how it works.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n It's really difficult, I think, to be in the presence of a sea turtle and not feel impacted by it somehow. And now that we have so many more sea turtles because conservation has been working, the public has gotten on board, policies have been put in place, we can keep this species, or all of these species alive and around forever.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n It's the reward of investing our time and our energy and our resources to bring this species back because when we lose a species, we lose a little piece of ourselves.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Yeah.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n We lose a piece of our humanity, our dignity. We have allowed under our watch to lose something that we've been charged to protect as a steward. When we can learn from our mistakes and see this creature that has been here long before humankind has been, by tens of millions of years, and give it a chance to do it as it has done as a species, we are the better for it. So yeah, it's pretty incredible to see that. And sea turtles are a big part of us.\r\n And the other thing that I have come to learn, I think back in the old days, science, and I think it just made it easier to harvest things, we took away emotion from them, complexity. We took away any idea of thinking, and we just say they're hardwired to be. It's all driven by instinct. Well, we now know that especially turtles are far more complex behaviorally. There's stories of sea turtles that have had bonds to people. I have been with sea turtles that I'm like, this creature has taken a shining to me. And I'm not being anthropomorphic. The more you study them, the more we don't know what's going on inside of them.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Sure. That is such a perfect way to end because it offers us so much interest in what happens next. There's so much more to discover and to know about them, thus, we can't wait to see how good it can get with sea turtles around the world.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n Yeah. In a world where there's not a lot of good news, this is a good news story. It's also a gateway animal. It's a creature that can be a part of your life in a meaningful way, that can be your gateway to developing a connection and a relationship with our natural world.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n Jeff Corwin, I have to thank you for coming onto Back From the Brink and talking to us about how sea turtles have come back from the brink and how we are responsible for their future moving forward.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n Yeah.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n It has been an amazing conversation and I have to thank you so much.\r\n \r\n Jeff Corwin:\r\n Thank you. It was fun.\r\n \r\n Peter Gros:\r\n From the edge of extinction to beaches full of nests, from boats loaded with harvested turtles to Boca Raton becoming one of the most important nesting sites on earth, the sea turtle didn't just survive, it became proof that when people choose to protect something, nature will do the rest. Green sea turtles have been making this journey for hundreds of millions of years, long before humans arrived on these shores. They're still here because of laws passed, beaches protected, and communities that decided this animal was worth fighting for. The work isn't done, but out there, the turtle is still swimming free in the wild oceans once again. This is Back From the Brink, from Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom.\r\n \r\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant:\r\n If you loved this episode and it sparked something in you, please follow or subscribe, leave a review, and send this episode to the turtle lover in your life. I'm Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, and I'll see you next time. """ ] "updated_date" => array:1 [ 0 => "2026-07-23 00:00:00" ] "use_experimentation" => array:1 [ 0 => "0" ] ] "date" => "2026-07-08 21:11:49" "displayedDate" => "Updated on July 23, 2026" "excerpt" => "In the 1970s, the green sea turtle was vanishing. Poaching, egg harvesting and habitat loss had crashed global numbers by 67%, landing one of the ocean’s most treasured wild animals on the endangered species list. Extinction had become a genuine possibility. In the first episode of Back From the Brink, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant sits down with wildlife biologist and TV host Jeff Corwin […]\n" "id" => 4912 "modified" => "2026-08-20 12:08:04" "recentPosts" => array:3 [ 5069 => array:20 [ "attachments" => array:1 [ …1] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Dr. Rae and Peter explore the secrets behind keeping animals healthy and thriving under human care with the help of a good diet.  \n 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. \n 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>. \n For an in-depth look at these species, watch “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/saving-the-sierra-bighorn">Panda-Monimum!</a>,” “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/rescue-down-under">Rescue Down Under</a>,” “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/leader-of-the-pack">Leader of the Pack</a>” and “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/second-chance-spider-monkeys">Second Chance Spider Monkeys</a>.” \n """ "custom_fields" => array:19 [ …19] "date" => "2026-08-29 12:00:49" "excerpt" => "Dr. Rae and Peter explore the secrets behind keeping animals healthy and thriving under human care with the help of a good diet.  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 […]\n" "id" => 5069 "modified" => "2026-09-03 18:34:49" "screenreader_text" => null "slug" => "feeding-time" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:5 [ …5] "title" => "Feeding Time!" "title_plain" => "Feeding Time!" "type" => "video" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/video/feeding-time/" ] 5079 => array:20 [ "attachments" => array:7 [ …7] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Expert insights from: Nicki Boyd, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance general curator and Jennifer Moll, lead wildlife care specialist, San Diego Zoo \n <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" />\n Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance\n 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. \n <h2>Key takeaways </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">The San Diego Zoo is home to 21 koalas, the largest colony in the U.S. and the largest outside Australia and China. </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">San Diego’s Australia-like climate lets the zoo grow eucalyptus onsite, something most zoos can’t do. </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">The zoo leads the AZA’s new SAFE Koala program and funds conservation work in Australia to protect koalas in the wild. </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">Koalas are listed as vulnerable and face growing threats from habitat loss, wildfires, invasive pests and disease. </li>\n </ul>\n <h2>Koala quick facts </h2>\n <ul>\n <li>Common name: Koala </li>\n <li>Scientific name: Phascolarctos cinereus </li>\n <li>Animal group: Mammal </li>\n <li>Mammal type: Marsupial </li>\n <li>Habitat: Eastern Australia eucalyptus forest </li>\n <li>Lifespan: 10 to 15 years in the wild </li>\n <li>Diet: 1 to 1.5 pounds of eucalyptus leaves each day </li>\n <li>Size: 2 to 3 feet tall, 9 to 29 pounds </li>\n <li>Sleep: 18 to 22 hours each day to help conserve energy </li>\n <li>Social life: Solitary </li>\n <li>Behavior: Active at night, spends most of day eating and sleeping </li>\n <li>Young: Newborn <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/small-survivors">joeys</a> live in mother’s pouch and with her until they’re around a year old </li>\n <li>Conservation status: Threatened; koala’s biggest threats are loss of habitat, vehicle strikes, dog attacks, bushfires and disease </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" />Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</div>\n <h2>How big is the San Diego Zoo’s koala colony?</h2>\n 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. \n <h2>What do koalas eat? </h2>\n 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. \n Eucalyptus leaves don’t provide many calories, but koalas make up for this by spending most of their day sleeping. \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"></iframe></div>\n Video courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance\n <h2>Why is eucalyptus so hard to provide? </h2>\n 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. \n “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. \n <h2>Why is San Diego Zoo uniquely suited to raise koalas? </h2>\n 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. \n That Australian-like climate doesn’t just feed the koalas, it makes San Diego feel like a part of Australia. \n “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!” \n <h2>Where do the koalas live in the zoo? </h2>\n 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. \n “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. \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" />Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</div>\n <h2>How has koala care changed over time? </h2>\n Today, the koalas live outside 24/7, but this wasn’t always the case at the zoo. \n 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. \n “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.” \n When the new space was created in 2013, the zoo made sure all koalas lived outside 24 hours a day to combat this disease. \n “It’s definitely made a great improvement on their quality of life and quality of their health,” Moll said. \n <h2>How do koalas choose a mate? </h2>\n 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. \n As far as which koala makes the perfect match? Moll has a theory. \n “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.” \n 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. \n <h2>What’s the SAFE Koala program? </h2>\n 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. \n Koalas are what conservationists call an umbrella species: Protect them, and you protect everything living under their canopy too. \n “Koalas will be the umbrella species that can save the echidna, the wombat, the forest which would house cockatoos and many species,” Boyd said. \n Working alongside other accredited zoos, San Diego shares its research and expertise, so <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/eyes-on-the-wild">conservation wins reach koalas in the wild</a> — not just those in human care. \n “We want people to see how cool and unique they are and drive empathy to help that conservation,” Boyd said. \n “We’re learning so much … we can use that knowledge and apply different strategies and send it to our colleagues in Australia,” Boyd said. \n <h2>Are koalas endangered? </h2>\n 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. \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" />Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</div>\n <h2>What are the biggest threats to koalas? </h2>\n Koalas face several threats — habitat loss, climate change and wildfires, invasive pests and disease. \n 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. \n Wildfires are destroying even more of what remains. As the climate warms, <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-wildfires-affect-urban-areas-the-ecosystem-and-wildlife">fire seasons grow more intense</a> and eucalyptus is dangerously combustible. \n “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. \n 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. \n “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.” \n 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. \n <h2>How does the San Diego Zoo help koalas in the wild? </h2>\n The San Diego Zoo helps wild koalas by funding and supporting conservation work in Australia, following the lead of the <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-aussies-are-saving-koalas">researchers and organizations</a> who know the animals and their habitats best. \n 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. \n 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. \n “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. \n 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. \n “It was a study on what does it take to repopulate an area with koalas again,” Moll said. \n 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. \n “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. \n 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 <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/rescue-down-under">the people already fighting for them</a>. \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"></iframe></div>\n Video courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance\n <h2>Koala fun facts </h2>\n Koalas are full of surprises, and some of the most fascinating are right at their fingertips (and toes). \n They have two thumbs. Each front paw has five digits arranged as two thumbs and three fingers, giving koalas an exceptional grip for climbing and pulling eucalyptus close. \n “They’re not opposable thumbs like ours are, but they help for grabbing that eucalyptus and bringing it down to them,” Moll said. \n They have a built-in comb. On each back foot, two toes are fused together to form a “grooming claw” the koala uses to clean its fur. \n “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. \n They’re built to climb. One toe on each back foot has no nail at all. Koalas use their powerful hind legs to push themselves up tree trunks. \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" />Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</div>\n <h2>How can you help save koalas? </h2>\n 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. \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">Adopt a koala. Through San Diego Zoo’s <a href="https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/adopt/koala">symbolic adoption program</a>, you can help care for koalas and support conservation. </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">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. </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">Support Australian groups directly. Organizations on the ground in Australia, such as the <a href="https://www.scienceforwildlife.org/donate">Greater Blue Mountains Koala Program</a> are leading the fight to save wild koalas. </li>\n </ul>\n Every bit of support helps ensure that koalas, and the forests they depend on, are still here for generations to come. \n <h2>Frequently asked questions about koalas </h2>\n <h3>Are koalas bears? </h3>\n No. Despite the nickname “koala bear,” koalas are marsupials — mammals that carry their young in a pouch — not bears. \n <h3>How long do koalas live? </h3>\n Koalas typically live 10 to 15 years. \n <h3>What do koalas eat? </h3>\n 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. \n <h3>How much do koalas sleep? </h3>\n Koalas sleep around 18 to 22 hours a day. Eucalyptus provides little energy, so koalas conserve it by sleeping most of the day. \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" />Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</div>\n <h3>How many koalas are at the San Diego Zoo? </h3>\n The zoo is home to 21 koalas — the largest koala colony in the United States, and the largest outside Australia and China. \n <h3>Why are koalas endangered? </h3>\n 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. \n <h3>Do koalas really have two thumbs? </h3>\n Yes, each paw has five digits arranged as two thumbs and three fingers, giving koalas a strong grip for climbing and holding eucalyptus. \n <h3>Can you see the koalas? </h3>\n Yes! You can visit the San Diego Zoo’s Australian Outback section to see their koala colony. \n All photos courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:19 [ …19] "date" => "2026-08-30 20:30:39" "excerpt" => "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 […]\n" "id" => 5079 "modified" => "2026-09-02 09:48:12" "screenreader_text" => "Koala perched in a eucalyptus tree, gripping branches and looking toward the camera." "slug" => "inside-the-largest-koala-colony-in-the-u-s" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:4 [ …4] "title" => "Inside the Largest Koala Colony in the U.S." "title_plain" => "Inside the Largest Koala Colony in the U.S." "type" => "article" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/article/inside-the-largest-koala-colony-in-the-u-s/" ] 5087 => array:20 [ "attachments" => array:2 [ …2] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ 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.\n 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.\n <h3>Explore alligator stories</h3>\n Learn more about alligators through these Wild Kingdom videos and articles.\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-alligators-beat-the-endangered-species-list">How Alligators Beat the Endangered Species List</a>\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/american-alligators">American Alligators</a>\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/graduation-day-for-a-gator">Graduation Day for a Gator</a>\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/reptile-rescue">Reptile Rescue</a>\n <h3>Why Feeding an Alligator Is the Worst Thing You Can Do</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"></iframe></div>\n 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.\n  \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>About Coyote Peterson</h4>\n 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.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:29 [ …29] "date" => "2026-09-03 23:45:52" "excerpt" => "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. In this episode, Dr. Rae sits down with Coyote Peterson, wildlife educator and creator […]\n" "id" => 5087 "modified" => "2026-09-04 19:15:46" "screenreader_text" => null "slug" => "from-near-extinction-to-5-million-the-american-alligators-comeback" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:6 [ …6] "title" => "From Near Extinction to 5 Million: The American Alligator’s Comeback" "title_plain" => "From Near Extinction to 5 Million: The American Alligator’s Comeback" "type" => "podcast" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/from-near-extinction-to-5-million-the-american-alligators-comeback/" ] ] "relatedPosts" => array:8 [ 5020 => array:21 [ "attachments" => array:1 [ …1] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ When Australia’s wildlife is in crisis, conservation heroes answer the call. \n 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. \n 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>. \n Check out how <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-aussies-are-saving-koalas">Aussies are saving koalas</a>. And dive into the Great Barrier Reef for more underwater Aussie conservation in “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/reef-revival">Reef Revival</a>.” \n """ "custom_fields" => array:19 [ …19] "date" => "2026-08-15 12:00:42" "excerpt" => "When Australia’s wildlife is in crisis, conservation heroes answer the call. 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 […]\n" "id" => 5020 "modified" => "2026-09-14 12:23:03" "screenreader_text" => null "slug" => "road-to-recovery" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:5 [ …5] "title" => "Road to Recovery" "title_plain" => "Road to Recovery" "type" => "video" "updated_date" => "2026-09-14 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/video/road-to-recovery/" ] 5021 => array:20 [ "attachments" => array:9 [ …9] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Expert insights from Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, co-hosts of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild\n Sea otters are marine mammals known for their dense fur, tool-using paws and vital role in the kelp forests of the North Pacific Ocean. They live along rocky coastlines and nearshore waters where they dive for shellfish, groom constantly to stay warm and float on their backs to rest, eat and raise their pups. By keeping sea urchins in check, sea otters help kelp forests thrive. After being hunted to the brink of extinction for their fur, their own comeback has become one of the ocean’s most important conservation stories.\n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5027" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images5-scaled.jpg" alt="A raft of sea otters floats together near a rocky shoreline surrounded by patches of kelp." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images5-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images5-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images5-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images5-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images5-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images5-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images5-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h2>Key takeaways</h2>\n <ul>\n <li>Sea otters are marine mammals in the weasel family and are the smallest marine mammal in North America.</li>\n <li>They have the densest fur of any animal — up to 1 million hairs per square inch — which keeps them warm without blubber.</li>\n <li>Sea otters groom constantly. Clean, air-filled fur is the only thing standing between them and the cold Pacific.</li>\n <li>They eat marine invertebrates, such as sea urchins, crabs, clams, mussels and snails, often using rocks as tools to crack shells.</li>\n <li>Most sea otters live in coastal Alaska, with smaller populations down the Pacific coast to California.</li>\n <li>As a keystone species, sea otters protect kelp forests by keeping urchin populations in check.</li>\n <li>They’re wild animals. Watch them from a respectful distance!</li>\n </ul>\n <h2>What’s a sea otter?</h2>\n A sea otter is a marine mammal that lives in the coastal waters of the North Pacific Ocean. It belongs to the weasel family, a cousin to river otters, badgers and minks. At about 4 feet long, it’s the smallest marine mammal in North America.\n What makes a sea otter special among other marine mammals? No blubber, just fur! It has the thickest coat in the animal kingdom — up to 1 million hairs per square inch — and every hair traps a layer of air that works like a built-in wetsuit, holding the frigid Pacific Ocean off its skin.\n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5032" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images10-scaled.jpg" alt="An adult sea otter and a pup float together on the water while holding a piece of kelp." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images10-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images10-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images10-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images10-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images10-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images10-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images10-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h2>Sea otter quick facts</h2>\n <ul>\n <li>Common name: Sea otter</li>\n <li>Scientific name: Enhydra lutris</li>\n <li>Animal group: Mammal</li>\n <li>Mammal type: Marine mammal</li>\n <li>Animal family: Weasel family (Mustelidae)</li>\n <li>Native range: Coastal waters of the North Pacific</li>\n <li>Habitat: Rocky coastlines, nearshore waters, kelp forests and bays</li>\n <li>Adult length: About 4 feet from nose to tail</li>\n <li>Average weight: Males about 65 pounds; females about 45 pounds</li>\n <li>Adult appearance: Dense fur, rounded face, small ears, whiskers, webbed hind feet and strong front paws</li>\n <li>Lifespan: Roughly 10 to 15 years in the wild</li>\n <li>Diet: Marine invertebrates — sea urchins, crabs, clams, mussels, snails and other shellfish</li>\n <li>Notable behavior: Floating on their backs to rest, groom, eat and even sleep</li>\n <li>Conservation status: Endangered; conservation focuses on habitat protection, oil spill response and marine mammal rescue</li>\n </ul>\n <h2>Explore Sea Otter Stories</h2>\n Keep exploring sea otters through Wild Kingdom videos, articles and related stories about marine mammals, kelp forests, rescue and conservation.\n <ul>\n <li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/sea-otter-fun-facts">Sea Otter Fun Facts</a></li>\n <li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/secret-life-of-sea-otters-clip">Secret Life of Sea Otters Clip</a></li>\n <li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-be-sea-otter-savvy">How to Be Sea Otter Savvy</a></li>\n <li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/sea-otter-conservation">Sea Otter Conservation</a></li>\n <li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/podcast/sea-otter-surrogates">Sea Otter Surrogates</a></li>\n <li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/the-forest-beneath-the-sea-clip">The Forest Beneath the Sea Clip</a></li>\n </ul>\n <h2>What does a sea otter look like?</h2>\n Sea otters have rounded faces, small dark eyes, long whiskers and short ears set close against the head. Their fur is deep brown, famously thick and often lightens with age. Many older otters end up with grizzled, silver-gray heads that make them easy to pick out.\n Everything about a sea otter’s body is built for water. Those long whiskers help it hunt by touch in murky depths. Its webbed hind feet, strong tail and streamlined body make it a nimble swimmer. And its sensitive front paws are made for gripping rocks and prying open shellfish.\n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5025" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images3-scaled.jpg" alt="A sea otter floats on its back while holding a dark sea urchin against its chest in open water." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images3-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images3-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images3-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h2>Where do sea otters live?</h2>\n Sea otters live in cold, coastal waters of the North Pacific Ocean, hugging rocky shorelines, bays and <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/podcast/kelp-forest-photoshoot">kelp forest habitats</a>. They rarely stray far from land, sticking to water shallow enough to dive to the seafloor and back for a meal.\n The largest numbers live along the coast of Alaska, with smaller populations scattered down the Pacific coast through British Columbia, Washington and California.\n Wherever they settle, sea otters need the same three things: plenty of shellfish to eat, calm water to rest in and kelp to anchor to so they don’t drift off while they sleep.\n <h2>Why are sea otters important?</h2>\n Sea otters are what scientists call a keystone species — an animal that holds an entire ecosystem together. Without it, the whole system can fall apart.\n Here’s how the kelp forest ecosystem works. Sea urchins feed on kelp, and with no predator to keep them in check, their numbers explode. Left alone, they can chew a thriving kelp forest down. Sea otters are the predator that stops it. A single otter eats about a quarter of its body weight in shellfish a day. By keeping urchins in balance, otters let kelp forests grow tall and dense, which creates food and shelter for hundreds of other species, from fish and crabs to seals and shorebirds.\n Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, explains, “Sea otters can transform ecosystems with their intense foraging, which keeps marine habitats robust and healthy. In California, endangered southern sea otters are on the rebound thanks to wildlife conservation, but the challenges run deep, all the way to the ocean floor.”\n Sea otters are a reminder that protecting a single species can safeguard an entire coastline. Their story is a doorway into the coastal food webs, rescue and rehabilitation work, and <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/aquatic-animals">ocean habitats</a> that depend on animals like these.\n <h2><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5029" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images7-scaled.jpg" alt="Quote graphic featuring text about sea otters' role in maintaining healthy marine habitats, attributed to Peter Gros." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images7-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images7-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images7-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images7-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images7-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images7-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images7-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></h2>\n <h2>Are sea otters endangered?</h2>\n Yes, sea otters are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List and their populations in the U.S. are protected under federal law. But the full answer is a happy one. After nearly vanishing altogether, sea otters are fighting their way back.\n For more than a century, sea otters were hunted commercially for their fur. The same dense fur that keeps them warm made them a target. The species was pushed to the brink of extinction, with only a small fraction of its numbers left. Once the hunting stopped, otters slowly began rebuilding their range and that recovery still continues today.\n Sea otters are protected from hunting today, but they still face oil spills, <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/from-trash-to-art-saving-oceans-through-sculpture">pollution</a>, disease, entanglements in fishing gear, habitat changes, food web shifts and human disturbance. Because they live so close to shore, sea otters feel whatever happens along the coast first, which is why their conservation focuses on protecting habitat, cutting human-caused threats and rescuing stranded or injured otters.\n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5030" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images8-scaled.jpg" alt="Peter Gros, wearing scuba gear, floats in the ocean beside strands of kelp." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images8-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images8-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images8-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images8-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images8-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images8-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images8-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h2>What’s being done to support sea otter conservation?</h2>\n Efforts to protect sea otters include <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/marine-mammal-rescue-day">wildlife rescue</a>, rehabilitation, scientific research and habitat protection. This work happens in two ways: saving individual animals and protecting the ecosystems they depend on.\n When otters turn up stranded, injured or orphaned, rescue teams step in to rehabilitate them and, whenever possible, return them to the wild. Orphaned pups get a remarkable kind of help: at some aquariums, adult females act as <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/podcast/sea-otter-surrogates">surrogate mothers</a>, teaching rescued pups how to groom, forage and survive on their own before they’re released.\n Other efforts aim at the bigger picture. Since kelp forests only thrive when urchins are kept in check, scientists are working to bring back another urchin predator — the sunflower sea star — to see whether it can help kelp forests recover right alongside the otters.\n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, sees that research opening doors: “You’re creating some new science that you’re hoping can help other folks and other labs do similar work and build a strong, healthy population of sea stars.”\n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5028" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images6-scaled.jpg" alt="A young sea otter pup lies on a padded surface while being bottle-fed by a caregiver wearing protective gloves." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images6-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images6-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images6-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images6-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images6-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images6-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images6-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h2>Watch sea otters on Wild Kingdom</h2>\n Sea otters are part of a bigger Wild Kingdom story about marine mammals, kelp forests, rescue, rehabilitation and the people working to help wildlife thrive. Learn <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-watch-mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild">how to watch Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a> to see more conservation comeback stories.\n <h2>Frequently asked questions about sea otters</h2>\n <h3>Are sea otters mammals?</h3>\n Yes, sea otters are marine mammals, which means they are warm-blooded, breathe air, have fur and nurse their young.\n <h3>How much do sea otters weigh?</h3>\n On average, adult males weigh 65 pounds and females weigh 45 pounds. Northern sea otters are often larger than southern sea otters.\n <h3>Are sea otters friendly?</h3>\n No. Sea otters may look cute and curious, but they’re wild animals, not friendly pets. They shouldn’t be touched, fed or approached. The safest way to enjoy sea otters is to watch from a distance and <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-be-an-ecotourist">follow local wildlife viewing rules.</a>\n <h3>Where do 90% of sea otters live?</h3>\n About 90% of the world’s sea otters live in Alaska. Smaller sea otter populations live along parts of the Pacific coast, including areas of California, Washington and British Columbia.\n <h3>What do sea otters eat in the wild?</h3>\n Sea otters eat marine animals such as sea urchins, crabs, clams, mussels, snails and other shellfish. Their diet can vary by habitat, season and what food is available in the area.\n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5026" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images4-scaled.jpg" alt="A sea otter rests among floating kelp on calm water, with seaweed draped across its body." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images4-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images4-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images4-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images4-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images4-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images4-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images4-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h3>How do sea otters float on their backs?</h3>\n Sea otters float thanks to their dense fur. Each hair traps a layer of air that keeps them buoyant at the surface, so they can rest, groom and even eat while lying on their backs.\n <h3>Why are sea otters important for kelp forests?</h3>\n Sea otters help support kelp forests by eating sea urchins, which graze on kelp. By keeping urchin numbers in check, sea otters give kelp forests room to grow and support other marine life.\n <h3>What family are sea otters in?</h3>\n Sea otters are part of the weasel family and are relatives of river otters, weasels, badgers and mink.\n <h3>What are sea otters’ physical characteristics?</h3>\n Sea otters have dense fur, rounded faces, small ears, long whiskers, webbed hind feet and strong front paws. These traits help them swim, dive, groom and handle food in coastal waters.\n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5031" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images9-scaled.jpg" alt="An underwater view of a sea otter swimming through blue-green water with air bubbles surrounding its body." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images9-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images9-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images9-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images9-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images9-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images9-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645515_WK_CHIA_SeaOtter_images9-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h3>Where do sea otters sleep?</h3>\n Sea otters usually rest right at the surface, floating on their backs. They often wrap themselves in kelp, which anchors them in place, so they don’t drift while they sleep.\n <h3>How can people safely view sea otters?</h3>\n Watch sea otters safely from a distance by using binoculars or a zoom lens. Follow local wildlife viewing rules. Don’t approach, feed, touch or disturb sea otters. <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/what-do-i-do-if-i-find-an-injured-animal">If you see a sick, injured or stranded sea otter</a>, contact local wildlife authorities or a licensed marine mammal response organization.\n  \n Sources:\n Association of Zoos & Aquariums, First Temporary Experimental Outplanting of Sunflower Stars in California Marks Major Milestone in Ocean Recovery, Jan. 20, 2026, accessed June 2026.\n IUCN, Enhydra lutris (Sea Otter), The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, accessed August 2026, iucnredlist.org\n Monterey Bay Aquarium, Sea Otter, accessed August 2026, montereybayaquarium.org/animals-the-ocean/animals-a-to-z/sea-otter\n Monterey Bay Aquarium, Sea Otter Recovery Program, accessed August 2026, montereybayaquarium.org\n Seattle Aquarium, The Densest Fur of Any Animal on Earth: All About Sea Otters, Dec. 30, 2024, accessed August 2026, seattleaquarium.org\n U.S. Department of the Interior, 12 Facts About Otters for Sea Otter Awareness Week, accessed August 2026, doi.gov\n U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Southern Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris nereis), accessed August 2026, fws.gov/species/southern-sea-otter-enhydra-lutris-nereis\n U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, What Makes the Sea Otter a Keystone Species?, July 30, 2021, accessed August 2026, fws.gov\n """ "custom_fields" => array:19 [ …19] "date" => "2026-08-18 10:07:16" "excerpt" => "Expert insights from Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, co-hosts of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Sea otters are marine mammals known for their dense fur, tool-using paws and vital role in the kelp forests of the North Pacific Ocean. They live […]\n" "id" => 5021 "modified" => "2026-08-18 10:07:16" "screenreader_text" => "Two sea otters float side by side on their backs in calm water, facing the camera with paws tucked against their chests." "slug" => "sea-otters" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:6 [ …6] "title" => "Sea Otters" "title_plain" => "Sea Otters" "type" => "article" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/article/sea-otters/" ] 5022 => array:20 [ "attachments" => array:9 [ …9] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Expert insights from Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, co-hosts of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild\n Sea turtles are marine reptiles that have navigated the world’s oceans for more than 100 million years, long before humans and even alongside the dinosaurs. Built for life at sea, they cross vast stretches of open water, return to the same beaches where they hatched and connect nearly every coastal and ocean habitat along the way. Today, these ancient mariners are also at the center of an important conservation story, because nearly all sea turtle species are now classified as threatened or <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/endangered-species-act">endangered.</a> \n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5041" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_9-scaled.jpg" alt="A sea turtle swims above a coral reef in clear tropical waters." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_9-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_9-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_9-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_9-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_9-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_9-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_9-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h2>Key takeaways  </h2>\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":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Sea turtles are reptiles, not mammals. </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":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">They live in oceans around the world, but females return to beaches to nest. </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":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Seven species range across the globe, varying in size, diet and habitat.  </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":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Flippers power their swimming and their shells offer protection. </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":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Hatchlings (baby sea turtles) are small enough to fit in your hand. </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":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Diets range from seagrass and jellyfish to sponges, crabs and shrimp. </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":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Fishing gear, coastal development, pollution, climate change and human disturbance are their biggest threats. </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":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Conservation includes rescue, rehabilitation, nest protection, education and ocean habitat work. </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":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">If you spot a sea turtle or nest, watch from a distance and follow posted rules.  </li>\n </ul>\n <h2>What’s a sea turtle? </h2>\n A sea turtle is a marine reptile built almost entirely for ocean life. Like other reptiles, it breathes air, lays eggs and has scales. But where land turtles and tortoises have stubby legs for walking, a sea turtle has flippers made for gliding through open water. \n Sea turtles aren’t mammals. They don’t have fur, they don’t nurse their young and they don’t give live birth. Instead, female sea turtles come ashore on sandy beaches to lay their eggs, and the hatchlings dig out and make their own way to the ocean. It’s one of the most remarkable first journeys in the animal kingdom.  \n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5035" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_3-scaled.jpg" alt="Two sea turtles swim side by side beneath rays of sunlight filtering through the water." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_3-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_3-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_3-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h2> Sea turtle quick facts  </h2>\n <ul>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Common name: Sea turtle </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Animal group: Reptile  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Reptile type: Marine reptile  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Number of species: Seven — green, loggerhead, leatherback, hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley, olive ridley and flatback </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Native range: Oceans around the world  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Habitat: Coastal waters, open ocean, coral reefs, seagrass beds and nesting beaches  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Adult appearance: Shell, flippers, streamlined body and beak-like mouth  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Baby sea turtles: Hatchlings emerge from nests on sandy beaches  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Diet: Varies by species; common foods include seagrass, algae, jellyfish, sponges, crabs, shrimp and other marine life  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Nesting behavior: Females come ashore to lay eggs in sand  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Conservation status: Nearly all sea turtle species are classified as threatened or endangered </li>\n </ul>\n <h2>Explore sea turtle stories </h2>\n Keep exploring sea turtles through Wild Kingdom videos, articles and related stories about ocean wildlife, rescue, rehabilitation and conservation.  \n <ul>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="21" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/celebrating-world-sea-turtle-day">Celebrating World Sea Turtle Day</a>  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="21" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/sea-turtle-stranding-brings-organizations-together-for-rescue">Sea Turtle Stranding Brings Organizations Together for Rescue</a>  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="21" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/manatee-and-sea-turtle-conservation">Manatee and Sea Turtle Conservation</a>  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="21" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/sea-creatures-of-the-florida-coast-clip">Sea Creatures of the Florida Coast Clip</a>  </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="21" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/podcast/the-green-sea-turtles-impossible-comeback">The Green Sea Turtle’s Impossible Comeback</a></li>\n </ul>\n <h2>How many types of sea turtles are there? </h2>\n There are seven species of sea turtle, and each one has its own look, diet and story. \n <ul>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="30" 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">Green sea turtle: The largest of the hard-shelled species. Adults are mostly vegetarian, grazing on seagrass and algae. </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="30" 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">Loggerhead: Named for its oversized head and powerful jaws, which it uses to crush conch, whelks and other hard-shell prey. </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="30" 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">Leatherback: The giant of the group and the deepest diver, with a leathery, ridged back instead of a hard shell. It travels farther than any other sea turtle and feeds almost entirely on jellyfish. </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="30" 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">Hawksbill: A narrow, pointed beak lets it reach sponges tucked into coral reefs, making it a familiar sight on healthy reef systems. </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="30" 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">Kemp’s ridley: The smallest and most endangered sea turtle, known for nesting in large, synchronized groups. </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="30" 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">Olive ridley: Named for its olive-green shell and famous for arribadas, mass nesting events where thousands of females come ashore together. </li>\n <li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="30" 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">Flatback: Found around Australia, with a flatter, smoother shell than its relatives. </li>\n </ul>\n <h2><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5037" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_5-scaled.jpg" alt="A leatherback sea turtle crawls along a sandy beach near the shoreline." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_5-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_5-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_5-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_5-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_5-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_5-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_5-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></h2>\n <h2>What does a sea turtle look like? </h2>\n Sea turtles have streamlined shells and trade legs for flippers. The front pair powers them forward like a pair of wings, while the back pair steers and digs nests in the sand. Sea turtles don’t look alike. A Kemp’s ridley stays small enough to carry, while a leatherback can grow to the size of a small car. Shell shape, color and head size all shift from one species to the next. \n Baby sea turtles are called hatchlings. Much smaller than adults, they usually emerge from their nests at night and start their scramble toward the ocean.  \n <h2>Where do sea turtles live?  </h2>\n Sea turtles live in oceans around the world from <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/coral-reef-conservation-in-omaha-and-beyond">coral reefs</a> and seagrass beds to open water and quiet coastal bays. Where a sea turtle lives often changes as it grows. Hatchlings may drift and feed in the open ocean, while adults settle into coastal feeding grounds and migrate between feeding and nesting sites. \n Females return to the beach to lay their eggs, often the very beach where they hatched, guided back across hundreds of miles of open water. That’s what makes nesting beaches so important: hatchlings need safe sand, darkness and a clear path to the sea. \n <h2>Why are sea turtles important?  </h2>\n Sea turtles help hold ocean and coastal ecosystems together. Green sea turtles keep seagrass meadows healthy by grazing them like underwater lawns, hawksbills clear space on reefs by eating sponges, and all of them move nutrients between the open sea and the beaches where they nest. \n They also draw people into ocean conservation, from beach cleanups and marine-debris efforts to rescue, rehabilitation and responsible wildlife viewing.  \n Few animals carry a longer history. Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, reflects on both their remarkable past and the challenges they face today: “Sea turtles have roamed the oceans for more than a hundred million years, but the future of these ancient mariners is under serious threat from human activities like fishing, coastal development and climate change. Wild Kingdom has been telling their story for decades.”  \n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5042" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_10-scaled.jpg" alt="Quote graphic featuring Peter Gros discussing the ancient history of sea turtles." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_10-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_10-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_10-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_10-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_10-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_10-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_10-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h2>Are sea turtles endangered?  </h2>\n Many sea turtle species are threatened or endangered. The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) reports that nearly all sea turtle species fall into one of these two categories. \n Sea turtles face a range of challenges, many tied to human activity: <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/from-trash-to-art-saving-oceans-through-sculpture">fishing gear</a>, coastal development, pollution, climate change, illegal wildlife activity and disturbance at nesting beaches. Because the picture varies by species and population, it’s most accurate to say that many sea turtles face serious challenges, not that every turtle everywhere is in the same situation. \n <h2><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5040" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_8-scaled.jpg" alt="A sea turtle fitted with a tracking device moves toward the ocean along a sandy beach." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_8-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_8-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_8-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_8-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_8-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_8-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_8-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></h2>\n <h2>What’s being done to support sea turtle conservation?  </h2>\n Sea turtle conservation includes rescue, rehabilitation, nest protection, field research, public education, fisheries-related work and habitat restoration.  \n <a href="https://www.turtlesafe.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AZA’s Saving Animals From Extinction Sea Turtle</a> program works with partners around the world to support sea turtle conservation. It points to fishery bycatch — accidental capture in fishing gear — as one of the most significant threats sea turtles face. \n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-be-an-ecotourist">Conservation work</a> can help reduce that bycatch, protect nesting beaches, give stranded and injured turtles a second chance and help people learn to share coastal spaces responsibly. \n Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, highlights how researchers keep learning from sea turtles after their release: “The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre fits released turtles with shell-mounted GPS and follows each one’s journey, turning their stories into vital data and hope for sea turtle conservation across Australia.”  \n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5039" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_7-scaled.jpg" alt="Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant stands in shallow water next to a marine researcher examining a sea turtle along a tropical coastline." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_7-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_7-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_7-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_7-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_7-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_7-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_7-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h2>Watch sea turtles on Wild Kingdom </h2>\n Sea turtles are part of a bigger Wild Kingdom story about ocean wildlife, rescue, rehabilitation and the people working to help animals thrive. Keep exploring related videos and articles, then find out <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-watch-mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild">how to watch Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a>.  \n <h2>Frequently asked questions about sea turtles  </h2>\n <h3>Is a sea turtle a reptile?  </h3>\n Yes, a sea turtle is a reptile. Sea turtles breathe air, lay eggs and have scales, but they’re adapted for life in the ocean.  \n <h3>Are sea turtles mammals?  </h3>\n No, sea turtles aren’t mammals; they’re reptiles. Unlike mammals, sea turtles don’t have fur, don’t nurse their young and don’t give live birth.  \n <h3>Are sea turtles tortoises?  </h3>\n No, sea turtles aren’t tortoises. <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/giving-desert-tortoises-a-head-start">Tortoises</a> live on land and have legs built for walking. Sea turtles live mostly in the ocean and have flippers for swimming.  \n <h3>Where does a sea turtle live?  </h3>\n Sea turtles live in ocean habitats around the world. Depending on the species, they may use coastal waters, open ocean, coral reefs, seagrass beds, bays and sandy nesting beaches.  \n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5036" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_4-scaled.jpg" alt="A sea turtle feeds on seagrass along the sandy ocean floor." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_4-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_4-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_4-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_4-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_4-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_4-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_4-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h3>Are sea turtles endangered?  </h3>\n Many sea turtle species are threatened or endangered. AZA notes that nearly all sea turtle species are classified as either threatened or endangered. \n <h3>Why are sea turtles endangered?  </h3>\n Sea turtles are endangered or threatened because of several human-related pressures, including fishing gear, coastal development, pollution, climate change, illegal wildlife activity and disturbance near nesting beaches.  \n <h3>What’s the biggest threat to sea turtles?  </h3>\n Fishery bycatch is one of the biggest threats to sea turtles. It happens when they’re accidentally caught in fishing gear. AZA identifies bycatch as one of the most significant threats sea turtles face around the world. \n <h3>What are the different kinds of sea turtles?  </h3>\n There are seven species: green, loggerhead, leatherback, hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley, olive ridley and flatback sea turtles. Each species has its own range, diet, size and conservation challenges.  \n <h3>What do sea turtles eat in the ocean?  </h3>\n Sea turtle diets vary by species. Some eat seagrass or algae, while others eat jellyfish, sponges, crabs, shrimp, snails or other marine animals.  \n <h3>How long do sea turtles usually live?  </h3>\n Sea turtles are generally long-lived animals. Many can live for several decades, though lifespan varies by species and the risks they survive as hatchlings and adults. \n <h3>How big do sea turtles get?  </h3>\n Sea turtle size depends on the species, from the smaller Kemp’s ridley to the leatherback, the largest sea turtle, which can grow to the size of a small car. \n <h3>How small are baby sea turtles when they’re born?  </h3>\n Baby sea turtles, called hatchlings, are very small when they emerge from the nest. Their exact size depends on the species, but they’re small enough to fit in a person’s hand. Even so, hatchlings should never be picked up or handled unless directed by trained wildlife professionals.  \n <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5038" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_6-scaled.jpg" alt="Dozens of hatchling sea turtles make their way across a sandy beach toward the ocean." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_6-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_6-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_6-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_6-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_6-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_6-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645516_WK_CHIA_SeaTurtle_images_6-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />\n <h3>How can people help sea turtles?  </h3>\n People can help sea turtles by keeping beaches clean, reducing plastic waste, respecting nesting areas, turning off bright beach lights when required, giving turtles space and following local wildlife rules. If you see a <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/what-do-i-do-if-i-find-an-injured-animal">stranded, injured or trapped sea turtle</a>, contact local wildlife authorities or a licensed rescue organization.  \n <h3>Can you touch a sea turtle?  </h3>\n No, don’t touch, feed, chase, crowd or disturb sea turtles, hatchlings or nests. Watch from a safe distance and follow posted beach or wildlife rules.  \n \n Sources:\n Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Working Together to Secure a Future for Sea Turtles, June 16, 2026, accessed June 2026.  \n NOAA Fisheries, Sea Turtles, accessed August 2026, fisheries.noaa.gov/sea-turtles. \n """ "custom_fields" => array:19 [ …19] "date" => "2026-08-18 10:17:10" "excerpt" => "Expert insights from Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, co-hosts of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Sea turtles are marine reptiles that have navigated the world’s oceans for more than 100 million years, long before humans and even alongside the dinosaurs. Built […]\n" "id" => 5022 "modified" => "2026-08-18 10:17:10" "screenreader_text" => "Sea turtle swims through clear blue water surrounded by air bubbles." "slug" => "sea-turtles" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:6 [ …6] "title" => "Sea Turtles" "title_plain" => "Sea Turtles" "type" => "article" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/article/sea-turtles/" ] 5050 => array:20 [ "attachments" => array:1 [ …1] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Saving endangered species often requires bold action and daring rescues. \n 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. \n 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>. \n Learn how <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/filming-bighorn-sheep-on-wild-kingdom">Wild Kingdom has filmed bighorn sheep</a> over the years, then watch “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/saving-the-sierra-bighorn">Saving the Sierra Bighorn</a>.” \n Go up-close with lynx in “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/return-of-the-lynx">Return of the Lynx</a>,” see wolf pups in “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/leader-of-the-pack">Leader of the Pack</a>” and journey into the swamp in “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/graduation-day-for-a-gator">Graduation Day for a Gator</a>.” \n """ "custom_fields" => array:19 [ …19] "date" => "2026-08-22 12:00:17" "excerpt" => "Saving endangered species often requires bold action and daring rescues. 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 […]\n" "id" => 5050 "modified" => "2026-08-25 23:16:12" "screenreader_text" => null "slug" => "captures-for-conservation" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:5 [ …5] "title" => "Captures for Conservation" "title_plain" => "Captures for Conservation" "type" => "video" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/video/captures-for-conservation/" ] 5052 => array:20 [ "attachments" => array:3 [ …3] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ 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.\n <img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_2-scaled.jpg" />\n <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.\n Join Peter and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant on unforgettable journeys in search of remarkable stories of wildlife protection.\n 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.\n <img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_4-scaled.jpg" />\n 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.\n <img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_5-scaled.jpg" />\n 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.\n “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.”\n “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.”\n <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" />\n 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.\n 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.\n <h2>Frequently asked questions</h2>\n <h3>When does Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Season 4 premiere?</h3>\n Season 4 premieres on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, on NBC’s “The More You Know” block.\n <h3>Who hosts Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild?</h3>\n Wildlife expert Peter Gros and wildlife ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant host Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild.\n <img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_3-scaled.jpg" />\n <h3>Where can I watch Protecting the Wild?</h3>\n 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.\n <h3>What animals are featured in Season 4?</h3>\n Jaguars, grizzly bears, koalas, tapirs, spider monkeys, sea otters and orcas are just some of the animals featured in Season 4.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:19 [ …19] "date" => "2026-08-25 09:32:24" "excerpt" => "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, […]\n" "id" => 5052 "modified" => "2026-08-25 14:18:03" "screenreader_text" => null "slug" => "wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild-returns-for-season-4-on-nbc" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:3 [ …3] "title" => "Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Returns for Season 4 on NBC" "title_plain" => "Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Returns for Season 4 on NBC" "type" => "video" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/video/wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild-returns-for-season-4-on-nbc/" ] 5069 => array:20 [ "attachments" => array:1 [ …1] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Dr. Rae and Peter explore the secrets behind keeping animals healthy and thriving under human care with the help of a good diet.  \n 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. \n 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>. \n For an in-depth look at these species, watch “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/saving-the-sierra-bighorn">Panda-Monimum!</a>,” “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/rescue-down-under">Rescue Down Under</a>,” “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/leader-of-the-pack">Leader of the Pack</a>” and “<a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/second-chance-spider-monkeys">Second Chance Spider Monkeys</a>.” \n """ "custom_fields" => array:19 [ …19] "date" => "2026-08-29 12:00:49" "excerpt" => "Dr. Rae and Peter explore the secrets behind keeping animals healthy and thriving under human care with the help of a good diet.  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 […]\n" "id" => 5069 "modified" => "2026-09-03 18:34:49" "screenreader_text" => null "slug" => "feeding-time" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:5 [ …5] "title" => "Feeding Time!" "title_plain" => "Feeding Time!" "type" => "video" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/video/feeding-time/" ] 5079 => array:20 [ "attachments" => array:7 [ …7] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ Expert insights from: Nicki Boyd, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance general curator and Jennifer Moll, lead wildlife care specialist, San Diego Zoo \n <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" />\n Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance\n 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. \n <h2>Key takeaways </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">The San Diego Zoo is home to 21 koalas, the largest colony in the U.S. and the largest outside Australia and China. </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">San Diego’s Australia-like climate lets the zoo grow eucalyptus onsite, something most zoos can’t do. </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">The zoo leads the AZA’s new SAFE Koala program and funds conservation work in Australia to protect koalas in the wild. </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">Koalas are listed as vulnerable and face growing threats from habitat loss, wildfires, invasive pests and disease. </li>\n </ul>\n <h2>Koala quick facts </h2>\n <ul>\n <li>Common name: Koala </li>\n <li>Scientific name: Phascolarctos cinereus </li>\n <li>Animal group: Mammal </li>\n <li>Mammal type: Marsupial </li>\n <li>Habitat: Eastern Australia eucalyptus forest </li>\n <li>Lifespan: 10 to 15 years in the wild </li>\n <li>Diet: 1 to 1.5 pounds of eucalyptus leaves each day </li>\n <li>Size: 2 to 3 feet tall, 9 to 29 pounds </li>\n <li>Sleep: 18 to 22 hours each day to help conserve energy </li>\n <li>Social life: Solitary </li>\n <li>Behavior: Active at night, spends most of day eating and sleeping </li>\n <li>Young: Newborn <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/small-survivors">joeys</a> live in mother’s pouch and with her until they’re around a year old </li>\n <li>Conservation status: Threatened; koala’s biggest threats are loss of habitat, vehicle strikes, dog attacks, bushfires and disease </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" />Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</div>\n <h2>How big is the San Diego Zoo’s koala colony?</h2>\n 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. \n <h2>What do koalas eat? </h2>\n 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. \n Eucalyptus leaves don’t provide many calories, but koalas make up for this by spending most of their day sleeping. \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"></iframe></div>\n Video courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance\n <h2>Why is eucalyptus so hard to provide? </h2>\n 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. \n “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. \n <h2>Why is San Diego Zoo uniquely suited to raise koalas? </h2>\n 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. \n That Australian-like climate doesn’t just feed the koalas, it makes San Diego feel like a part of Australia. \n “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!” \n <h2>Where do the koalas live in the zoo? </h2>\n 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. \n “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. \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" />Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</div>\n <h2>How has koala care changed over time? </h2>\n Today, the koalas live outside 24/7, but this wasn’t always the case at the zoo. \n 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. \n “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.” \n When the new space was created in 2013, the zoo made sure all koalas lived outside 24 hours a day to combat this disease. \n “It’s definitely made a great improvement on their quality of life and quality of their health,” Moll said. \n <h2>How do koalas choose a mate? </h2>\n 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. \n As far as which koala makes the perfect match? Moll has a theory. \n “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.” \n 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. \n <h2>What’s the SAFE Koala program? </h2>\n 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. \n Koalas are what conservationists call an umbrella species: Protect them, and you protect everything living under their canopy too. \n “Koalas will be the umbrella species that can save the echidna, the wombat, the forest which would house cockatoos and many species,” Boyd said. \n Working alongside other accredited zoos, San Diego shares its research and expertise, so <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/eyes-on-the-wild">conservation wins reach koalas in the wild</a> — not just those in human care. \n “We want people to see how cool and unique they are and drive empathy to help that conservation,” Boyd said. \n “We’re learning so much … we can use that knowledge and apply different strategies and send it to our colleagues in Australia,” Boyd said. \n <h2>Are koalas endangered? </h2>\n 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. \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" />Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</div>\n <h2>What are the biggest threats to koalas? </h2>\n Koalas face several threats — habitat loss, climate change and wildfires, invasive pests and disease. \n 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. \n Wildfires are destroying even more of what remains. As the climate warms, <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-wildfires-affect-urban-areas-the-ecosystem-and-wildlife">fire seasons grow more intense</a> and eucalyptus is dangerously combustible. \n “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. \n 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. \n “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.” \n 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. \n <h2>How does the San Diego Zoo help koalas in the wild? </h2>\n The San Diego Zoo helps wild koalas by funding and supporting conservation work in Australia, following the lead of the <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-aussies-are-saving-koalas">researchers and organizations</a> who know the animals and their habitats best. \n 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. \n 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. \n “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. \n 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. \n “It was a study on what does it take to repopulate an area with koalas again,” Moll said. \n 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. \n “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. \n 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 <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/rescue-down-under">the people already fighting for them</a>. \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"></iframe></div>\n Video courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance\n <h2>Koala fun facts </h2>\n Koalas are full of surprises, and some of the most fascinating are right at their fingertips (and toes). \n They have two thumbs. Each front paw has five digits arranged as two thumbs and three fingers, giving koalas an exceptional grip for climbing and pulling eucalyptus close. \n “They’re not opposable thumbs like ours are, but they help for grabbing that eucalyptus and bringing it down to them,” Moll said. \n They have a built-in comb. On each back foot, two toes are fused together to form a “grooming claw” the koala uses to clean its fur. \n “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. \n They’re built to climb. One toe on each back foot has no nail at all. Koalas use their powerful hind legs to push themselves up tree trunks. \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" />Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</div>\n <h2>How can you help save koalas? </h2>\n 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. \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">Adopt a koala. Through San Diego Zoo’s <a href="https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/adopt/koala">symbolic adoption program</a>, you can help care for koalas and support conservation. </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">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. </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">Support Australian groups directly. Organizations on the ground in Australia, such as the <a href="https://www.scienceforwildlife.org/donate">Greater Blue Mountains Koala Program</a> are leading the fight to save wild koalas. </li>\n </ul>\n Every bit of support helps ensure that koalas, and the forests they depend on, are still here for generations to come. \n <h2>Frequently asked questions about koalas </h2>\n <h3>Are koalas bears? </h3>\n No. Despite the nickname “koala bear,” koalas are marsupials — mammals that carry their young in a pouch — not bears. \n <h3>How long do koalas live? </h3>\n Koalas typically live 10 to 15 years. \n <h3>What do koalas eat? </h3>\n 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. \n <h3>How much do koalas sleep? </h3>\n Koalas sleep around 18 to 22 hours a day. Eucalyptus provides little energy, so koalas conserve it by sleeping most of the day. \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" />Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</div>\n <h3>How many koalas are at the San Diego Zoo? </h3>\n The zoo is home to 21 koalas — the largest koala colony in the United States, and the largest outside Australia and China. \n <h3>Why are koalas endangered? </h3>\n 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. \n <h3>Do koalas really have two thumbs? </h3>\n Yes, each paw has five digits arranged as two thumbs and three fingers, giving koalas a strong grip for climbing and holding eucalyptus. \n <h3>Can you see the koalas? </h3>\n Yes! You can visit the San Diego Zoo’s Australian Outback section to see their koala colony. \n All photos courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:19 [ …19] "date" => "2026-08-30 20:30:39" "excerpt" => "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 […]\n" "id" => 5079 "modified" => "2026-09-02 09:48:12" "screenreader_text" => "Koala perched in a eucalyptus tree, gripping branches and looking toward the camera." "slug" => "inside-the-largest-koala-colony-in-the-u-s" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:4 [ …4] "title" => "Inside the Largest Koala Colony in the U.S." "title_plain" => "Inside the Largest Koala Colony in the U.S." "type" => "article" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/article/inside-the-largest-koala-colony-in-the-u-s/" ] 5087 => array:20 [ "attachments" => array:2 [ …2] "author" => array:8 [ …8] "categories" => [] "comment_count" => 0 "comment_status" => "closed" "comments" => [] "content" => """ 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.\n 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.\n <h3>Explore alligator stories</h3>\n Learn more about alligators through these Wild Kingdom videos and articles.\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-alligators-beat-the-endangered-species-list">How Alligators Beat the Endangered Species List</a>\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/american-alligators">American Alligators</a>\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/graduation-day-for-a-gator">Graduation Day for a Gator</a>\n <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/reptile-rescue">Reptile Rescue</a>\n <h3>Why Feeding an Alligator Is the Worst Thing You Can Do</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"></iframe></div>\n 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.\n  \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>About Coyote Peterson</h4>\n 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.\n """ "custom_fields" => array:29 [ …29] "date" => "2026-09-03 23:45:52" "excerpt" => "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. In this episode, Dr. Rae sits down with Coyote Peterson, wildlife educator and creator […]\n" "id" => 5087 "modified" => "2026-09-04 19:15:46" "screenreader_text" => null "slug" => "from-near-extinction-to-5-million-the-american-alligators-comeback" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:6 [ …6] "title" => "From Near Extinction to 5 Million: The American Alligator’s Comeback" "title_plain" => "From Near Extinction to 5 Million: The American Alligator’s Comeback" "type" => "podcast" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/from-near-extinction-to-5-million-the-american-alligators-comeback/" ] ] "screenreader_text" => null "slug" => "the-green-sea-turtles-impossible-comeback" "status" => "publish" "tags" => array:6 [ 0 => array:5 [ "description" => "" "id" => 72147 "post_count" => 98 "slug" => "animal-facts" "title" => "Animal Facts" ] 1 => array:5 [ "description" => "" "id" => 72124 "post_count" => 199 "slug" => "animals" "title" => "Animals" ] 2 => array:5 [ "description" => "" "id" => 72117 "post_count" => 128 "slug" => "conservation" "title" => "Conservation" ] 3 => array:5 [ "description" => "" "id" => 72148 "post_count" => 66 "slug" => "endangered-species" "title" => "Endangered Species" ] 4 => array:5 [ "description" => "" "id" => 72139 "post_count" => 131 "slug" => "hosts" "title" => "Hosts" ] 5 => array:5 [ "description" => "" "id" => 72144 "post_count" => 31 "slug" => "podcast" "title" => "Podcast" ] ] "title" => "The Green Sea Turtle’s Impossible Comeback" "title_plain" => "The Green Sea Turtle’s Impossible Comeback" "type" => "podcast" "updated_date" => "2026-07-23 00:00:00" "url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/podcast/the-green-sea-turtles-impossible-comeback/" ]]

Updated on July 23, 2026

Explore Sea Turtle Stories

The Green Sea Turtle’s Hidden Life Cycle

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