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<p><span data-contrast="auto">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Co-Hosts Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant and Peter Gros spoke to local and national media about tips for coexisting with wildlife, rare species and upcoming episodes.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Wild Kingdom in the news</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<h3><a href="https://www.foxweather.com/watch/fmc-recsghr2uviy5vf9" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">Fox Weather</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5003" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News3.jpg" alt="An adult black bear stands among trees and fallen logs while two bear cubs look on from the forest behind." width="1440" height="564" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News3.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News3-768x301.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">On Fox Weather, Peter gave tips for what to do if you spot a bear as they come out of hibernation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><a href="https://www.countryliving.com/life/travel/a71495994/channel-islands-national-park-fox/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">Country Living</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5004" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News4.jpg" alt="A gray fox walks through a grassy, wooded area covered with leaves and low vegetation." width="1440" height="564" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News4.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News4-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News4-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News4-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News4-768x301.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Peter spoke to Country Living about the Channel Island fox, a rare species found only on this remote island off the coast of California. The species was featured in the Protecting the Wild episode, “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/the-lost-fox-of-channel-islands-clip"><span data-contrast="none">The Lost Fox of the Channel Islands</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/what-to-do-with-turtle-nest-in-yard-12006674" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">Martha Stewart</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5005" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News5.jpg" alt="A turtle rests on a log in a pond beside a graphic featuring a wildlife quote attributed to Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild." width="1440" height="564" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News5.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News5-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News5-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News5-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News5-768x301.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Ever wonder what to do if you find a turtle nest in your yard? Peter gave tips to Martha Stewart.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><a href="https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/nbcs-wild-kingdom-to-spotlight-charleston-based-turtle-survival-alliance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">NBC Charleston</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5006" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News6.jpg" alt="A close-up of an eastern box turtle walking through green grass, showing the intricate orange and black pattern on its shell." width="1440" height="564" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News6.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News6-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News6-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News6-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News6-768x301.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">While filming an upcoming episode in Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Rae and Peter spoke with the local NBC affiliate, WCBD, about their work with the Turtle Survival Alliance.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
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"date" => "2026-08-11 14:50:23"
"excerpt" => "<p>Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Co-Hosts Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant and Peter Gros spoke to local and national media about tips for coexisting with wildlife, rare species and upcoming episodes. Wild Kingdom in the news Fox Weather On Fox Weather, Peter gave tips for what to do if you spot a bear as they come out of hibernation. Country Living Peter […]</p>\n"
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<p><em>Expert insights from Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</em></p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5010" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images3-scaled.jpg" alt="Herd of American bison moving through deep snow with forested mountains in the background." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images3-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images3-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images3-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
<p><strong>Bison are large, hoofed mammals known for their massive shoulders, shaggy coats and deep connection to the grasslands of North America. As the continent’s largest land mammal, they once moved across the prairies in enormous herds, grazing, roaming and shaping the landscape around them. Often called buffalo, the American bison is its own distinct animal. Today it stands at the center of one of North America’s most hopeful conservation stories, tied to healthy grasslands, Tribal communities and public lands.</strong></p>\n
<h2>Key takeaways</h2>\n
<ul>\n
<li>Bison are large, hoofed mammals native to North America.</li>\n
<li>They’re often called buffalo, but bison is the more accurate name.</li>\n
<li>Bison are North America’s largest land mammal.</li>\n
<li>Adult males (bulls) weigh more than 2,000 pounds and stand around 6 feet tall at the shoulder. Females (cows) are usually smaller.</li>\n
<li>Bison live in grasslands, prairies, plains, river valleys and other open landscapes.</li>\n
<li>They’re grazing animals, feeding mostly on grasses and other prairie plants.</li>\n
<li>Herd size ranges from a few animals to several hundred, depending on the season, food and management.</li>\n
<li>Bison are powerful wild animals, so always watch them from a safe distance.</li>\n
<li>Once hunted to near extinction, bison are now at the center of a hopeful conservation story tied to healthy grasslands and cultural restoration.</li>\n
</ul>\n
<h2><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5011" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images4-scaled.jpg" alt="Large herd of American bison grazing across a green prairie landscape divided by a winding stream." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images4-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images4-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images4-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images4-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images4-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images4-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images4-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />What’s a bison?</h2>\n
<p>A bison is a large, hoofed mammal native to North America and the largest land mammal on the continent. It has a recognizable silhouette: a heavy front body, muscular shoulders rising into a tall hump, a broad, low-carried head, short, curved horns and a thick, shaggy coat built for hard prairie winters.</p>\n
<p>Despite the nickname, a bison isn’t a buffalo. True buffalo — the African buffalo and the water buffalo — live in other parts of the world and have a different build. In North America, people have called bison buffalo for generations. You’ll still hear it today, but bison is the name scientists and wildlife experts use.</p>\n
<h2>Bison quick facts</h2>\n
<ul>\n
<li>Common name: Bison</li>\n
<li>Scientific name: <em>Bison bison</em></li>\n
<li>Animal group: Mammal</li>\n
<li>Mammal type: Ungulate (hoofed mammal)</li>\n
<li>Native range: North America</li>\n
<li>Size: Males are larger than females and can stand around 6 feet tall at the shoulder</li>\n
<li>Weight: Adult males can weigh more than 2,000 pounds, while females are usually smaller</li>\n
<li>Adult appearance: Large head, high shoulder hump, curved horns, shaggy coat and short tail</li>\n
<li>Juvenile appearance: Baby bison (calves) are smaller and lighter in color</li>\n
<li>Habitat: <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/protecting-the-wild-season-two-filming-journal">Grasslands, prairies</a>, plains, river valleys and open landscapes</li>\n
<li>Diet: Grasses and other prairie plants</li>\n
<li>Social behavior: Live in herds; herd size varies by season and management</li>\n
<li>Conservation status: Once hunted to near extinction; conservation now focuses on restoring healthy herds, grassland habitat and cultural connections</li>\n
</ul>\n
<h2>Explore bison stories</h2>\n
<p>Keep exploring bison through Wild Kingdom videos, podcasts and related stories about prairie wildlife, conservation and North American grasslands.</p>\n
<ul>\n
<li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/national-wildlife-week-bison">National Wildlife Week: Bison</a></li>\n
<li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/returning-bison-to-the-great-plains">Returning Bison to the Great Plains</a></li>\n
<li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/rewilding-the-american-prairie">Rewilding the American Prairie</a></li>\n
<li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/podcast/restoring-the-bison-reviving-the-prairie">Restoring the Bison, Reviving the Prairie</a></li>\n
</ul>\n
<h2><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5014" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images7-scaled.jpg" alt="Adult American bison and calves standing in tall prairie grass." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images7-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images7-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images7-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images7-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images7-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images7-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images7-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />What does a bison look like?</h2>\n
<p>A bison is a massive, dark brown animal with a shaggy coat built for prairie winters, a broad head that hangs low and a tall hump rising over its shoulders. Short, curved horns sit on either side of the head on both males and females, and a beard of coarse fur hangs beneath the chin. Their build is dramatically front heavy, with powerful shoulders and front legs giving way to slimmer hindquarters.</p>\n
<p>Males, called bulls, are usually larger and heavier than females, called cows, though both carry the same rugged build. Young bison, called calves, start out smaller and are a lighter, reddish-tan color, darkening as they grow. The iconic humps and horns fill in as calves age.</p>\n
<h2>Where do bison live?</h2>\n
<p>Bison live in North America, on the wide-open landscape they’ve always been tied to — grasslands, prairies and plains. Depending on the region and the herd, they also range into river valleys, open meadows and the edges of forests. What links these places is space. Bison need room to roam, along with steady grass to graze, water to drink and open ground to move across as a herd.</p>\n
<p>Today that space takes different forms. Some bison roam national parks and wildlife refuges, while others live on Tribal lands, conservation areas or managed private ranches. Wherever they are, bison rarely stay in one place. They shift across the landscape through the year, following the food, the weather and the movement of the herd.</p>\n
<h2>Why are bison important?</h2>\n
<p>Bison are important as wildlife, as cultural symbols and as one of the forces that keep North American grasslands healthy. They don’t just live on the prairie. They help build it. As they move and graze across open country, bison shape the land in ways that reach far beyond themselves.</p>\n
<p>Much of that shaping happens through everyday behavior. As bison graze, roam and wallow — rolling on the ground to create shallow depressions — they leave their mark behind across the prairie. These patterns in the grass, the soil and the land itself are exactly what many other grassland species depend on.</p>\n
<p>“Bison were the primary ecosystem engineers of American grasslands. Their grazing habits, powerful hooves and even their waste were all vital for creating the prairie’s intricate biodiversity,” said Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild.</p>\n
<p>Bison are just as important to people. For many Tribal nations, bison are woven into history and daily life. They’re a source of food, shelter and cultural tradition, and a living connection between people, land and wildlife. That relationship is part of why so many restoration efforts today are led in partnership with Tribal communities, conservation groups, zoos, public agencies and local land managers.</p>\n
<p>But the grasslands bison depend on are going fast. More than 70% of North American grasslands and 95% of tallgrass prairies have disappeared due to development, agriculture and invasive species. The bison and the prairie are so closely connected that saving one means saving the other.</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5012" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images5-scaled.jpg" alt="Graphic displaying a quote from Peter Gros: “Bison’s grazing habits, powerful hooves and even their waste were all vital for creating the prairie’s intricate biodiversity.”" width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images5-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images5-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images5-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images5-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images5-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images5-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images5-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
<h2>Are bison still endangered?</h2>\n
<p>Bison are no longer on the brink of extinction, but whether they’re still endangered today isn’t a simple yes or no. They aren’t all counted or managed the same way, which makes their conservation status hard to pin down. Some bison live in private or commercial herds, while others live in public, Tribal or conservation herds.</p>\n
<p>What’s clear is that the American bison isn’t gone. But recovery isn’t complete, either. Strong numbers are only part of the future. Conservation today focuses on restoring healthy herds, protecting genetic diversity, supporting natural behaviors and reconnecting bison to the grassland ecosystems they helped shape.</p>\n
<h2>What’s being done to support bison conservation?</h2>\n
<p>Bison conservation is happening on many fronts at once. Some efforts focus on restoring conservation herds, while others work on grassland habitat, herd health, Tribal partnerships, <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-zoos-are-saving-animals-from-extinction">public education</a> and <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/why-do-we-need-to-conserve-wildlife">long-term land stewardship.</a></p>\n
<p>Some of the most ambitious efforts aim to rebuild whole ecosystems, not just herds.</p>\n
<p>“In central Montana, a conservation nonprofit called American Prairie is working to carefully restore a fully functioning prairie ecosystem. Just like the Wind River Tribal Initiative in Wyoming, American Prairie reintroduces wild bison conservation herds to the landscape,” Peter Gros said.</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5013" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images6-scaled.jpg" alt="Peter Gros stands in a prairie grassland with a herd of bison grazing in the background." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images6-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images6-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images6-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images6-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images6-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images6-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images6-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
<p>That habitat-first thinking is becoming the model. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Saving Animals From Extinction North American Grasslands coalition brings together programs focused on the many species that depend on Great Plains and prairie ecosystems. The goal is to look at conservation through a wider lens instead of one species at a time.</p>\n
<p>The progress is real and worth celebrating, but it isn’t finished. Bison haven’t been fully restored everywhere they once roamed and many of the landscapes that once supported them have changed. Keeping healthy herds, open space and grassland biodiversity alive will take continued work for years to come.</p>\n
<h2>Watch bison on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom</h2>\n
<p>Bison are part of a bigger Wild Kingdom story about prairie ecosystems, conservation, restoration 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> on NBC, YouTube and Peacock.</p>\n
<h2>Frequently asked questions about bison</h2>\n
<h3>Is a bison a buffalo or a bull?</h3>\n
<p>A bison is neither a buffalo nor a bull. A bull is an adult male bison, and bison aren’t true buffalo. In North America, people say “buffalo” when they mean American bison.</p>\n
<h3>What’s the difference between bison and buffalo?</h3>\n
<p>Bison and buffalo are different animals. American bison live in North America and have a large shoulder hump, shaggy coat and short curved horns. True buffalo, such as African buffalo and water buffalo, live in other parts of the world and have a different body shape.</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5015" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images8-scaled.jpg" alt="Three American bison walking across a golden prairie beneath a blue sky filled with clouds." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images8-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images8-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images8-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images8-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images8-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images8-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images8-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
<h3>Why are bison no longer called buffalo?</h3>\n
<p>Because American bison aren’t true buffalo. Scientists and wildlife experts use “bison” to set them apart from the true buffalo species in Africa and Asia. But many people still say buffalo in everyday conversation.</p>\n
<h3>What does a bison look like?</h3>\n
<p>A bison has a large head, a tall shoulder hump, shaggy fur, short, curved horns and a heavy front body. Adult males are usually larger than females, and calves are smaller and lighter in color when young.</p>\n
<h3>How big is an American bison?</h3>\n
<p>Adult males can stand around 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh more than 2,000 pounds, making American bison the largest land mammal in North America. Females are usually smaller.</p>\n
<h3>Where do bison live?</h3>\n
<p>Bison live in North America, in grasslands, prairies, plains, river valleys and other open landscapes. Some herds live in <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/wild-kingdoms-guide-to-national-parks">national parks</a>, refuges, Tribal lands, conservation areas or managed private lands.</p>\n
<h3>What’s a bison’s habitat?</h3>\n
<p>A bison’s habitat includes open space, grasses or other plants to eat, water and room for the herd to move. Healthy grassland habitat also supports many other species, from birds and pollinators to smaller mammals.</p>\n
<h3>What do bison eat?</h3>\n
<p>Bison are grazing animals that mostly eat grasses. They’ll also eat sedges (a grass-like plant), herbs and other low-growing plants, depending on what’s available. Because bison graze, move and wallow across the land, they help shape prairie ecosystems. This movement affects plant growth, soil conditions and habitat patterns for other grassland species.</p>\n
<h3>How many bison are in a herd?</h3>\n
<p>Bison herd size can vary widely from just a few animals to dozens, hundreds or more, depending on the landscape, season and how the herd is managed.</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5016" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images9-scaled.jpg" alt="Herd of American bison running through deep snow, kicking up powder as they move forward." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images9-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images9-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images9-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images9-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images9-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images9-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images9-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
<h3>How many real bison are left?</h3>\n
<p>It depends on what’s meant by “real bison.” Some estimates count all bison in North America, including private and commercial herds. Conservation-focused numbers may look only at wild, public, Tribal or genetically managed herds. Because of that, it’s better to explain the type of herd being discussed rather than rely on one broad number.</p>\n
<h3>Why are bison so rare?</h3>\n
<p>Bison became rare because they were hunted to near extinction and lost much of their historic grassland habitat. Their numbers have improved, but many bison today live in managed herds rather than roaming across the huge open landscapes they once used.</p>\n
<h3>How can people safely view bison?</h3>\n
<p>The safest way to view bison is from a distance. Bison may look calm when they are grazing or resting, but they’re large, powerful wild animals that can move quickly and react if people get too close.</p>\n
<p>Use binoculars or a zoom lens, stay on marked trails or roads and follow all park or local <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-be-an-ecotourist">wildlife viewing rules</a>. Don’t approach, feed, touch or try to take close photos of bison. Responsible wildlife viewing helps protect both people and animals.</p>\n
<h3>Which U.S. state has the most bison?</h3>\n
<p>South Dakota is often cited as the state with the largest bison numbers, especially when private and managed herds are counted. The answer can vary, though, depending on whether the count includes private, public and Tribal herds or only wild-roaming bison.</p>\n
<p> </p>\n
<p><em><strong>Sources:</strong></em></p>\n
<p>Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Lehigh County and Lehigh Valley Zoo Foster Transfer of Bison for Conservation and Cultural Revitalization, Jan. 7, 2026, accessed June 2026.</p>\n
<p>Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Common Ground, Feb. 4, 2026, accessed June 2026.</p>\n
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"excerpt" => "<p>Expert insights from Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Bison are large, hoofed mammals known for their massive shoulders, shaggy coats and deep connection to the grasslands of North America. As the continent’s largest land mammal, they once moved across the prairies in enormous herds, grazing, roaming and shaping the landscape around them. […]</p>\n"
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<p><span data-contrast="auto">When Australia’s wildlife is in crisis, conservation heroes answer the call. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">In Queensland, Peter and Dr. Rae step inside the world of wildlife rescue, where dedicated veterinarians work tirelessly to nurse sick and injured koalas back to health. At the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, sea turtles harmed by fishing gear, boat strikes and pollution are given a second chance at life in the wild. And Peter meets an extraordinary team of rescuers caring for orphaned kangaroo and wallaby joeys — nearly all rescued from their deceased mothers’ pouches after vehicle strikes — offering these vulnerable young animals a road to recovery and a future back in the bush.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Watch <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/road-to-recovery/9000457430" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Road to Recovery” on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild on NBC</a>.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Check out how </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-aussies-are-saving-koalas"><span data-contrast="none">Aussies are saving koalas</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">. And dive into the Great Barrier Reef for more underwater Aussie conservation in “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/reef-revival"><span data-contrast="none">Reef Revival</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
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<p><em>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</em></p>\n
<p><strong>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.</strong></p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\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
<p>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.</p>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h2>Sea otter quick facts</h2>\n
<ul>\n
<li>Common name: Sea otter</li>\n
<li>Scientific name: <em>Enhydra lutris</em></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
<p>Keep exploring sea otters through Wild Kingdom videos, articles and related stories about marine mammals, kelp forests, rescue and conservation.</p>\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
<p>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.</p>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h2>Where do sea otters live?</h2>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p>The largest numbers live along the coast of Alaska, with smaller populations scattered down the Pacific coast through British Columbia, Washington and California.</p>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<h2>Why are sea otters important?</h2>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p>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.”</p>\n
<p>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.</p>\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
<p>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.</p>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h2>What’s being done to support sea otter conservation?</h2>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p>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.”</p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h2>Watch sea otters on Wild Kingdom</h2>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<h2>Frequently asked questions about sea otters</h2>\n
<h3>Are sea otters mammals?</h3>\n
<p>Yes, sea otters are marine mammals, which means they are warm-blooded, breathe air, have fur and nurse their young.</p>\n
<h3>How much do sea otters weigh?</h3>\n
<p>On average, adult males weigh 65 pounds and females weigh 45 pounds. Northern sea otters are often larger than southern sea otters.</p>\n
<h3>Are sea otters friendly?</h3>\n
<p>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></p>\n
<h3>Where do 90% of sea otters live?</h3>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<h3>What do sea otters eat in the wild?</h3>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h3>How do sea otters float on their backs?</h3>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<h3>Why are sea otters important for kelp forests?</h3>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<h3>What family are sea otters in?</h3>\n
<p>Sea otters are part of the weasel family and are relatives of river otters, weasels, badgers and mink.</p>\n
<h3>What are sea otters’ physical characteristics?</h3>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h3>Where do sea otters sleep?</h3>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<h3>How can people safely view sea otters?</h3>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p> </p>\n
<p><em><strong>Sources:</strong></em></p>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p>IUCN, <em>Enhydra lutris</em> (Sea Otter), The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, accessed August 2026, iucnredlist.org</p>\n
<p>Monterey Bay Aquarium, Sea Otter, accessed August 2026, montereybayaquarium.org/animals-the-ocean/animals-a-to-z/sea-otter</p>\n
<p>Monterey Bay Aquarium, Sea Otter Recovery Program, accessed August 2026, montereybayaquarium.org</p>\n
<p>Seattle Aquarium, The Densest Fur of Any Animal on Earth: All About Sea Otters, Dec. 30, 2024, accessed August 2026, seattleaquarium.org</p>\n
<p>U.S. Department of the Interior, 12 Facts About Otters for Sea Otter Awareness Week, accessed August 2026, doi.gov</p>\n
<p>U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Southern Sea Otter (<em>Enhydra lutris nereis</em>), accessed August 2026, fws.gov/species/southern-sea-otter-enhydra-lutris-nereis</p>\n
<p>U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, What Makes the Sea Otter a Keystone Species?, July 30, 2021, accessed August 2026, fws.gov</p>\n
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"date" => "2026-08-18 10:07:16"
"excerpt" => "<p>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 […]</p>\n"
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"screenreader_text" => "Two sea otters float side by side on their backs in calm water, facing the camera with paws tucked against their chests."
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"title" => "Sea Otters"
"title_plain" => "Sea Otters"
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"url" => "https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/article/sea-otters/"
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"content" => """
<p><em>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</em></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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 </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/endangered-species-act"><span data-contrast="none">endangered.</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Key takeaways</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Sea turtles are reptiles, not mammals.</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">They live in oceans around the world, but females return to beaches to nest.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Seven species range across the globe, varying in size, diet and habitat.</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Flippers power their swimming and their shells offer protection.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Hatchlings (baby sea turtles) are small enough to fit in your hand.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Diets range from seagrass and jellyfish to sponges, crabs and shrimp.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Fishing gear, coastal development, pollution, climate change and human disturbance are their biggest threats.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Conservation includes rescue, rehabilitation, nest protection, education and ocean habitat work.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">If you spot a sea turtle or nest, watch from a distance and follow posted rules. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
</ul>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">What’s a sea turtle?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h2><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span><span data-contrast="auto">Sea turtle quick facts</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Common name: Sea turtle</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Animal group: Reptile</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Reptile type: Marine reptile</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Number of species: Seven — green, loggerhead, leatherback, hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley, olive ridley and flatback</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Native range: Oceans around the world</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Habitat: Coastal waters, open ocean, coral reefs, seagrass beds and nesting beaches </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Adult appearance: Shell, flippers, streamlined body and beak-like mouth </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Baby sea turtles: Hatchlings emerge from nests on sandy beaches </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Diet: Varies by species</span><span data-contrast="auto">; common foods include seagrass, algae, jellyfish, sponges, crabs, shrimp and other marine life </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Nesting behavior: Females come ashore to lay eggs in sand</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Conservation status: Nearly all sea turtle species are classified as threatened or endangered</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
</ul>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Explore sea turtle stories</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Keep exploring sea turtles through Wild Kingdom videos, articles and related stories about ocean wildlife, rescue, rehabilitation and conservation. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\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"><span data-contrast="none">Celebrating World Sea Turtle Day</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="none">Sea Turtle Stranding Brings Organizations Together for Rescue</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="none">Manatee and Sea Turtle Conservation</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="none">Sea Creatures of the Florida Coast Clip</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="none">The Green Sea Turtle’s Impossible Comeback</span></a></li>\n
</ul>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">How many types of sea turtles are there?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">There are seven species of sea turtle, and each one has its own look, diet and story.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\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"><span data-contrast="auto">Green sea turtle: The largest of the hard-shelled species. Adults are mostly vegetarian, grazing on seagrass and algae.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Loggerhead: Named for its oversized head and powerful jaws, which it uses to crush conch, whelks and other hard-shell prey.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Hawksbill: A narrow, pointed beak lets it reach sponges tucked into coral reefs, making it a familiar sight on healthy reef systems.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Kemp’s ridley: The smallest and most endangered sea turtle, known for nesting in large, synchronized groups.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Olive ridley: Named for its olive-green shell and famous for arribadas, mass nesting events where thousands of females come ashore together.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Flatback: Found around Australia, with a flatter, smoother shell than its relatives.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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><span data-contrast="auto">What does a sea turtle look like?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Where do sea turtles live?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Sea turtles live in oceans around the world from </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/coral-reef-conservation-in-omaha-and-beyond"><span data-contrast="none">coral reefs</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> 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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Why are sea turtles important?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">They also draw people into ocean conservation, from beach cleanups and marine-debris efforts to </span><span data-contrast="auto">rescue, rehabilitation and responsible wildlife viewing.</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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.”</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Are sea turtles endangered?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Sea turtles face a range of challenges, many tied to human activity: </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/from-trash-to-art-saving-oceans-through-sculpture"><span data-contrast="none">fishing gear</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, 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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\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><span data-contrast="auto">What’s being done to support sea turtle conservation?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Sea turtle conservation includes rescue, rehabilitation, nest protection, field research, public education, fisheries-related work and habitat restoration.</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto"><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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-be-an-ecotourist"><span data-contrast="none">Conservation work</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> 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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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.” </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Watch sea turtles on Wild Kingdom</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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 </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-watch-mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild"><span data-contrast="none">how to watch Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Frequently asked questions about sea turtles</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Is a sea turtle a reptile?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Are sea turtles mammals? </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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.</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Are sea turtles tortoises?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">No, sea turtles aren’t tortoises. </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/giving-desert-tortoises-a-head-start"><span data-contrast="none">Tortoises</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> live on land and have legs built for walking. Sea turtles live mostly in the ocean and have flippers for swimming.</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Where does a sea turtle live?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Are sea turtles endangered?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Many sea turtle species are threatened or endangered. AZA notes that nearly all sea turtle species are classified as either threatened or endangered.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Why are sea turtles endangered?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">What’s the biggest threat to sea turtles?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">What are the different kinds of sea turtles? </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">What do sea turtles eat in the ocean?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Sea turtle diets vary by species. Some eat seagrass or algae, while others eat jellyfish, sponges, crabs, shrimp, snails or other marine animals. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">How long do sea turtles usually live?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">How big do sea turtles get?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">How small are baby sea turtles when they’re born?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">How can people help sea turtles? </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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 </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/what-do-i-do-if-i-find-an-injured-animal"><span data-contrast="none">stranded, injured or trapped sea turtle</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, contact local wildlife authorities or a licensed rescue organization. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Can you touch a sea turtle?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><em><strong>Sources:</strong></em></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Working Together to Secure a Future for Sea Turtles, June 16, 2026, accessed June 2026.</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">NOAA Fisheries, Sea Turtles, accessed August 2026, fisheries.noaa.gov/sea-turtles.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
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"excerpt" => "<p>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 […]</p>\n"
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<p><span data-contrast="auto">Saving endangered species often requires bold action and daring rescues. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Peter joins a helicopter team in New Mexico to conduct a census of critically imperiled Mexican wolves. Then he helps biologists relocate a wild lynx to strengthen conservation in the Cascades. In California’s rugged Sierra Nevada, Peter and Dr. Rae work to protect endangered bighorn sheep. Their journey ends in Georgia, where biologists study a massive alligator to advance vital animal protection efforts.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Watch <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/captures-for-conservation/9000457432" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Captures for Conservation” on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a>. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Learn how </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/filming-bighorn-sheep-on-wild-kingdom"><span data-contrast="none">Wild Kingdom has filmed bighorn sheep</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> over the years, then watch “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/saving-the-sierra-bighorn"><span data-contrast="none">Saving the Sierra Bighorn</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Go up-close with lynx in “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/return-of-the-lynx"><span data-contrast="none">Return of the Lynx</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">,” see wolf pups in “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/leader-of-the-pack"><span data-contrast="none">Leader of the Pack</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">” and journey into the swamp in “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/graduation-day-for-a-gator"><span data-contrast="none">Graduation Day for a Gator</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
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"excerpt" => "<p>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 […]</p>\n"
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<p><strong>Television’s No. 1 weekend wildlife show returns Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, on NBC. In Season 4, Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant travel from Costa Rica to Alaska to Australia, meeting the people protecting jaguars, grizzly bears, koalas, orcas and more.</strong></p>\n
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_2-scaled.jpg" /></p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/protecting-the-wild">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a>, television’s No. 1 weekend wildlife show, returns for its fourth season on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, on NBC. <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/meet-our-hosts">Co-hosted</a> by wildlife expert Peter Gros and wildlife ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, the new season airs as part of NBC’s “The More You Know” educational and informational programming block.</p>\n
<p>Join Peter and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant on unforgettable journeys in search of remarkable stories of wildlife protection.</p>\n
<p>This season, the co-hosts encounter jaguars, grizzly bears, koalas, tapirs, spider monkeys, sea otters and orcas and meet the conservationists, wildlife veterinarians and local communities working to protect them. Dr. Rae and Peter travel from the rainforests of Costa Rica and the wilderness of Alaska to the beaches of Queensland, Australia, the tropical forests of Puerto Rico, and remarkable landscapes across California and Utah, all in the name of wildlife conservation.</p>\n
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_4-scaled.jpg" /></p>\n
<p>One of the season’s highlights takes viewers to Alaska, where Peter is joined by NBC meteorologist and “Earth Odyssey” Host Dylan Dreyer to explore one of North America’s last great wildernesses. Together, they kayak through iceberg-covered seas, coming face-to-face with sea otters and sea lions, among other adventures.</p>\n
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_5-scaled.jpg" /></p>\n
<p>Combining breathtaking adventure, remarkable animal encounters, and inspiring human stories, Season 4 continues the Wild Kingdom tradition of bringing families together through discovery and exploration.</p>\n
<p>“For generations, Wild Kingdom has inspired families to discover the wonder of the natural world together,” said Jennifer Wulf, vice president, brand marketing for Mutual of Omaha. “It’s the kind of show families can feel good about watching and one that sparks curiosity, conversation and a sense of adventure long after the episode ends.”</p>\n
<p>“Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild continues to reflect our mission of educating, informing and captivating viewers,” said Bryan Curb, president of Hearst Media Production Group. “The series has proven that audiences are looking for programming that not only entertains but also inspires and creates meaningful shared viewing experiences.”</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5057" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1005" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-1024x402.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-1536x603.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-2048x804.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
<p>Since its 2023 debut, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild has become one of the leading wildlife series for family viewing across broadcast and cable, averaging more than one million weekly viewers during the 2025-2026 television season, according to Nielsen. The series has <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/awards-and-recognition">earned widespread recognition</a>, including five Daytime Emmy® nominations, 57 Telly Awards, the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation’s Gracie Award for co-host Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, and some of television’s leading sustainability honors — including BAFTA’s Albert certification and the Environmental Media Association’s Green Seal.</p>\n
<p>As one of television’s most beloved wildlife franchises, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild delivers programming that appeals to viewers across generations. Just as families gathered around the TV for the original Wild Kingdom, today’s families can continue that tradition on NBC, coming together to learn, explore and be inspired through breathtaking wildlife encounters and uplifting conservation stories. In addition to airing on NBC’s “The More You Know” programming block, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild is available on Telemundo, Peacock and NBC.com.</p>\n
<h2>Frequently asked questions</h2>\n
<h3>When does Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Season 4 premiere?</h3>\n
<p>Season 4 premieres on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, on NBC’s “The More You Know” block.</p>\n
<h3>Who hosts Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild?</h3>\n
<p>Wildlife expert Peter Gros and wildlife ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant host Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild.</p>\n
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_3-scaled.jpg" /></p>\n
<h3>Where can I watch Protecting the Wild?</h3>\n
<p>Watch new episodes on NBC, <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nbc.com</a> and <a href="https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/8131888204325022112" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peacock</a>. Episodes will be available to stream after they air.</p>\n
<h3>What animals are featured in Season 4?</h3>\n
<p>Jaguars, grizzly bears, koalas, tapirs, spider monkeys, sea otters and orcas are just some of the animals featured in Season 4.</p>\n
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<p><span data-contrast="auto">Dr. Rae and Peter explore the secrets behind keeping animals healthy and thriving under human care with the help of a good diet. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">In San Diego, California, and Queensland, Australia, they roll up their sleeves to gather bamboo for giant pandas and eucalyptus for koalas to give the animals vital nutrition they need. In New Mexico, Peter and Dr. Rae assist with the recovery of the Mexican gray wolf by delivering zoo-formulated food that mimics eating habits they’ll experience when released back to the wild. The journey ends in Mexico, where rescued spider monkeys receive a second chance at life.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Watch <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/feeding-time/9000457434" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Feeding Time!” on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a>. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">For an in-depth look at these species, watch “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/saving-the-sierra-bighorn"><span data-contrast="none">Panda-Monimum!</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">,” “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/rescue-down-under"><span data-contrast="none">Rescue Down Under</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">,” “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/leader-of-the-pack"><span data-contrast="none">Leader of the Pack</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">” and “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/second-chance-spider-monkeys"><span data-contrast="none">Second Chance Spider Monkeys</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
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<p>Things are looking up for this episode — literally! Watch our co-hosts explore the world of winged wonders featuring some of our favorite flying species.</p>\n
<p>Peter and Dr. Rae discover North American birds and bats are flying in the face of danger. They meet conservationists fighting to save the North Atlantic puffin in Maine where Peter releases one back to the wild. Then off the coast of California, Dr. Rae spots a bald eagle nest — a great sign of recovery. In Texas, millions of wild bats put on a show like we’ve never seen before. Plus, in the Mojave Desert, Dr. Rae and Peter team up with scientists using technology to outsmart a very intelligent bird that’s putting the endangered desert tortoise at risk.</p>\n
<p>Tune in to “Winged Wonders” Saturday morning on NBC’s “The More You Know” programming block. <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-watch-mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild">Here’s how to watch</a>.</p>\n
<p>Want to see the full episode? Steam it for <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/winged-wonders/9000363895" target="_blank" rel="noopener">free on NBC.com</a>.</p>\n
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<p><i><span data-contrast="auto">Expert insights from: Nicki Boyd, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance general curator and Jennifer Moll, lead wildlife care specialist, San Diego Zoo</span></i><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-5076 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images6-scaled.jpg" alt="Koala peering through eucalyptus leaves while resting among tree branches." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images6-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images6-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images6-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images6-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images6-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images6-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images6-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
<p style="text-align: right;"><em>Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</em></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">San Diego Zoo is home to the largest koala colony in the United States, and one of the largest outside of Australia. These iconic Australian marsupials thrive here because San Diego’s climate mirrors their homeland. That lets the zoo grow fresh eucalyptus onsite, so its koalas always have a buffet of their favorite food. Through the newly established Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) Koala program, San Diego is leading U.S. conservation efforts to help ensure these threatened animals will thrive for years to come.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Key takeaways</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<ul>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">The San Diego Zoo is home to 21 koalas, the largest colony in the U.S. and the largest outside Australia and China.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">San Diego’s Australia-like climate lets the zoo grow eucalyptus onsite, something most zoos can’t do.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">The zoo leads the AZA’s new SAFE Koala program and funds conservation work in Australia to protect koalas in the wild.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Koalas are listed as vulnerable and face growing threats from habitat loss, wildfires, invasive pests and disease.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
</ul>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Koala quick facts</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<ul>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Common name: Koala</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Scientific name: </span><i><span data-contrast="auto">Phascolarctos cinereus</span></i><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Animal group: Mammal</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Mammal type: Marsupial</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Habitat: Eastern Australia eucalyptus forest</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Lifespan: 10 to 15 years in the wild</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Diet: 1 to 1.5 pounds of eucalyptus leaves each day</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Size: 2 to 3 feet tall, 9 to 29 pounds</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Sleep: 18 to 22 hours each day to help conserve energy</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Social life: Solitary</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Behavior: Active at night, spends most of day eating and sleeping</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Young: Newborn </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/small-survivors"><span data-contrast="none">joeys</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> live in mother’s pouch and with her until they’re around a year old</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Conservation status: Threatened; koala’s biggest threats are loss of habitat, vehicle strikes, dog attacks, bushfires and disease</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
</ul>\n
<div id="attachment_5074" style="width: 2570px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5074" class="wp-image-5074 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images4-scaled.jpg" alt="Koala climbing a eucalyptus tree trunk surrounded by green foliage." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images4-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images4-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images4-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images4-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images4-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images4-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images4-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p id="caption-attachment-5074" class="wp-caption-text">Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</p></div>\n
<h2>How big is the San Diego Zoo’s koala colony?</h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Twenty-one koalas live in the San Diego Zoo. The zoo’s koala colony is the largest in the U.S. and the largest outside of Australia and China.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">What do koalas eat?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Koalas eat around 1 to 1.5 pounds of eucalyptus leaves each day and they’re choosy about it! San Diego Zoo offers its koalas around 20 pounds of eucalyptus daily across several species so they can pick their favorite variety. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Eucalyptus leaves don’t provide many calories, but koalas make up for this by spending most of their day sleeping. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<div class="iframe-video"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Koala Diet Video" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fGgEuANxPas" width="1263" height="710" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span></iframe></div>\n
<p style="text-align: right;"><em>Video courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</em></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Why is eucalyptus so hard to provide?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Eucalyptus is difficult to provide because it’s naturally toxic. Most animals can’t eat it at all! Koalas are uniquely adapted to tolerate the toxins, but only in certain species of eucalyptus. Toxin levels can change seasonally and be high enough that koalas will avoid a species they’d usually eat. Of the several hundred types of eucalyptus in Australia, koalas only eat around 80.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“Koalas will actually smell their eucalyptus before they eat it and they can tell, ‘Oh, this is safe for me to eat,’ or ‘No I should not,’” said Jennifer Moll, San Diego Zoo lead wildlife care specialist.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Why is San Diego Zoo uniquely suited to raise koalas?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">San Diego Zoo is a great place to raise koalas because its climate mirrors Australia, which means, unlike most zoos, it can grow the koalas’ food in its backyard. While many zoos have to ship eucalyptus in, San Diego grows 35 varieties in a 10-acre farm nearby, so its koalas always have fresh, safe leaves to choose from.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">That Australian-like climate doesn’t just feed the koalas, it makes San Diego feel like a part of Australia.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“When I went to Australia the first time, I felt like I was in San Diego,” said Nicki Boyd, San Diego Zoo general curator. “But the black birds flying around aren’t ravens or crows, they’re black cockatoos!”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Where do the koalas live in the zoo?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">At the San Diego Zoo, the koalas live in a Queenslander-style “house” in the Australian Outback habitat. The koalas sit in tree branches about 12 feet high to simulate living up in the trees. Zoo staff use a pulley system so they can place fresh browse (eucalyptus leaves) in a canister and reel it up to reach the koalas up in the trees. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“The Queenslander house starts with people walking on a pathway that’s supposed to mimic being on your back patio or balcony and overlooking koalas as if you were out in Australia,” Moll said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<div id="attachment_5075" style="width: 2570px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5075" class="wp-image-5075 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images5-scaled.jpg" alt="Adult koala and joey perched together in the branches of a eucalyptus tree." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images5-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images5-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images5-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images5-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images5-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images5-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images5-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p id="caption-attachment-5075" class="wp-caption-text">Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</p></div>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">How has koala care changed over time?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Today, the koalas live outside 24/7, but this wasn’t always the case at the zoo.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">In the 1970s and 1980s, zoos were told to keep koalas indoors most of the time. A few males were rotated outside during the day, but the females rarely went out, and every koala came back inside at night. There was some sunlight, but not enough UV. Over time, the koalas began developing metabolic bone disease. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“We were still keeping the koalas and caring for them the same way we had been taught a couple of decades previously and didn’t realize Australia had changed their ways and found better alternatives,” Moll said. “It made us realize we need to reopen our conversations with the people we know in Australia.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">When the new space was created in 2013, the zoo made sure all koalas lived outside 24 hours a day to combat this disease.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“It’s definitely made a great improvement on their quality of life and quality of their health,” Moll said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">How do koalas choose a mate?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Female koalas at the San Diego Zoo choose their mate. The zoo has a “dating chart” or stud book that keeps track of which koalas can breed with one another to help ensure genetic diversity and a healthy population. Then, the zoo offers her first choice, but the koala may say “no thank you,” so they move down the dating chart to the next koala.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">As far as which koala makes the perfect match? Moll has a theory.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“We’re starting to believe that female koalas are listening for the sound the male makes and also the scent he leaves behind — kind of his cologne!” Moll said. The female koala, she explains, essentially decides, “Oh yeah, that one smells good and I like the way he sounds. I’m going to go check him out.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Keeping genetic diversity strong is about more than the koalas in San Diego. The zoo shares what it learns with other accredited zoos — and partners in Australia — so healthy koalas here help support the future of the species everywhere.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">What’s the SAFE Koala program?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The Koala SAFE program, Saving Animals From Extinction, is run through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which brings together the expertise of accredited zoos to help save koalas. Formed in June 2026 and led by the San Diego Zoo, it’s one of dozens of SAFE programs working to protect threatened species around the world. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Koalas are what conservationists call an umbrella species: Protect them, and you protect everything living under their canopy too.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“Koalas will be the umbrella species that can save the echidna, the wombat, the forest which would house cockatoos and many species,” Boyd said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Working alongside other accredited zoos, San Diego shares its research and expertise, so </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/eyes-on-the-wild"><span data-contrast="none">conservation wins reach koalas in the wild</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> — not just those in human care.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“We want people to see how cool and unique they are and drive empathy to help that conservation,” Boyd said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“We’re learning so much … we can use that knowledge and apply different strategies and send it to our colleagues in Australia,” Boyd said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Are koalas endangered?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Often described as endangered, koalas are officially listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) — a category within its broader “threatened” classification. In their home country, the Australian government has gone further, listing koalas as endangered across Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. The bottom line: Koalas need our help.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<div id="attachment_5077" style="width: 2570px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5077" class="wp-image-5077 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images7-scaled.jpg" alt="Koala sitting on a branch amid dense green shrubs and native vegetation." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images7-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images7-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images7-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images7-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images7-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images7-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images7-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p id="caption-attachment-5077" class="wp-caption-text">Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</p></div>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">What are the biggest threats to koalas?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Koalas face several threats — habitat loss, climate change and wildfires, invasive pests and disease.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The single biggest threat is the loss of the eucalyptus forest koalas depend on. Because koalas rely almost entirely on eucalyptus for both food and shelter, anything that shrinks those forests puts them at risk. And as land is cleared for development and agriculture, koalas lose the habitat they can’t live without.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Wildfires are destroying even more of what remains. As the climate warms, </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-wildfires-affect-urban-areas-the-ecosystem-and-wildlife"><span data-contrast="none">fire seasons grow more intense</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> and eucalyptus is dangerously combustible. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“If you’ve ever seen a eucalyptus tree burn, it’s like a candlestick. The sap is very combustible. I do worry about the future for their habitats,” Boyd said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The forests face a subtler danger, too. An invasive beetle that eats eucalyptus is damaging the trees in both Australia and San Diego, though Boyd is hopeful nature will find a way to keep it in check.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“Usually there’ll be a predator that balances out the cycle for invasive pests,” Boyd said. “Hopefully, they’ll be some sort of parasitic wasp or dragonfly that decides that they’re the best thing ever.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Beyond their shrinking habitat, koalas also face disease, though it’s one researchers are actively fighting. Koala retrovirus, or KoRV, affects koalas in both human care and in the wild. Different strains can predispose them to other medical concerns like cancers. But there’s real progress. Australian conservationists are developing a vaccine, work San Diego Zoo hopes to support through the SAFE program. At a recent koala conference, researchers showed evidence that vaccinated koalas were doing far better than those left unvaccinated.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">How does the San Diego Zoo help koalas in the wild?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The San Diego Zoo helps wild koalas by funding and supporting conservation work in Australia, following the lead of the </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-aussies-are-saving-koalas"><span data-contrast="none">researchers and organizations</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> who know the animals and their habitats best.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The zoo was an early supporter of the Greater Blue Mountains Koala Program and its Australian partners credit that first decade of funding with getting the research off the ground.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">San Diego’s support extends to putting its researchers in the field. On St. Bees Island off the Queensland coast, a nearly untouched koala population gave scientists a rare chance to study the animals without human interference.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“There were only three houses on that island … so we got to watch [the koalas] without it being interrupted by the people living there, without people building and destroying the habitat,” Moll said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">In Tandora, Queensland, the work turned to a bigger question: how to bring koalas back to places they’ve disappeared from. Researchers worked with a local farmer who once had koalas on his property and wanted them back.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“It was a study on what does it take to repopulate an area with koalas again,” Moll said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">And when Australia’s devastating bushfires swept through koala habitat in 2020, the San Diego Zoo’s first instinct wasn’t to rush in. It was to ask how it could help those already on the ground.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“What we realized — they didn’t need us. That’s Australia. That’s where koalas are from … so it was more about how can we support them,” Moll said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">It’s a philosophy that runs through all the zoo’s work abroad. The koala’s best hope lies in Australia and San Diego’s role is to help </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/rescue-down-under"><span data-contrast="none">the people already fighting for them</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<div class="iframe-video"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Koala General Video" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IQkuQZh6b90" width="1263" height="710" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span></iframe></div>\n
<p style="text-align: right;"><em>Video courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</em></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Koala fun facts</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Koalas are full of surprises, and some of the most fascinating are right at their fingertips (and toes).</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><b><span data-contrast="auto">They have two thumbs</span></b><span data-contrast="auto">. Each front paw has five digits arranged as two thumbs and three fingers, giving koalas an exceptional grip for climbing and pulling eucalyptus close.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“They’re not opposable thumbs like ours are, but they help for grabbing that eucalyptus and bringing it down to them,” Moll said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><b><span data-contrast="auto">They have a built-in comb.</span></b><span data-contrast="auto"> On each back foot, two toes are fused together to form a “grooming claw” the koala uses to clean its fur.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“We call that their grooming claw because it always seems to have lots of hair stuck in it — that’s the one they’re using to help clean themselves,” Moll said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><b><span data-contrast="auto">They’re built to climb</span></b><span data-contrast="auto">. One toe on each back foot has no nail at all. Koalas use their powerful hind legs to push themselves up tree trunks.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<div id="attachment_5078" style="width: 2570px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5078" class="wp-image-5078 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images8-scaled.jpg" alt="Koala resting on a eucalyptus branch against a bright blue sky." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images8-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images8-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images8-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images8-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images8-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images8-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images8-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p id="caption-attachment-5078" class="wp-caption-text">Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</p></div>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">How can you help save koalas?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">You don’t have to be a scientist in Australia to help koalas. The simplest way to help is to support the organizations already working to protect koalas and their forests.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<ul>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Adopt a koala. Through San Diego Zoo’s </span><a href="https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/adopt/koala"><span data-contrast="none">symbolic adoption program</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, you can help care for koalas and support conservation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Visit the koalas. Seeing them in person in the Australian Outback area in San Diego, or at other AZA-accredited zoos, is one of the best ways to connect with the species.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Support Australian groups directly. Organizations on the ground in Australia, such as the </span><a href="https://www.scienceforwildlife.org/donate"><span data-contrast="none">Greater Blue Mountains Koala Program</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> are leading the fight to save wild koalas.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
</ul>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Every bit of support helps ensure that koalas, and the forests they depend on, are still here for generations to come.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Frequently asked questions about koalas</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Are koalas bears?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">No. Despite the nickname “koala bear,” koalas are marsupials — mammals that carry their young in a pouch — not bears.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">How long do koalas live?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Koalas typically live 10 to 15 years. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">What do koalas eat?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Koalas almost exclusively eat eucalyptus. They eat about 1 to 1.5 pounds of eucalyptus a day, and they’re very selective about which ones they’ll munch on.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">How much do koalas sleep?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Koalas sleep around 18 to 22 hours a day. Eucalyptus provides little energy, so koalas conserve it by sleeping most of the day.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<div id="attachment_5073" style="width: 2570px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5073" class="wp-image-5073 size-full" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images3-scaled.jpg" alt="Sleeping koala curled into the fork of a eucalyptus tree high above the ground." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images3-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images3-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645518_WK_Article_Koalas_SDzoo_images3-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p id="caption-attachment-5073" class="wp-caption-text">Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</p></div>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">How many koalas are at the San Diego Zoo?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The zoo is home to 21 koalas — the largest koala colony in the United States, and the largest outside Australia and China.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Why are koalas endangered?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Koalas are disappearing mainly because they’re losing the eucalyptus forests they rely on for food and shelter. Land clearing, wildfires, invasive pests and disease are all shrinking that habitat, leaving fewer safe places for koalas to live.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Do koalas really have two thumbs?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Yes, each paw has five digits arranged as two thumbs and three fingers, giving koalas a strong grip for climbing and holding eucalyptus.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Can you see the koalas?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Yes! You can visit the San Diego Zoo’s Australian Outback section to see their koala colony.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><em><strong>All photos courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.</strong></em></p>\n
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"excerpt" => "<p>Expert insights from: Nicki Boyd, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance general curator and Jennifer Moll, lead wildlife care specialist, San Diego Zoo Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance San Diego Zoo is home to the largest koala colony in the United States, and one of the largest outside of Australia. These iconic Australian […]</p>\n"
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<p>By 1967, the American alligator — a reptile whose lineage predates the dinosaurs — had been hunted, skinned and pushed to the edge of extinction. Twenty years later it was thriving again, making a full recovery under the Endangered Species Act.</p>\n
<p>In this episode, Dr. Rae sits down with Coyote Peterson, wildlife educator and creator of Brave Wilderness, whose alligator content alone has racked up over 100 million views. Together they explain why these “ecosystem engineers” are critical to the health of southeastern wetlands. And they dig into the modern threats that still put the species at risk, from invasive Burmese pythons to human habituation. It’s a story about how fast a species can come back, and how easily that progress can be undone.</p>\n
<h3><strong>Explore alligator stories</strong></h3>\n
<p>Learn more about alligators through these Wild Kingdom videos and articles.</p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-alligators-beat-the-endangered-species-list">How Alligators Beat the Endangered Species List</a></p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/american-alligators">American Alligators</a></p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/graduation-day-for-a-gator">Graduation Day for a Gator</a></p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/reptile-rescue">Reptile Rescue</a></p>\n
<h3><strong>Why Feeding an Alligator Is the Worst Thing You Can Do</strong></h3>\n
<div class="iframe-video"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Why Feeding an Alligator Is the Worst Thing You Can Do" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7aC_ru54fmo" width="1263" height="710" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span></iframe></div>\n
<p>An alligator on a golf course isn’t lurking — it’s living where humans built on top of its habitat. In this episodette, Coyote Peterson and Dr. Rae unpack why feeding or habituating alligators turns them into the most dangerous version of themselves, why a viral golf-course encounter almost went very wrong and how a little “exposure therapy” — visiting alligators at conservation-focused facilities — can replace fear with respect. Watch the full episode for the complete story of the American alligator’s comeback.</p>\n
<p> </p>\n
<div class="iframe-portrait"><iframe loading="lazy" title="alligator-video-social" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SxMul0QOA24" width="488" height="867" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>\n
<h4><strong>About Coyote Peterson</strong></h4>\n
<p>Coyote Peterson is an Emmy Award-winning host and creator of YouTube’s “Brave Wilderness,” where his videos have drawn over 6 billion views worldwide. A lifelong animal lover, he studied video production, writing and film editing at Ohio State University before combining both passions. For over a decade, he’s worked alongside conservationists to protect the planet’s most misunderstood creatures — including a partnership that reintroduced 25 critically endangered black rhinos in South Africa.</p>\n
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Peter Gros: Deep in the swamps of the Southeastern United States, the water sits still and black, or it seems to. An ambush predator whose lineage runs deeper than the dinosaur. For most of the 20th century, this animal was disappearing, hunted for its hide, its meat, and its eggs, pushed out of the wetlands it had occupied for millions of years. By 1967, it was listed as endangered.\r\n
\r\n
Coyote Peterson: I mean, to be pushed to near extinction and then to have the numbers that we currently have today is really quite the testament to conservation and the preservation of a species like the American alligator.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Gr...: Today, I'm talking with Coyote Peterson, wildlife educator, creator of Brave Wilderness, one of the most watched wildlife channels on YouTube, and one of the most influential voices working to change how people feel about animals they've been taught to fear. Over a career spanning decades, Coyote has produced, and get this, over 100 million views worth of alligator content alone, and has remained committed to highlighting the conservation of this incredible species throughout.\r\n
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: Each episode, we're going deep on a single species, one that came to the very edge of disappearing and looking at the fight to bring it back.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Gr...: Coyote Peterson, welcome to Back from the Brink Podcast. I've been a big fan of you and your work for so long. Also, I almost always wear a hat when I am on set filming Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild. And you actually started this trend, so I think I actually picked it up from you. I have to give you the credit that the hat, it's a good look.\r\n
\r\n
Coyote Peterson: Well, thank you, Dr. A. I appreciate it. And big fan of your work as well. I'm certainly excited for today's conversation.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Gr...: You've interacted with so many different species in the wilderness, under human care. I mean, you name it. And so to figure out what's a good animal to talk about with you was kind of tricky, but we landed on the American alligator. And I'm really glad that we did because this is a species that used to be quite rare and has gone through a bit of a transformation and hopefully has a very bright future. But I kind of want to know for you, out of all of these animals that you've interacted with, that you have expertise in, what is it about the American alligator that actually pulls you in and makes it feel very special for you?\r\n
\r\n
Coyote Peterson: I mean, ever since I was a little kid, the American alligator has been that icon. As a kid, you could go to the library and pick up a book and it was like this one giant prehistoric looking reptile that existed on the continent that you lived on. And I grew up in Ohio, so the closest thing to an icon of the reptile kingdom that I faced was the common snapping turtle and always dreamed of being able to see American alligators in the wild.\r\n
And I specifically remember when they really were pushed to the brink or learning that, man, these things almost disappeared off the face of our planet. And you're talking about a reptile that's been around since before the time of the dinosaurs or at least its lineage. So for me, they've always just been an icon of not only the capabilities of the animal kingdom, but just something that's inspiring and has been sort of the backbone for making me want to get out there and adventure further into remote places.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Gr...: For those of us who are not constantly in the wildlife world, when we think about crocodilians, we think about them like in the Nile River, in the Amazon, these far away places from the continental United States. And yet we have American alligators. They are huge. They are, like you said, I mean, prehistoric looking. They've been around for a long time. They're long-lived species, and they're right here in this country in some of our most incredible looking habitats. So now I'm going to ask you, for those folks who are tuning in who have never seen an alligator in the wild, paint us a picture. What's a scenario where someone might come across one? What does it kind of look like and feel like and sound like?\r\n
\r\n
Coyote Peterson: I think it's important to note that as the most dominant reptilian predator that lives in the United States, they always have to be treated with incredible respect. And because of the teeth and the power and the visuals that an alligator gives off, the idea that this lurking beast beneath the surface of the water is slowly sneaking up on the shoreline and it's going to lunge out and grab something and pull it into the water and then that's just it, chaos into silence. You have to recognize that yes, that animal is capable of that, but they are honestly quite peaceful and elusive creatures at the end of the day.\r\n
In almost all instances where I've interacted with alligators in the wild, the alligator's number one goal is usually, okay, I want to get out of here before this human that's coming towards me gets too close. But they're amazing to see in their natural environment. When you see an alligator for the first time, you're kind of like, wow, something that prehistoric looking exists on our planet. And for people that haven't visited the Southeastern United States and have been in alligator territory, to see one for the first time just reminds you how far nature has evolved since the time of the dinosaurs. Any instance where we are doing something with alligators for brave wilderness, we try to immerse ourselves as deep into the wild as possible. Taking something like an airboat out into the far back country of the Everglades or surrounding areas is usually where we would start.\r\n
And then honestly, it's about getting into the shallower water where you can move on foot and try to find one of these animals that just hunkered down in a low space. And it's eerie, especially if you get into some of these swamps because the water can be dark, there can be stuff on the surface and you want to move really, really slowly.\r\n
And believe it or not, a lot of times we do it at night because with flashlights, if you shine at the right angle, you can actually get a red reflection from the eyes of any crocodilian. So it really helps you to be able to spot the animal. And oftentimes they're considering themselves fully camouflaged. So you can actually sneak in very, very closely, whether this is a situation where I'm needing to catch an alligator to present it on camera or we're just trying to get close to get B-roll shots. It's nerve wracking to say the least, but we take a lot of care, a lot of precision, and they are so good at staying camouflaged and staying hidden. So unless you've got an alligator that's at the surface with just its eyes and its nose sticking above the surface, they're going to be completely invisible.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Gr...: So tell us which part of the country are they found?\r\n
\r\n
Coyote Peterson: So Southeastern United States, from the Carolinas sort of downward into Florida. And obviously we look at the American alligator as being the icon of the Florida Everglades specifically, but of course they span over into Louisiana and Georgia and any of those swampy southeastern states. If you've got a body of water, doesn't matter if it's a backwoods swamp or it is a retention pond next to some big facility or corporation. If there's water in the territory of an alligator, there is likely an alligator of some size, whether it's a tiny one or a 12-foot one, lurking in that body of water.\r\n
And they're just there, whether you know it or not. And that's what they've done so good at over the course of their time on this planet is staying hidden. Unless you see them up on an embankment sunning to, as ectotherms, absorbing the power of the sun to heat up their internal batteries for the day, then for the most part, they're staying completely out of sight and that's how that animal functions. An ambush predator like the alligator is surviving and growing based off of not being seen by the other animals or unfortunately sometimes humans that are also in and around their environment.\r\n
\r\n
Peter Gros: For decades, everyone wanted alligator, alligator boots, alligator bags, and alligator belts. Hunters killed them by the hundreds of thousands with almost no legal limit. The swamps themselves were disappearing too, trained for farmlands and filled in by development. By the 1950s and 60s, the species that had outlived dinosaurs was now being pushed towards extinction.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Gr...: Before humans were building roads and cities and transforming landscapes, alligators were living in abundance on this continent. They were doing just fine. But talk to me about the decline of alligator populations in North America.\r\n
\r\n
Coyote Peterson: With alligators though specifically, like a lot of species, there was certainly the over hunting for alligators being used as both meat, but also the leather industry. I mean, how many pairs of boots had been made over the decades from alligator skin? And now there are alligator farms where these animals are raised and harvested for, I guess, a certain percentage meat. I mean, me personally, I've tried alligator once and I was like, "I don't get it." You go to Florida and they're like, "We're serving alligator bites." It's like, "What you really chewy chicken is kind of what it is." So it's a combination of over harvesting the animal for the alligator skin industry. Certainly if you can remember back to the late '80s and early '90s, if you vacationed in Florida, every roadside stop had those little alligator heads that were covered in shellac with marbles for eyes.\r\n
And how many alligators, especially younger ones, lost their lives simply due to the fact cool, an alligator head is a tourist gift that you could take home. And as a last pillar to that, so vilification, over hunting for food or skin purposes, but then habitat destruction. And you have to think about how much we as a human organism have expanded, especially in ranges where you have alligators. I mean, 50, 60 years ago is just when we started looking at like, oh yeah, I guess we can build things over the tops of swamps and bring in human habitation.\r\n
So that sort of dispersal of the animals being pushed out from their natural habitats and then whatever habitat is being destroyed in the process of creating human civilization where these animals usually live, I think combined together, all those three pillars are really the things that drove the population as far of decline as it went.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Gr...: No, you're absolutely right. And you're touching on things that are specific to alligators and also, like you mentioned, to predators in general. As human culture has ebbed and flowed, attitudes towards predators has always been a little touch and go. For some reason, all of our fairy tales and bedtime stories, like the villain is the big bed wolf for a scary alligator with sharp teeth. And it really influences how people in power have made decisions about wild animals, which ones to protect and which ones not to. We lost a lot of alligators because there was also not very much monitoring. So very often with wildlife species that are important, we don't start counting them until they're almost gone. So back in the 50s and 60s, we as Americans didn't realize how many we were actually killing off in all of these different ways until there was this realization like, oh, wait a second, there aren't very many anymore.\r\n
And some of it, like you touched on, direct hunting of them, habitat destruction, which largely impacts their breeding grounds, right? So luckily, scientists, conservationists, concerned folks from the public did come together. And in 1967, they listed American alligators on the endangered species list. I am a big, big fan of the Endangered Species Act. I think it's one of the best things that our country has ever done to really course correct some of the harm that was caused. So what can you say about what changed once the alligator became a federally protected species?\r\n
\r\n
Coyote Peterson: Like you said, we almost don't care about something until it gets to the point where we look and we're like, oh no, we've really pushed this way too far and now the species is disappearing off the planet. And course correction is important because if you look backwards in time before the Endangered Species Act, on a global scale, there are so many different species that are pushed to extinction by humans. In a lot of instances, whether it's habitat destruction or over hunting, it becomes too late and these populations can't rebound.\r\n
The good thing about the American alligator that I'll say is if you look at its lineage dating back to beyond the time of the dinosaurs, this is something that's obviously been capable of surviving multiple mass extinctions on our planet and has found a way to thrive and push forward. It's a testament to the physicalities and the genetic structure of these animals.\r\n
And not to just quote Dr. Ian Malcolm from Jurassic Park, but life does find a way and alligators were finding a way to survive, or all crocodilians, I should say, before humans came in and affected it. And when humans came in and put so much pressure on the populations, it's good that we had enough in the science and conservation community that we're able to recognize, okay, if we don't turn this around now, we're going to be talking about, hey, do you remember when the planet used to have American alligators?\r\n
\r\n
Peter Gros: Scientists call alligators ecosystems engineers. They shape the swamps they inhabit. Each year, the Southeast dries up, months without meaningful rain, water tables dropping, and marshes turning to cracked mud. Alligators dig what are called gator holes. These are hollows, deep enough to hold water when everything around them goes dry, and they are a critical lifeline for fish, turtles, and wading birds during the drought. And that's why the recovery of the American alligator was critical, not just for them, but for wetlands across the southeast. The alligator is one of the first animals to be protected by the Endangered Species Act, and only two decades later, the population had bounced back. Today, there are three to five million alligators across the Southeast. There are over a million in Florida and over two million in Louisiana, and nesting sites have made a strong comeback.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Gr...: The American alligator was put on the endangered species list, and in only 20 years, it was able to show this remarkable comeback, not fully restored, but 20 years is pretty quick because these are long-lived species, they have relatively low reproduction rates. We're not talking about bunny rabbits here. These animals are very different. And we saw this great positive response very quickly. And now today in 2026, we have a good amount of American alligators. How do you think the media has played a role in this for the better?\r\n
\r\n
Coyote Peterson: I was just curious as to the backlog of content that we have filmed surrounding the American alligator specifically. I've traveled all over the world and have been fortunate enough to get up close or hands-on with many different crocodilian species. But the American alligator specifically, we've produced over a hundred million views worth of alligator content. And where I'm going with that is that with our content specifically, we've always aimed to put alligators in the right spotlight. And yes, there are some pretty extreme things that people have seen me do on Brave Wilderness, intentionally getting bitten or stung by things. And I've been intentionally bitten by a four-foot alligator as an educational lesson to be like, "This is why you don't want a baby alligator as a pet, because within a couple of years, it's taken up your bathtub, and if you get your arm stuck in its mouth, it's going to be a really bad day for you." I mean, when I did this little human experiment, my arm was stuck in the mouth of the alligator for almost 15 minutes.\r\n
Once they bite and lock on, they don't want to let go. So if you're an eight-year-old that thinks it would be cool to have an alligator that's this big, and then a couple years down the road it's four feet long and you lose your hand to it wasn't exactly the right pet. All that aside, what we've tried to do with Brave Wilderness is to really show the value that these animals have to the Florida Everglades and the Southeastern United States ecosystem. The balance that a mega predator like that has in the environment is so crucial to the health of the entire environment. And when it comes to a conservation perspective, we've worked with a number of different groups that are monitoring populations and making sure that those populations are balanced, and also working to figure out what other threats do alligators face that are completely outside of the alligator's control.\r\n
The little sidebar though into that is the invasion of things like Burmese python that are taking down alligators left and right because it's an easy food source for a python, and it's not something that we normally think about as being a threat for something as dominant as an alligator. Alligators don't have it easy at the end of the day, humans out of the equation. Just to be a baby alligator and make it to adulthood is a tough feat.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Gr...: No, talk to me about Burmese pythons. I think that is perfect. It is extremely important and timely. And I actually have a bone to pick with some popular media, specifically digital media and social media, because Burmese pythons, they look so cool. I mean, they're cool animals. They are just inherently awesome. However, they have invaded, they have been released and have now invaded and taken over some very fragile ecosystems in the Southeastern US, particularly the Florida Everglades, and they're eating everything. Let me just note that when the American alligator was put on the endangered species list in the '60s, Burmese pythons were not part of the equation. We had a lot of issues for alligators, but it wasn't this invasive species that has very quickly taken over these ecosystems. And so tell me about Burmese pythons. Educate the public, please.\r\n
\r\n
Coyote Peterson: Burmese pythons, it's a complicated subject matter, especially when you're talking about the invasive nature of these snakes in Florida specifically, because it's the Florida Everglades where if you hop on the internet and you're like, tell me something about Burmese pythons, the first thing you're going to find is they're invading the Everglades and they're destroying the native populations of many animals.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Gr...: Which is true.\r\n
\r\n
Coyote Peterson: There are so many invasive species in Florida as a whole, many different types of invasive species. It honestly is like the wild west when it comes to the invasive crisis that exists down there. But with the Burmese pythons specifically, you're talking about a snake that's capable of reproducing quickly, and if the nests aren't disturbed and those nests hatch, you're talking dozens of baby snakes that have the potential to grow into very large snakes that whether they're eating alligators and other species at a small size or a big size, they're having a huge impact.\r\n
But getting the pythons out of the Florida Everglades as an invasive species at this point seems like it's not going to be possible to completely eradicate pythons in the Everglades or Florida as a whole. And I think they do probably affect alligators more than we are aware because baby alligators are perfect targets for pythons. Pythons are going to be eating baby alligators as easily as they can.\r\n
\r\n
Peter Gros: For Coyote Peterson, the real conservation work comes back to humans. Coexistence is a wildlife challenge and it's also an education challenge.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Gr...: Since we're here to talk about the alligator, bring us into today in the positive. We really have to be very forward-thinking. So what does that recovery look like? When you and your team travel to the Southeastern US, how and where do you see alligators and how cool is it and what are you guys doing?\r\n
\r\n
Coyote Peterson: If you know where to go, you can see alligators quite easily. And if you're somebody that just wants to admire alligators from a safe distance, Everglades National Park is an awesome place to explore where you're almost guaranteed to see dozens of alligators on a daily basis as long as you're out there at the right time of day when they're out basking. And of course, if you're getting near a body of water, you have to be gator-wise and realize that, hey, there is a dominant predator in the environment. And if they see an opportunity, most of the time they're going to look at humans as something like, "Hey, you're kind of technically a little bit too big for me to eat," but smaller humans can make easier targets. Same things with people's pets.\r\n
I mean, I can't tell you how many stories I see of people's dogs getting snatched off the side of a pond because somebody's walking too close to the water. And while that is tragic, it's not necessarily the alligator's fault, but with alligators specifically, and what we've done over the years and being able to see them and get up close with them, you've got to work in the right places. And we've always either worked with private organizations or on private property or with research groups to be able to get hands on with any of these animals because certainly do not want to go out into the wild and try to interact with one of these animals on your own. I mean, they may look lethargic and very slow moving, and I'm sure if you go on the internet, look at people that have had mishaps with alligators, you can see how quickly they're capable of spinning their body around and you get one of your appendages stuck in the mouth in an alligator and you're going to be in a lot of trouble.\r\n
And whether that's the alligator pulling you into the water or that alligator being in shallow water or on land, good luck getting your hand back out of its mouth. You're in a medical emergency sort of situation very quickly. So having respect for those animals is important with Brave Wilderness. What we always try to do is show you why this is an animal that needs to be treated with the utmost amount of respect if you're out there adventuring around in the wilderness.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Gr...: Okay. So now let's talk about coexistence. When you are in an alligator abundant environment, how do you operate? You gave us a little bit of a taste, but talk about coexistence in general, like the good, the bad, the complicated.\r\n
\r\n
Coyote Peterson: Coexistence with alligators is just a thing. If you want a cool bayou house or a house on the golf course in Florida and you've got a body of water, like I said earlier, the alligators are going to find the water. They don't care that you've come in and put your house on top of their house. They're going to be there.\r\n
And living alongside alligators is always best if the humans don't interact with the alligators. If you are fishing or you've got a house that's right out the back of the water and there's alligators that hang out, you throw them table scraps or fish carcasses or whatever it is. These alligators are opportunistic and they're more intelligent than you would think. And they start putting together the pieces that, oh, this is an easy opportunity for me to get some food. Those alligators become the most dangerous alligators on the planet because they're habituated to human interaction and then they get bold.\r\n
And when alligators get bold, they can get a little pushy. They get pushy and all of a sudden you can find yourself in a situation where you or your pet or whoever else could possibly find themselves in a human wildlife conflict. And that's where us living coexistence with alligators, there just needs to be better education for people that are going to be in places where alligators are naturally existing. I mean, you go out into the Florida Everglades and most of those alligators are pretty flighty. They're truly wild alligators. Alligators that live around golf courses or around housing developments, those are the alligators that are like, "Well, cool. Nobody's caught me and removed me. Nobody's killed me. And if anything, I'm probably getting some bonuses for being here." And that then turns into a potentially dangerous coexistence.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Gr...: Like many predators, alligators, they can learn. They can learn, they can unlearn, but they can definitely understand the patterns of a place. They're not waking up every day with a new brain. So absolutely just the feeding of them, the habituating them to people can create danger because they are still wild animals at heart. And if they get frightened or if they feel threatened, they are going to charge or attack in order to try to protect themselves. My scholarly work is with black bears, so I'm a bear biologist at heart, and we always say a fed bear is a dead bear in a bad way, meaning if we habituate them, they will have to be removed in some way because they pose a threat. And we don't want that. We don't want that. It's actually in complete control of humans, how we interact with these wild animals in order to keep everybody safe.\r\n
\r\n
Coyote Peterson: You're absolutely right. And that ties back into these animals being able to escape their villainous reputation. It was maybe a week ago that I saw a clip that came across my feed on Instagram of a huge alligator on a golf course and some guy who hit his ball onto the green, walked up and was trying to pick up the alligator's tail. And the alligator's just laying there like, "Yo, my guy, I'm here sunning. It's morning. I'm trying to charge up." Now, that situation obviously just became a social media clip where it's like, "Oh my gosh, huge alligator. And this guy was crazy enough to go in and touch its tail." Fortunately, that alligator didn't swing around and get that guy's arm or his leg in his jaws. But if he had, the alligator would've been the bad guy, not the golfer who hit the golf ball and then went up and decided to interact with the alligator.\r\n
And that's where you've got a lot of conflicting opinions of predators and whether or not they should be there or shouldn't be there. But when you really break it all down at the end of the day, it's like, well, you built a golf course and put in these lakes or ponds because they look good, but it's just inviting the alligators to be there, which is where the alligators would've existed naturally.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Gr...: One of the things you're known for, the positive impact you make on the world is in taking animals that people are afraid of and showing folks you don't need to fear this animal. Fear kind of perpetuates a negative view, which can cause environmental problems. So what would you tell someone who's been kind of socialized to believe alligators are super scary, like yucky, get them away from me? How would you try to incept their mind to get them to reconsider?\r\n
\r\n
Coyote Peterson: One of the things with Brave Wilderness that we always bring up in episodes or that I will use as a go-to suggestion for an audience if they're afraid of something, snakes, spiders, sharks, bears, wolves, scorpions, you name it in this instance, alligators. It's just a little bit of exposure therapy. And there are many places in Florida now that are facilities that encourage people to come see the alligators that they have there. You might call it an alligator farm, but it's not a farm in the sense where it's like, oh, we're harvesting alligators. They're there for conservation and they're there for education where you can actually go and maybe get hands-on during hatching season with a baby alligator and you can see how cute and adorable these things are. It gives you an appreciation for the life cycle of how difficult it is to go from egg to baby to juvenile to dominant adult.\r\n
And once you understand the animal and the struggles that it goes through, I think we as humans tend to sympathize a bit more, but you have to be willing to put yourself in a situation the right way, the safe way to learn this animal's story before you just decide based off of your influence on media that something is dangerous or that something is bad, and that you've got to learn to love something if you want to ultimately protect it. So you just never know where that influence is going to come from, but I like to believe that as we're evolving as a species, as homo sapiens, that more and more people are being appreciative of animals, especially ones that are considered predators as compared to just vilifying them.\r\n
And I think the spread of media, our access to information, and the ability to watch videos versus just haphazardly hearing about something on the front of a newspaper or being told something telephone style, down the ranks, down the ranks, down the ranks, takes away what you'd said earlier, Dr. Rae, about the big bad wolf of it all. And whether you're talking about specifically wolves or alligators in the sewers in New York City, like I learned about when I was five years old, which clearly is not a thing. So again, it's people absorbing information the right way and having the positive influence that these animals are important.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Gr...: Okay, Coyote, this has been awesome. So final question for you. Is there an alligator moment besides that one that has stuck with you for life?\r\n
\r\n
Coyote Peterson: We actually did a phenomenal conservation project with the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia last year. I got to go out with a research team and I mean the Okefenokee Swamp, I'm sure as you know, but for anybody watching and listening, it's a massive space. And going into the creation of this episode, we got this really high-tech transmitter that got donated for the purposes of let's see if we can catch one of or even the legendary largest alligator that lived in the swamp. And you know as well as anybody, Dr. A, that animals don't have call sheets, so you can go into an environment with the best of intentions. There's no guarantee you're going to see one, let alone the exact one that you're looking for.\r\n
And on our first night going into the swamp, we managed to find what they believe is the biggest alligator that lives in the Okefenokee. We successfully were able to capture it and put this transmitter on the alligator, which is going to allow them to follow this animal's movements for the next three years and will determine how it as a dominant male is affecting the movement of other alligators within the Okefenokee Swamp. Just like many large reptiles, if you've got an animal that's got a territory, it's going to push out any competitors. So is this alligator staying in one generalized territory? Is it moving from spot to spot to find its next perfect mate for breeding season? Or is it just pretty much staying put and being the king of the Okefenokee Swamp?\r\n
So we love that episode because of the conservation message behind it, because of the right place, right time to get hands on with that alligator, and to just be a part of spreading a positive message of the work that's being done to ensure that alligators remain protected and researched in all wildlife areas across the Southeastern United States.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Gr...: Oh, I love that so much and it allows me to do two shameless plugs. So for anyone watching us or listening to us, you can watch episodes about American alligators in the Okefenokee Swamp on both Coyote Peterson's series and on Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild. We're like one for one. We're doing the good work in the media with some awesome, awesome wildlife. So Coyote Peterson, a legend in this space who has stories at the wazoo, but has come to us today to talk about the recovery of the American alligator, an animal that is easy to love if you give it a chance. And we thank you so much for joining us on the podcast today.\r\n
\r\n
Coyote Peterson: Well, thanks so much for having me. And I think next adventure we need to get you and I out in the field together to do something cool.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Gr...: I'm in. Let's do it. Let's make it happen. We're past time for that.\r\n
\r\n
Peter Gros: From near extinction to five million animals across the Southeastern United States, from a hide trade that nearly emptied the swamps to one of the Endangered Species Act's biggest wins. The American Alligators resurgence is proof that federal protection enforced honestly and consistently can reverse even the most severe decline. The work isn't over though. Burmese pythons, habitat pressure, and coexistence friction are real threats. But right now in every dark body of water from the Carolinas to Louisiana, an alligator is doing exactly what it's done for tens of millions of years. This is Back from the Brink from Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom.\r\n
\r\n
Dr. Rae Wynn-Gr...: If this episode with Coyote Peterson made you want to pack up your car and hit the road for the Everglades like it did for me, then follow or subscribe, leave us a review, and send it to the friend that you want to put in the car with you. I'm Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant and I'll see you next time.\r\n
\r\n
Speaker 4: The Back from the Brink podcast is sponsored by Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, hosted by Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, narrated by Peter Gros. Executive producers are Jen Wulf and Jenny Van Soelen. Podcast production by Lower Street Media.
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"excerpt" => "<p>By 1967, the American alligator — a reptile whose lineage predates the dinosaurs — had been hunted, skinned and pushed to the edge of extinction. Twenty years later it was thriving again, making a full recovery under the Endangered Species Act. In this episode, Dr. Rae sits down with Coyote Peterson, wildlife educator and creator […]</p>\n"
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<p>Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, but they support a quarter of all marine life. They’re among the most vibrant ecosystems on Earth and among the most fragile. Since the 1950s, we’ve lost half of them, a decline Philippe Cousteau calls the most underreported environmental crisis on the planet.</p>\n
<p>In this episode of Back From the Brink, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant sits down with ocean leader Philippe Cousteau, grandson of legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau, to unpack the science of coral bleaching and the surprising technology bringing reefs back.</p>\n
<p>From methods that grow coral 20 times faster than nature to a bold new way of thinking about reefs as infrastructure we can rebuild, Philippe shares a hopeful blueprint for recovery. It’s a clear-eyed look at one of our greatest ocean challenges and the people determined to solve it.</p>\n
<h3><strong>Explore ocean and reef stories</strong></h3>\n
<p>Dive into more ocean conservation through Wild Kingdom videos and articles about coral reefs, marine life and restoration.</p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/reef-revival">Reef Revival </a></p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/coral-reef-conservation-in-omaha-and-beyond">Coral Conservation Efforts In Omaha and Beyond</a></p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/watch-lost-coral-of-key-west">Lost Coral of Key West</a></p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/protecting-the-wild-films-at-great-barrier-reef">Protecting the Wild Films at Great Barrier Reef</a></p>\n
<h3><strong>About Philippe Cousteau</strong></h3>\n
<p>Philippe Cousteau is a globally recognized ocean leader, entrepreneur, filmmaker and innovator working to bring coastal restoration to commercial scale. He’s the founder of Voyacy Regen and of EarthEcho International, an environmental education organization that has activated more than 2 million young people across 146 countries. As host and executive producer of the multi-Emmy-nominated series Awesome Planet, and a familiar face on Discovery, CNN, Animal Planet and the BBC, he’s spent his career telling the ocean’s story. He’s also an award-winning author, has testified before Congress and holds an honorary doctorate in marine biology from the University of Plymouth in England. Philippe lives in Los Angeles with his wife Ashlan and their two daughters.</p>\n
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0 => "Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, yet a quarter of all marine life depends on them. Since the 1950s, we've lost half. Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant sits down with ocean leader Philippe Cousteau to explore what's driving the collapse and the technology that can grow coral 20 times faster than nature."
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"date" => "2026-09-17 17:14:02"
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(gentle music)\r\n
- Functionally, coral reefs will disappear in our lifetime\r\n
if we don't take drastic measures.\r\n
That is a fact, a tragic fact.\r\n
- Finding Philippe Cousteau Jr. is no easy task.\r\n
Although typically he's deep underwater,\r\n
I was finally able to find him above ground,\r\n
being a bit of a land mammal this time.\r\n
He is in the Sierra Mountain Range\r\n
and he's on a camping trip, which was windy, remote,\r\n
and very true to form for an explorer like him.\r\n
But thanks to technology, we're able to talk.\r\n
Philippe is the grandson of Jacques Cousteau,\r\n
the man who invented scuba diving\r\n
and brought the ocean into living rooms around the world.\r\n
Philippe grew up at sea\r\n
and he's made the ocean his life's work also.\r\n
He founded Earth Echo International, which is dedicated\r\n
to building the next generation of ocean advocates.\r\n
And over the last several years,\r\n
he's turned his attention to what he calls\r\n
the most under-reported environmental crisis on the planet,\r\n
which is the collapse of coral reefs.\r\n
(dramatic music)\r\n
Welcome to "Back from the Brink"\r\n
from Mutual of Omaha's "Wild Kingdom."\r\n
I'm Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant.\r\n
- [Peter] Each episode,\r\n
we're going deep on a variety of species\r\n
and those that went to the very edge of disappearing\r\n
and the people that fought to bring them back.\r\n
Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean's floor,\r\n
yet they support a quarter of all marine life.\r\n
Since the 1950s, we've lost half of them.\r\n
Before we get to what's being done, we need to understand\r\n
what we're losing and why almost no one is talking about it.\r\n
- For the folks who are watching this\r\n
but may not have spent time underwater,\r\n
can you just describe, first of all, what is a coral reef,\r\n
what are corals,\r\n
and then what roles do reefs play in the oceans?\r\n
- Coral reefs are critical ecosystems,\r\n
and oftentimes, people forget just how important they are.\r\n
They are arguably the most biodiverse ecosystem on Earth,\r\n
land or sea,\r\n
and they're much more than pretty fish and snorkeling.\r\n
Coral reefs are, of course,\r\n
critical to biodiversity and fish.\r\n
Tourism, they provide about two and a half trillion dollars\r\n
of goods and services a year.\r\n
They contribute tens of billions of dollars\r\n
to the global tourism industry,\r\n
tens of billions to fisheries.\r\n
Hard to estimate, but three quarters of a billion\r\n
to one billion people rely on coral reefs\r\n
for their livelihoods every year around the world.\r\n
And so when I think of coral reefs,\r\n
I think of them as infrastructure.\r\n
Now, the really sad part,\r\n
oftentimes when I'm giving talks or lectures,\r\n
I'll ask people how much of the world's rainforests\r\n
have disappeared in our lifetime?\r\n
And the answer is usually 60, 70%.\r\n
And I understand there's a lot of press and media\r\n
around the rainforests and the decline of the Amazon,\r\n
and it is terrible, but the answer is about 17 to 20%.\r\n
Yet in our lifetimes, we've lost 50% of the world's reefs.\r\n
And it's very possible\r\n
that reefs become functionally extinct in our lifetime\r\n
because of climate change and local pollution\r\n
and development and overfishing.\r\n
So coral reefs are in a much greater crisis\r\n
than land terrestrial forests and rainforests by far,\r\n
and yet most people give it a collective shrug\r\n
and the global community largely\r\n
gives it a collective shrug.\r\n
And that's a really big problem.\r\n
- I just have to jump in here\r\n
because these are statistics that folks really need to hear.\r\n
A global shrug, I mean, do you think it's...\r\n
I know that there's a lot of reasons why,\r\n
one is that there are a lot of barriers to going underwater.\r\n
So most people haven't seen a reef, touched a reef,\r\n
swam in one, looked at it with their own eyes.\r\n
But I think also the average person\r\n
isn't really familiar with coral.\r\n
So can you even describe to us what are corals\r\n
and what do they do and why do we need them to stay alive?\r\n
- A lot of people do look at coral reefs\r\n
and think of them as painted rocks, colored rocks.\r\n
In fact, coral reefs are living organisms.\r\n
Coral polyps are part plant, part animal,\r\n
a little bacteria thrown in for good measure.\r\n
They're fascinating creatures.\r\n
They build like the apartment buildings of reefs systems.\r\n
They construct little calcium carbonate homes around them.\r\n
And over millennia, they build new layer\r\n
upon layer upon layer upon layer.\r\n
So the outer layer of a reef is the only layer\r\n
that has living tissue.\r\n
Everything underneath is essentially\r\n
calcium carbonate limestone.\r\n
And in fact, it is coral reefs that have built\r\n
the Parthenon and the Washington Monument.\r\n
Old limestone predominantly comes from the ocean.\r\n
They are the critical structure builders\r\n
of coastal ecosystems, tropical coastal ecosystems,\r\n
and they are, as I said, one of the most,\r\n
if not the most biodiverse ecosystem on the planet.\r\n
25% of the world's seafood spends part of its life in\r\n
or around or dependent upon a coral reef.\r\n
So they are absolutely critical\r\n
to the global ocean ecosystem\r\n
and affect, as I said, hundreds of millions\r\n
up to a billion people's lives very directly,\r\n
from economic development and growth\r\n
and jobs to protecting coastlines from storm surge\r\n
that's getting increasingly worse.\r\n
So they look pretty,\r\n
but they provide a structural function,\r\n
almost like infrastructure that is critical\r\n
for coastal health of the ocean.\r\n
- I know that you and I believe coral reefs\r\n
are inherently valuable.\r\n
They should just exist whether they're providing services\r\n
or not, but they also do protect coastlines\r\n
where humans live from storm surges and flooding.\r\n
- Yeah, they do, and that's something,\r\n
we think about coral reefs as shields, coastal shields.\r\n
Now, coral reefs can absorb up to 97% of storm surge.\r\n
They can reduce wave height up to 84%,\r\n
and so in a world with increasingly catastrophic cyclones,\r\n
hurricanes, typhoons, coral reefs play a very important role\r\n
along tropical coastlines to reduce the storm surge.\r\n
In coastal communities, it's the storm surge, not the wind,\r\n
that can be so damaging and so destructive and deadly,\r\n
and so both to land-based infrastructure,\r\n
homes, businesses, and also people's lives,\r\n
thousands of people can die from these massive storms,\r\n
and just the storm surge may cost the global economy\r\n
tens of billions, up to over a hundred billion a year\r\n
in mitigation costs and construction and repair costs\r\n
when these storms come through and coral reefs collapse.\r\n
And as I said, warming ocean temperatures\r\n
are causing corals to die, but going back a hundred years\r\n
in a lot of these communities, overfishing,\r\n
dynamite fishing, a lot of places in Asia\r\n
throw literally dynamite in the water.\r\n
It explodes and stuns the fish.\r\n
They float to the surface, they scoop them up with the net,\r\n
but that dynamite just happens to destroy everything else,\r\n
to cyanide fishing that they'll also do,\r\n
to squirt cyanide on these reefs to get the fish stunned\r\n
and they scoop them up and it kills everything,\r\n
to development and human waste causing too much nutrients\r\n
in the water that causes algal blooms.\r\n
That's a big problem in places like Florida\r\n
and the Caribbean,\r\n
or to outright just destruction for ports, piers.\r\n
So reefs have been under onslaught for over a century,\r\n
and now with climate change, warming ocean temperatures,\r\n
it's just really another nail in the coffin\r\n
that's terrifying.\r\n
- [Peter] Philippe hasn't just studied decline\r\n
from a distance.\r\n
He's watched it happen underwater over decades,\r\n
returning to the same reefs and seeing what remains.\r\n
He has a term for why the disappearing reef\r\n
has gone unnoticed by much of the world.\r\n
He calls it shifting baselines.\r\n
- To your point, it's been relatively invisible, right?\r\n
We haven't had huge campaigns dating back decades\r\n
and decades to protect the reefs.\r\n
This is something that has been coming up\r\n
after we as a society have realized\r\n
we've kind of gone past these critical points.\r\n
But before we get to solutions,\r\n
I want to talk about your lifetime\r\n
because I am anticipating that you got in the water\r\n
when you were a kid,\r\n
and I imagine you still get in the water as an adult.\r\n
So what kinds of declines in coral reef health\r\n
and existence have you seen in your own lifetime\r\n
and what has that actually looked like?\r\n
- I actually did a piece for Discovery several years ago\r\n
down in the Florida Keys, and I knew one of the filmmakers\r\n
that had filmed there for decades,\r\n
and so we got him to give us some footage\r\n
that he had shot in the 1980s.\r\n
And then this was probably, I want to say 2008 maybe,\r\n
so it's quite a bit ago,\r\n
so about 20 years later, 25 years later.\r\n
And we went back to the exact same spot that he filmed\r\n
and we played the footage side by side.\r\n
Having grown up diving and snorkeling\r\n
and seeing these places,\r\n
one of the challenges we faced is this idea\r\n
of shifting baselines,\r\n
that every successive generation's baseline\r\n
for the health of the ecosystem and the environment\r\n
is what they were first exposed to.\r\n
As I said earlier, even my grandfather saw a massive decline\r\n
from the '40s to the '60s that raised alarm bells for him.\r\n
Nowadays, we'd look at the '60s and go, "Paradise."\r\n
So our context changes.\r\n
My context certainly from the '80s to now is terrifying,\r\n
but seeing it side by side, the same exact places\r\n
with the same cameramen filming them,\r\n
seeing what in the '80s were these abundant,\r\n
beautiful elkhorn reefs, huge schools of fish\r\n
and all of this life, clear, clean, beautiful blue water,\r\n
and then the late 2000s,\r\n
all of that coral was dead rubble covered in algae\r\n
and a few fish poking around.\r\n
And we've seen the Great Barrier Reef.\r\n
First time I visited the Great Barrier Reef was in the '90s,\r\n
going back just a few years ago for a syndicated show\r\n
that I hosted for several years,\r\n
it was bleached and covered in algae again,\r\n
the same places that I'd been that were abundant.\r\n
So it really is, you think of it on land,\r\n
like seeing an abundant, beautiful rainforest\r\n
and going back a few years later and it's been clear cut\r\n
and there's some shrubs left.\r\n
That's essentially what we're doing in the ocean,\r\n
but at a much larger scale.\r\n
Again, half the world's coral reefs have disappeared,\r\n
about 17% of the Amazon is gone.\r\n
So we're doing it much more rapidly in the ocean.\r\n
I guarantee you if half the Amazon disappeared,\r\n
people would be losing their minds.\r\n
But because it's in the ocean, people are kind of like,\r\n
"Meh, it's still blue, what's the problem?"\r\n
- Just as an opinion question,\r\n
if we were to continue with business as usual,\r\n
how close do you think we are to losing reefs entirely\r\n
if there weren't interventions?\r\n
- Functionally, coral reefs will disappear in our lifetime\r\n
if we don't take drastic measures.\r\n
That is a fact, a tragic fact.\r\n
And the reality is that while there will be pockets of reefs\r\n
that no doubt survive, we've identified areas of reefs\r\n
that are still being resilient,\r\n
at scale as a functioning ecosystem around the world,\r\n
it doesn't help the Caribbean very much\r\n
to have reefs in Indonesia, few smattering of reefs survive\r\n
when the reefs in the Caribbean have disappeared.\r\n
And actually in most places, up to 95% of the reefs\r\n
in the Caribbean have already disappeared.\r\n
Massive alarm bells, huge problems.\r\n
- I think that's so poignant\r\n
that we essentially are creating\r\n
this negative feedback loop,\r\n
like destroying coral reefs is impacting human communities,\r\n
which impacts ecosystems larger and larger,\r\n
and we could turn it into a positive feedback loop,\r\n
where healthy ecosystems enhance the ability\r\n
for healthy human communities\r\n
and healthy human communities protect the reefs.\r\n
And that's where we're at.\r\n
We're trying to shift the feedback loop\r\n
from negative to positive,\r\n
and people like you are doing that.\r\n
- [Peter] The technology to grow\r\n
and restore coral reefs already exist.\r\n
The problem isn't science, it's the scale.\r\n
Philippe has spent decades working on that problem,\r\n
starting with a chance meeting with one scientist in Florida\r\n
that changed everything.\r\n
- I want you to talk to us\r\n
about the efforts to restore coral reefs,\r\n
kind of the conventional style versus some more innovative,\r\n
more scalable approaches that you've been spearheading.\r\n
- I was 19 years old and I met a scientist\r\n
named Dr. David Vaughan,\r\n
who was based out of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution\r\n
in Fort Pierce, Florida.\r\n
He had pioneered multiple different kinds of aquacultures\r\n
over the decades of his career,\r\n
things like clams and oysters, shrimp,\r\n
and he turned his attention to coral.\r\n
So he started growing corals in land-based nurseries,\r\n
farms essentially, and found that they would grow faster\r\n
in land-based farms.\r\n
And he did that initially for selling those corals\r\n
into the ornamental aquarium industry.\r\n
Now, because most corals, even today,\r\n
in that industry are caught and harvested from the wild\r\n
and sold into wild reefs, into aquariums.\r\n
- This kind of sounds like poaching kind of.\r\n
- Yeah, in a way, I mean, a lot of it's illegal,\r\n
some of it is legal, but we're essentially degrading\r\n
these already degraded systems to sell into aquariums.\r\n
- It doesn't make any sense, and so Dr. Vaughan said,\r\n
"Could I farm these, like you would farm saplings\r\n
in a greenhouse, and sell those?"\r\n
So we're reducing pressure on the ornamental business\r\n
off of wild reefs.\r\n
So when I met him, I said, "Wow, Dave,\r\n
this is pretty amazing technology.\r\n
Do you think we could actually grow these corals\r\n
in captivity for restoring wild reefs,\r\n
not just to sell into the ornamental industry?"\r\n
And Dave said, "I don't know, but I think so."\r\n
He started a lab at Moates,\r\n
Marine Laboratory down in the Keys,\r\n
and pioneered all the technology that everybody uses today\r\n
for aquaculturing corals in land-based nurseries,\r\n
things like microfragmentation,\r\n
where he proved you could grow corals 20 times faster\r\n
on land than they can grow in the ocean.\r\n
And we can harvest heat-tolerant corals\r\n
that would eventually, more resilient corals will take over,\r\n
but on a geological timeframe, we don't have that timeframe.\r\n
We're operating in a human time, destructive timeframe.\r\n
And so we can grow heat-tolerant corals much faster\r\n
and outplant them back into the wild.\r\n
So 22 years or so goes by,\r\n
Dave made all this technology available to the world\r\n
and many NGOs and nonprofits are utilizing it,\r\n
but at a very, very small scale.\r\n
So in 20 years, we've restored about one square kilometer\r\n
of corals and lost thousands.\r\n
And so we were both very frustrated that,\r\n
my goodness, we have a big problem,\r\n
this technology isn't scaling.\r\n
So it's not scaling in scope and size the way it needs to\r\n
to outpace ecological decline.\r\n
We're losing thousands. We've built one.\r\n
I did history at uni, I'm not really good at math,\r\n
but I know those numbers don't work out so well.\r\n
And so the question then is, what's holding us back?\r\n
We have the technology,\r\n
we know how to grow these corals quickly,\r\n
and a lot of NGOs are doing really laudable work\r\n
and it's lovely and really important and I support it,\r\n
but replanting a few meters of reef is irrelevant\r\n
to actually preventing these systems from collapsing.\r\n
So we realize we need to stop thinking about coral reefs\r\n
as these biodiverse ecosystems and restore corals by hand,\r\n
planting them onto some rubble in the ground.\r\n
We need to actually think of reefs as what they are,\r\n
which is infrastructure, and the good news is, again,\r\n
I think that so many instances from marine-protected areas\r\n
to technology and tracking fisheries\r\n
to regenerative farming on land\r\n
and rebuilding the carbon sequestration potential of soil,\r\n
we know there are extraordinary solutions that exist.\r\n
Now, the question is not to keep researching them,\r\n
not to keep testing them, but to deploy them at scale.\r\n
That's the challenge, I believe,\r\n
for the next iteration of the environmental movement.\r\n
- This has been just a tremendous education for me,\r\n
and what keeps coming up for me\r\n
is how incredibly intersectional this approach is.\r\n
So in the past, we've had conservation biologists,\r\n
like myself, I am a trained biologist\r\n
working on these issues and coming up with solutions.\r\n
But it sounds like with the company that you've created\r\n
focused on solutions for reefs,\r\n
you have people with skills in biology and ecology,\r\n
but also urban planning\r\n
and business, certainly finance.\r\n
I mean, tell me about all of the different skill sets\r\n
that come to play to make this successful.\r\n
- Well, it's what's so fascinating about this work.\r\n
Fundamentally, the team that we've brought together\r\n
is just what you're saying, it's multidisciplinary.\r\n
We have 3D construction printers, engineers, biologists,\r\n
farmers that are farming the coral\r\n
the way you would farm anything,\r\n
technologists using AI and machine learning.\r\n
We have engineers that are just building tanks\r\n
and maintaining these systems,\r\n
divers and marine biologists that are going out\r\n
and planting these corals and restoring these reefs\r\n
and monitoring and tracking them.\r\n
People building underwater drones that we're testing\r\n
and training the AI models to monitor\r\n
and maintain these reefs over time.\r\n
Because when you think about them\r\n
as critical infrastructure,\r\n
you build a port, a road, a rail and it breaks down,\r\n
you don't just say, "Oh, good luck."\r\n
You maintain it over time.\r\n
So it is bringing together a multidisciplinary approach\r\n
to solving this kind of a problem\r\n
that is the only way we're going to be able to do it.\r\n
- Can I just back you up for a moment,\r\n
because did you say 3D printing coral?\r\n
- So we're not 3D printing coral.\r\n
We're 3D printing the underlying structure.\r\n
So think about it as the foundation.\r\n
So coral reefs, as I said, over millennia,\r\n
each generation of coral will build its little home,\r\n
and then the next generation will build a little home\r\n
on that and millions of them all together,\r\n
they layer upon layer upon layer,\r\n
and that's how a reef is built.\r\n
We don't have that time.\r\n
When coral dies, surprisingly,\r\n
that structure degrades relatively quickly,\r\n
and so hence, Caribbean islands\r\n
that not only don't have coral, they don't have reefs,\r\n
so there's no protection from this storm surgery,\r\n
or Vietnam and the Philippines and Indonesia, et cetera.\r\n
So what we do is use 3D construction printers\r\n
to actually mimic what that coral structure would be,\r\n
the nooks and crannies, the hydrological nature of that\r\n
in order to diffuse and distribute the energy\r\n
from storm surge, which is what regular coral reefs do.\r\n
Currently, sea walls, which is usually the solution,\r\n
they're designed literally as that,\r\n
a wall to stop the energy of the ocean,\r\n
and that energy then is diverted up or down the coast,\r\n
digging out beaches, destroying currents,\r\n
destroying the hydrology of those areas.\r\n
So seawalls can eventually break down\r\n
because you can't beat the ocean.\r\n
Reefs evolved over millions of years with the ocean\r\n
to diffuse and disperse that energy with all, again,\r\n
the little pillars and nooks and crannies and cracks\r\n
and caves, et cetera.\r\n
So we can reprint that kind of structure\r\n
with 3D construction printers to high fidelity, high detail,\r\n
place that in the water,\r\n
and then you plant the corals on top of that\r\n
and then let them do their thing.\r\n
- [Peter] The commercial model in the 3D printing\r\n
solved the infrastructure problem,\r\n
but the coral itself still has to survive in warming water.\r\n
That's where nature has quietly been doing\r\n
something remarkable,\r\n
and Philippe has found a way to accelerate it.\r\n
- So I also heard you talk about when the King of Jordan,\r\n
when you got that person's attention\r\n
and they were so jazzed by these solutions,\r\n
you mentioned that that part of the world\r\n
has some heat-tolerant corals,\r\n
and considering we have a warming climate,\r\n
is this something to get excited about?\r\n
- It's actually the resilience of nature.\r\n
So we see heat-tolerant corals around the world,\r\n
which is the good news.\r\n
Those corals over, again, a geological timeframe\r\n
will no doubt take over that ecosystem,\r\n
but we don't have that time.\r\n
So we instead, right, so for example, a stony coral,\r\n
like a porites, like a brain coral,\r\n
maybe think of like a kind of half dome lump of coral,\r\n
the size of a dinner plate can take up to 75 years\r\n
from one polyp to grow that big.\r\n
In the farm, we can engineer those in two years.\r\n
- Wow.\r\n
- So we can harvest a small amount of donor corals,\r\n
grow them out exponentially faster in our farms\r\n
and create heat-tolerant and sexually mature corals\r\n
and replace those in the water that would take 75 years\r\n
for one dinner plate size, then one larvae out of a million\r\n
would survive and it would land\r\n
and then another 75 years for that,\r\n
and that's the timescale we're talking about.\r\n
We don't have that time.\r\n
So we can accelerate that dramatically.\r\n
And the good news is there are heat-tolerant corals\r\n
all over the world.\r\n
We don't exactly know why.\r\n
The underlying process is that when the water gets warmer,\r\n
corals have a symbiotic relationship with the algae\r\n
that we call zooxanthella.\r\n
And as the water temperature increases,\r\n
zooxanthella metabolism increases,\r\n
and therefore, they create more free radicals that are toxic\r\n
to the coral and the coral ejects that zooxanthella.\r\n
Problem is that algae also photosynthesizes\r\n
and creates some food for the coral.\r\n
So when coral bleaches, it's not dead,\r\n
it's just evicted the algae that gives it its color.\r\n
It's when the coral, after three or four weeks,\r\n
it actually slowly starves to death.\r\n
And when it turns green and mucky full of algae,\r\n
then it's dead.\r\n
And so when corals bleach, if the temperature gets better,\r\n
they'll re-invite that algae back and they'll recover.\r\n
But there are corals out there that, for some reason,\r\n
aren't as fussed by those free radicals\r\n
that the zooxanthella create in higher water temperatures.\r\n
Lots of research into the underlying reasons for that.\r\n
We don't know necessarily,\r\n
but there's a lot of research that's happening.\r\n
But what we do know is that practically and functionally,\r\n
we can pull stuff out of the water,\r\n
grow it, and replant it, and we are running out of time.\r\n
The challenge, the trap we can find ourselves in\r\n
is researching forever.\r\n
Research, research, research, research, research, research,\r\n
research, research, research,\r\n
and then we're going to do a little more research.\r\n
Meanwhile, the corals are dying.\r\n
And there's a point where we need to continue the research,\r\n
but we also need to say enough is enough,\r\n
good is good enough, and it's triage time.\r\n
We need to start putting stuff back in the water\r\n
and rebuilding these systems, and that's what we're doing.\r\n
And the good news is it works anywhere in the world,\r\n
and again, the good news is the technologies exist.\r\n
It's just finding a way to make these\r\n
investible, profitable investments\r\n
that protect land-based infrastructure and people's lives\r\n
and rebuild fisheries and tourist amenities\r\n
to unlock the scale of capital needed to do the work.\r\n
It's doable. It's doable.\r\n
- For all intents and purposes, we have reason to believe\r\n
that this could make a huge positive impact\r\n
for coral reefs worldwide.\r\n
There are obviously still, unfortunately,\r\n
huge threats, right?\r\n
There's a lot working against reefs,\r\n
but there's some pushback.\r\n
You're creating ways to push back\r\n
and to keep the reefs thriving and building\r\n
and coming back stronger.\r\n
So let's say that in places we can fast-forward\r\n
to a certain amount of time and see it working.\r\n
What does a restored reef look like\r\n
and what does it bring along with it?\r\n
What other biodiversity gets kind of pulled back in\r\n
to that restored ecosystem?\r\n
- I dream every day of a world where we rebuild abundance\r\n
in the ocean, and it's possible,\r\n
where people can feed themselves,\r\n
where shorelines and coastal ecosystems are healthy\r\n
from mangroves and wetlands and seagrass and coral reefs,\r\n
where my daughters can live in a world\r\n
that was as rich as the one that I was born into,\r\n
reefs teeming with life, microorganisms and crustaceans\r\n
and mollusks and fish.\r\n
And I dream of a world where coral reefs will continue\r\n
to provide the foundation for a healthy, abundant ocean\r\n
for generations to come.\r\n
And that's what we are dedicated to doing,\r\n
and we do not accept that there's no hope.\r\n
- Yeah. Yeah. - There's always hope.\r\n
- And then, Philippe, a challenging question I'm asking\r\n
for you is what can the average everyday person do\r\n
to help support coral reefs?\r\n
- Conservation in nature shouldn't be a partisan issue.\r\n
It should be a bipartisan one.\r\n
Also, when we think about where we go on vacation,\r\n
looking for resorts and developments\r\n
that are protecting their coastlines\r\n
and investing in restoration projects\r\n
and supporting their communities.\r\n
Shopping is politics as Bono said,\r\n
and we have a lot of power with our wallets.\r\n
And just recognizing the superpower that each of us have\r\n
as storytellers, be it to an audience\r\n
in a television program like "Wild Kingdom"\r\n
or around the dinner table, that we are storytellers\r\n
and we need to help people understand\r\n
that humanity cannot thrive on this planet\r\n
if the ocean cannot thrive.\r\n
- [Peter] Half the world's coral reef gone\r\n
in a single lifetime.\r\n
95% of the Caribbean reefs are already lost,\r\n
and yet, brain corals that would take 75 years\r\n
to grow in the wild, farmed in only two.\r\n
Reefs rebuilt kilometer by kilometer\r\n
from the ocean floor up.\r\n
The science works.\r\n
The question now is whether we can move fast enough.\r\n
This is "Back from the Brink"\r\n
from Mutual of Omaha's "Wild Kingdom."\r\n
(gentle music)\r\n
- If this episode was super intriguing for you,\r\n
follow or subscribe, leave a review,\r\n
and send it to the ocean lover, the snorkeler,\r\n
or the person in your life\r\n
who had no idea coral reefs were even in crisis.\r\n
I'm Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, and I'll see you next time.\r\n
- [Narrator] The "Back from the Brink" podcast\r\n
is sponsored by Mutual of Omaha's "Wild Kingdom,"\r\n
hosted by Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant,\r\n
narrated by Peter Gros.\r\n
Executive producers are Jen Wulf\r\n
and Jenny Van Soelen.\r\n
Podcast production by Lower Street Media.\r\n
(dramatic music)
"""
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"excerpt" => "<p>Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, but they support a quarter of all marine life. They’re among the most vibrant ecosystems on Earth and among the most fragile. Since the 1950s, we’ve lost half of them, a decline Philippe Cousteau calls the most underreported environmental crisis on the planet. In this […]</p>\n"
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<p><span data-contrast="auto">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Co-Hosts Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant and Peter Gros spoke to local and national media about tips for coexisting with wildlife, rare species and upcoming episodes.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Wild Kingdom in the news</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<h3><a href="https://www.foxweather.com/watch/fmc-recsghr2uviy5vf9" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">Fox Weather</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5003" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News3.jpg" alt="An adult black bear stands among trees and fallen logs while two bear cubs look on from the forest behind." width="1440" height="564" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News3.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News3-768x301.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">On Fox Weather, Peter gave tips for what to do if you spot a bear as they come out of hibernation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><a href="https://www.countryliving.com/life/travel/a71495994/channel-islands-national-park-fox/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">Country Living</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5004" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News4.jpg" alt="A gray fox walks through a grassy, wooded area covered with leaves and low vegetation." width="1440" height="564" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News4.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News4-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News4-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News4-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News4-768x301.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Peter spoke to Country Living about the Channel Island fox, a rare species found only on this remote island off the coast of California. The species was featured in the Protecting the Wild episode, “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/the-lost-fox-of-channel-islands-clip"><span data-contrast="none">The Lost Fox of the Channel Islands</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/what-to-do-with-turtle-nest-in-yard-12006674" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">Martha Stewart</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5005" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News5.jpg" alt="A turtle rests on a log in a pond beside a graphic featuring a wildlife quote attributed to Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild." width="1440" height="564" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News5.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News5-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News5-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News5-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News5-768x301.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Ever wonder what to do if you find a turtle nest in your yard? Peter gave tips to Martha Stewart.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><a href="https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/nbcs-wild-kingdom-to-spotlight-charleston-based-turtle-survival-alliance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">NBC Charleston</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5006" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News6.jpg" alt="A close-up of an eastern box turtle walking through green grass, showing the intricate orange and black pattern on its shell." width="1440" height="564" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News6.jpg 1440w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News6-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News6-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News6-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645517_WK_Media_News6-768x301.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">While filming an upcoming episode in Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Rae and Peter spoke with the local NBC affiliate, WCBD, about their work with the Turtle Survival Alliance.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
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<p><em>Expert insights from Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</em></p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5010" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images3-scaled.jpg" alt="Herd of American bison moving through deep snow with forested mountains in the background." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images3-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images3-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images3-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images3-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images3-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images3-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
<p><strong>Bison are large, hoofed mammals known for their massive shoulders, shaggy coats and deep connection to the grasslands of North America. As the continent’s largest land mammal, they once moved across the prairies in enormous herds, grazing, roaming and shaping the landscape around them. Often called buffalo, the American bison is its own distinct animal. Today it stands at the center of one of North America’s most hopeful conservation stories, tied to healthy grasslands, Tribal communities and public lands.</strong></p>\n
<h2>Key takeaways</h2>\n
<ul>\n
<li>Bison are large, hoofed mammals native to North America.</li>\n
<li>They’re often called buffalo, but bison is the more accurate name.</li>\n
<li>Bison are North America’s largest land mammal.</li>\n
<li>Adult males (bulls) weigh more than 2,000 pounds and stand around 6 feet tall at the shoulder. Females (cows) are usually smaller.</li>\n
<li>Bison live in grasslands, prairies, plains, river valleys and other open landscapes.</li>\n
<li>They’re grazing animals, feeding mostly on grasses and other prairie plants.</li>\n
<li>Herd size ranges from a few animals to several hundred, depending on the season, food and management.</li>\n
<li>Bison are powerful wild animals, so always watch them from a safe distance.</li>\n
<li>Once hunted to near extinction, bison are now at the center of a hopeful conservation story tied to healthy grasslands and cultural restoration.</li>\n
</ul>\n
<h2><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5011" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images4-scaled.jpg" alt="Large herd of American bison grazing across a green prairie landscape divided by a winding stream." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images4-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images4-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images4-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images4-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images4-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images4-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images4-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />What’s a bison?</h2>\n
<p>A bison is a large, hoofed mammal native to North America and the largest land mammal on the continent. It has a recognizable silhouette: a heavy front body, muscular shoulders rising into a tall hump, a broad, low-carried head, short, curved horns and a thick, shaggy coat built for hard prairie winters.</p>\n
<p>Despite the nickname, a bison isn’t a buffalo. True buffalo — the African buffalo and the water buffalo — live in other parts of the world and have a different build. In North America, people have called bison buffalo for generations. You’ll still hear it today, but bison is the name scientists and wildlife experts use.</p>\n
<h2>Bison quick facts</h2>\n
<ul>\n
<li>Common name: Bison</li>\n
<li>Scientific name: <em>Bison bison</em></li>\n
<li>Animal group: Mammal</li>\n
<li>Mammal type: Ungulate (hoofed mammal)</li>\n
<li>Native range: North America</li>\n
<li>Size: Males are larger than females and can stand around 6 feet tall at the shoulder</li>\n
<li>Weight: Adult males can weigh more than 2,000 pounds, while females are usually smaller</li>\n
<li>Adult appearance: Large head, high shoulder hump, curved horns, shaggy coat and short tail</li>\n
<li>Juvenile appearance: Baby bison (calves) are smaller and lighter in color</li>\n
<li>Habitat: <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/protecting-the-wild-season-two-filming-journal">Grasslands, prairies</a>, plains, river valleys and open landscapes</li>\n
<li>Diet: Grasses and other prairie plants</li>\n
<li>Social behavior: Live in herds; herd size varies by season and management</li>\n
<li>Conservation status: Once hunted to near extinction; conservation now focuses on restoring healthy herds, grassland habitat and cultural connections</li>\n
</ul>\n
<h2>Explore bison stories</h2>\n
<p>Keep exploring bison through Wild Kingdom videos, podcasts and related stories about prairie wildlife, conservation and North American grasslands.</p>\n
<ul>\n
<li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/national-wildlife-week-bison">National Wildlife Week: Bison</a></li>\n
<li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/returning-bison-to-the-great-plains">Returning Bison to the Great Plains</a></li>\n
<li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/rewilding-the-american-prairie">Rewilding the American Prairie</a></li>\n
<li><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/podcast/restoring-the-bison-reviving-the-prairie">Restoring the Bison, Reviving the Prairie</a></li>\n
</ul>\n
<h2><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5014" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images7-scaled.jpg" alt="Adult American bison and calves standing in tall prairie grass." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images7-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images7-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images7-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images7-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images7-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images7-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images7-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />What does a bison look like?</h2>\n
<p>A bison is a massive, dark brown animal with a shaggy coat built for prairie winters, a broad head that hangs low and a tall hump rising over its shoulders. Short, curved horns sit on either side of the head on both males and females, and a beard of coarse fur hangs beneath the chin. Their build is dramatically front heavy, with powerful shoulders and front legs giving way to slimmer hindquarters.</p>\n
<p>Males, called bulls, are usually larger and heavier than females, called cows, though both carry the same rugged build. Young bison, called calves, start out smaller and are a lighter, reddish-tan color, darkening as they grow. The iconic humps and horns fill in as calves age.</p>\n
<h2>Where do bison live?</h2>\n
<p>Bison live in North America, on the wide-open landscape they’ve always been tied to — grasslands, prairies and plains. Depending on the region and the herd, they also range into river valleys, open meadows and the edges of forests. What links these places is space. Bison need room to roam, along with steady grass to graze, water to drink and open ground to move across as a herd.</p>\n
<p>Today that space takes different forms. Some bison roam national parks and wildlife refuges, while others live on Tribal lands, conservation areas or managed private ranches. Wherever they are, bison rarely stay in one place. They shift across the landscape through the year, following the food, the weather and the movement of the herd.</p>\n
<h2>Why are bison important?</h2>\n
<p>Bison are important as wildlife, as cultural symbols and as one of the forces that keep North American grasslands healthy. They don’t just live on the prairie. They help build it. As they move and graze across open country, bison shape the land in ways that reach far beyond themselves.</p>\n
<p>Much of that shaping happens through everyday behavior. As bison graze, roam and wallow — rolling on the ground to create shallow depressions — they leave their mark behind across the prairie. These patterns in the grass, the soil and the land itself are exactly what many other grassland species depend on.</p>\n
<p>“Bison were the primary ecosystem engineers of American grasslands. Their grazing habits, powerful hooves and even their waste were all vital for creating the prairie’s intricate biodiversity,” said Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild.</p>\n
<p>Bison are just as important to people. For many Tribal nations, bison are woven into history and daily life. They’re a source of food, shelter and cultural tradition, and a living connection between people, land and wildlife. That relationship is part of why so many restoration efforts today are led in partnership with Tribal communities, conservation groups, zoos, public agencies and local land managers.</p>\n
<p>But the grasslands bison depend on are going fast. More than 70% of North American grasslands and 95% of tallgrass prairies have disappeared due to development, agriculture and invasive species. The bison and the prairie are so closely connected that saving one means saving the other.</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5012" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images5-scaled.jpg" alt="Graphic displaying a quote from Peter Gros: “Bison’s grazing habits, powerful hooves and even their waste were all vital for creating the prairie’s intricate biodiversity.”" width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images5-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images5-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images5-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images5-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images5-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images5-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images5-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
<h2>Are bison still endangered?</h2>\n
<p>Bison are no longer on the brink of extinction, but whether they’re still endangered today isn’t a simple yes or no. They aren’t all counted or managed the same way, which makes their conservation status hard to pin down. Some bison live in private or commercial herds, while others live in public, Tribal or conservation herds.</p>\n
<p>What’s clear is that the American bison isn’t gone. But recovery isn’t complete, either. Strong numbers are only part of the future. Conservation today focuses on restoring healthy herds, protecting genetic diversity, supporting natural behaviors and reconnecting bison to the grassland ecosystems they helped shape.</p>\n
<h2>What’s being done to support bison conservation?</h2>\n
<p>Bison conservation is happening on many fronts at once. Some efforts focus on restoring conservation herds, while others work on grassland habitat, herd health, Tribal partnerships, <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-zoos-are-saving-animals-from-extinction">public education</a> and <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/why-do-we-need-to-conserve-wildlife">long-term land stewardship.</a></p>\n
<p>Some of the most ambitious efforts aim to rebuild whole ecosystems, not just herds.</p>\n
<p>“In central Montana, a conservation nonprofit called American Prairie is working to carefully restore a fully functioning prairie ecosystem. Just like the Wind River Tribal Initiative in Wyoming, American Prairie reintroduces wild bison conservation herds to the landscape,” Peter Gros said.</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5013" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images6-scaled.jpg" alt="Peter Gros stands in a prairie grassland with a herd of bison grazing in the background." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images6-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images6-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images6-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images6-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images6-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images6-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images6-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
<p>That habitat-first thinking is becoming the model. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Saving Animals From Extinction North American Grasslands coalition brings together programs focused on the many species that depend on Great Plains and prairie ecosystems. The goal is to look at conservation through a wider lens instead of one species at a time.</p>\n
<p>The progress is real and worth celebrating, but it isn’t finished. Bison haven’t been fully restored everywhere they once roamed and many of the landscapes that once supported them have changed. Keeping healthy herds, open space and grassland biodiversity alive will take continued work for years to come.</p>\n
<h2>Watch bison on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom</h2>\n
<p>Bison are part of a bigger Wild Kingdom story about prairie ecosystems, conservation, restoration 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> on NBC, YouTube and Peacock.</p>\n
<h2>Frequently asked questions about bison</h2>\n
<h3>Is a bison a buffalo or a bull?</h3>\n
<p>A bison is neither a buffalo nor a bull. A bull is an adult male bison, and bison aren’t true buffalo. In North America, people say “buffalo” when they mean American bison.</p>\n
<h3>What’s the difference between bison and buffalo?</h3>\n
<p>Bison and buffalo are different animals. American bison live in North America and have a large shoulder hump, shaggy coat and short curved horns. True buffalo, such as African buffalo and water buffalo, live in other parts of the world and have a different body shape.</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5015" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images8-scaled.jpg" alt="Three American bison walking across a golden prairie beneath a blue sky filled with clouds." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images8-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images8-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images8-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images8-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images8-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images8-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images8-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
<h3>Why are bison no longer called buffalo?</h3>\n
<p>Because American bison aren’t true buffalo. Scientists and wildlife experts use “bison” to set them apart from the true buffalo species in Africa and Asia. But many people still say buffalo in everyday conversation.</p>\n
<h3>What does a bison look like?</h3>\n
<p>A bison has a large head, a tall shoulder hump, shaggy fur, short, curved horns and a heavy front body. Adult males are usually larger than females, and calves are smaller and lighter in color when young.</p>\n
<h3>How big is an American bison?</h3>\n
<p>Adult males can stand around 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh more than 2,000 pounds, making American bison the largest land mammal in North America. Females are usually smaller.</p>\n
<h3>Where do bison live?</h3>\n
<p>Bison live in North America, in grasslands, prairies, plains, river valleys and other open landscapes. Some herds live in <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/wild-kingdoms-guide-to-national-parks">national parks</a>, refuges, Tribal lands, conservation areas or managed private lands.</p>\n
<h3>What’s a bison’s habitat?</h3>\n
<p>A bison’s habitat includes open space, grasses or other plants to eat, water and room for the herd to move. Healthy grassland habitat also supports many other species, from birds and pollinators to smaller mammals.</p>\n
<h3>What do bison eat?</h3>\n
<p>Bison are grazing animals that mostly eat grasses. They’ll also eat sedges (a grass-like plant), herbs and other low-growing plants, depending on what’s available. Because bison graze, move and wallow across the land, they help shape prairie ecosystems. This movement affects plant growth, soil conditions and habitat patterns for other grassland species.</p>\n
<h3>How many bison are in a herd?</h3>\n
<p>Bison herd size can vary widely from just a few animals to dozens, hundreds or more, depending on the landscape, season and how the herd is managed.</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5016" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images9-scaled.jpg" alt="Herd of American bison running through deep snow, kicking up powder as they move forward." width="2560" height="1003" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images9-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images9-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images9-1024x401.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images9-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images9-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images9-1536x602.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645513_WK_CHIA_Bison_images9-2048x802.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
<h3>How many real bison are left?</h3>\n
<p>It depends on what’s meant by “real bison.” Some estimates count all bison in North America, including private and commercial herds. Conservation-focused numbers may look only at wild, public, Tribal or genetically managed herds. Because of that, it’s better to explain the type of herd being discussed rather than rely on one broad number.</p>\n
<h3>Why are bison so rare?</h3>\n
<p>Bison became rare because they were hunted to near extinction and lost much of their historic grassland habitat. Their numbers have improved, but many bison today live in managed herds rather than roaming across the huge open landscapes they once used.</p>\n
<h3>How can people safely view bison?</h3>\n
<p>The safest way to view bison is from a distance. Bison may look calm when they are grazing or resting, but they’re large, powerful wild animals that can move quickly and react if people get too close.</p>\n
<p>Use binoculars or a zoom lens, stay on marked trails or roads and follow all park or local <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-be-an-ecotourist">wildlife viewing rules</a>. Don’t approach, feed, touch or try to take close photos of bison. Responsible wildlife viewing helps protect both people and animals.</p>\n
<h3>Which U.S. state has the most bison?</h3>\n
<p>South Dakota is often cited as the state with the largest bison numbers, especially when private and managed herds are counted. The answer can vary, though, depending on whether the count includes private, public and Tribal herds or only wild-roaming bison.</p>\n
<p> </p>\n
<p><em><strong>Sources:</strong></em></p>\n
<p>Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Lehigh County and Lehigh Valley Zoo Foster Transfer of Bison for Conservation and Cultural Revitalization, Jan. 7, 2026, accessed June 2026.</p>\n
<p>Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Common Ground, Feb. 4, 2026, accessed June 2026.</p>\n
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"excerpt" => "<p>Expert insights from Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Bison are large, hoofed mammals known for their massive shoulders, shaggy coats and deep connection to the grasslands of North America. As the continent’s largest land mammal, they once moved across the prairies in enormous herds, grazing, roaming and shaping the landscape around them. […]</p>\n"
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<p><span data-contrast="auto">When Australia’s wildlife is in crisis, conservation heroes answer the call. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">In Queensland, Peter and Dr. Rae step inside the world of wildlife rescue, where dedicated veterinarians work tirelessly to nurse sick and injured koalas back to health. At the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, sea turtles harmed by fishing gear, boat strikes and pollution are given a second chance at life in the wild. And Peter meets an extraordinary team of rescuers caring for orphaned kangaroo and wallaby joeys — nearly all rescued from their deceased mothers’ pouches after vehicle strikes — offering these vulnerable young animals a road to recovery and a future back in the bush.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Watch <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/road-to-recovery/9000457430" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Road to Recovery” on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild on NBC</a>.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Check out how </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-aussies-are-saving-koalas"><span data-contrast="none">Aussies are saving koalas</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">. And dive into the Great Barrier Reef for more underwater Aussie conservation in “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/reef-revival"><span data-contrast="none">Reef Revival</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
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0:03\r\n
One animal defines Australia's amazing wildlife more than any other the kangaroo.\r\n
\r\n
0:11\r\n
The kangaroo's giant feet give them their scientific name, macropods.\r\n
\r\n
0:16\r\n
Macro means large and pod means foot.\r\n
\r\n
0:20\r\n
There are more than 50 species of macropod in Australia.\r\n
\r\n
0:23\r\n
Kangaroos are the largest, The next size down are Wallabies like these Agile Wallabies who have given their name to a unique non profit near Cairns in Queensland.\r\n
\r\n
0:36\r\n
The Agile project, founded in 2017 by ecologist Shay Ager, has just opened a brand new rescue center.\r\n
\r\n
0:45\r\n
This is absolutely beautiful here.\r\n
\r\n
0:47\r\n
This is your rescue Center for Wallabies, right?\r\n
\r\n
0:49\r\n
It sure is.\r\n
\r\n
0:50\r\n
Our new wildlife rehabilitation center.\r\n
\r\n
0:53\r\n
We've only been here 2 days.\r\n
\r\n
0:54\r\n
Two days.\r\n
\r\n
0:56\r\n
Our timing is perfect.\r\n
\r\n
0:59\r\n
The agile project rescues, raises and then releases orphan macropods back to the wild.\r\n
\r\n
1:06\r\n
This is great.\r\n
\r\n
1:07\r\n
You've got all ages here.\r\n
\r\n
1:08\r\n
We sure do.\r\n
\r\n
1:11\r\n
Macropods not only include Kangaroos and Wallabies, but also wallaroos and Paddy melons.\r\n
\r\n
1:18\r\n
Wow, look at them all of this.\r\n
\r\n
1:20\r\n
How many do you have at this location?\r\n
\r\n
1:21\r\n
We have 2727 mm Hmm.\r\n
\r\n
1:24\r\n
And that one right up the back is a swamp wallaby.\r\n
\r\n
1:28\r\n
Mm hmm, Common wallaboo.\r\n
\r\n
1:29\r\n
Nobody really knows how many wallaroos are left in Australia.\r\n
\r\n
1:33\r\n
That can be said for a lot of macropods and a lot of Australian species.\r\n
\r\n
1:38\r\n
Macropods are also marsupials, a group of animals that are born premature and complete their development inside a special pouch on their mother's abdomen.\r\n
\r\n
1:49\r\n
Young marsupials are called joeys, and it's time for all these joeys to get their morning bottles.\r\n
\r\n
1:55\r\n
So this is a whipped tail wallaby.\r\n
\r\n
1:57\r\n
They call them the Pretty face Wallaby because they've got this beautiful definition down the side of their face.\r\n
\r\n
2:03\r\n
And these are Wallaroos.\r\n
\r\n
2:05\r\n
How old are these two?\r\n
\r\n
2:06\r\n
They're around 1 1/2 years old.\r\n
\r\n
2:08\r\n
You are A2 fisted feeder.\r\n
\r\n
2:10\r\n
I see.\r\n
\r\n
2:11\r\n
I think I've held 8 bottles at once before.\r\n
\r\n
2:13\r\n
Really.\r\n
\r\n
2:14\r\n
You know, I reckon we'll feed the tiny little putties now, so we'll head over here.\r\n
\r\n
2:20\r\n
This is Porsche and Ferrari.\r\n
\r\n
2:22\r\n
These are Paddy melons.\r\n
\r\n
2:23\r\n
These are rainforest macropod species.\r\n
\r\n
2:25\r\n
Although they are so much smaller than the Wallaroos, they're actually a lot older in terms of development.\r\n
\r\n
2:31\r\n
At what point will you decide and where will you decide these will be released?\r\n
\r\n
2:35\r\n
We have some incredible pre release and release sites.\r\n
\r\n
2:38\r\n
Once they are ready, weaned off bottles, the gates open and they get to choose when they come and go back into the enclosure.\r\n
\r\n
2:45\r\n
Yeah, so it's like a soft release.\r\n
\r\n
2:48\r\n
How many would you say you've rescued over the years?\r\n
\r\n
2:51\r\n
Hundreds and hundreds.\r\n
\r\n
2:52\r\n
Hundreds.\r\n
\r\n
2:52\r\n
Probably over 1000.\r\n
\r\n
2:54\r\n
You've become attached to them.\r\n
\r\n
2:55\r\n
Yeah.\r\n
\r\n
2:56\r\n
What's it like when you have to say goodbye?\r\n
\r\n
2:59\r\n
It's a definitely bittersweet moment.\r\n
\r\n
3:02\r\n
Unfortunately, as towns in North Queensland expand into previously wild habitat, rescuers like Shay have become all too important.\r\n
\r\n
3:11\r\n
Can you tell me a little bit about their history, how they ended up here?\r\n
\r\n
3:14\r\n
Every single joy that you see is actually an orphan.\r\n
\r\n
3:17\r\n
95% of them do come in when we rescue them from their mother's power after she's been hit by.\r\n
\r\n
3:23\r\n
95% are car strikes.\r\n
\r\n
3:25\r\n
Yeah.\r\n
\r\n
3:25\r\n
And the other 5 or so percent are dog attacks.\r\n
\r\n
3:29\r\n
So this is Ayla.\r\n
\r\n
3:30\r\n
Uh huh.\r\n
\r\n
3:31\r\n
She is an Eastern grey kangaroo.\r\n
\r\n
3:33\r\n
She's very young, but she was one of those unfortunate car strike victims.\r\n
\r\n
3:38\r\n
She lost her mum to car strike.\r\n
\r\n
3:40\r\n
Let's see if she grabs grabs it.\r\n
\r\n
3:43\r\n
There we go.\r\n
\r\n
3:44\r\n
Look at her.\r\n
\r\n
3:44\r\n
Go.\r\n
\r\n
3:45\r\n
There we go.\r\n
\r\n
3:46\r\n
Oh, yeah, she's hungry.\r\n
\r\n
3:47\r\n
So you actually are removing them from a pouch, from a mother that's deceased and then try to get them going on the ball.\r\n
\r\n
3:54\r\n
Yeah, we have carers all across far North Queensland that do this work.\r\n
\r\n
3:58\r\n
Yeah, well, this has all been so interesting.\r\n
\r\n
4:02\r\n
I hope you have success here.\r\n
\r\n
4:03\r\n
I'm very blessed and very lucky to be able to provide these guys with a safe space.\r\n
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"excerpt" => "<p>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 […]</p>\n"
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<p><em>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</em></p>\n
<p><strong>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.</strong></p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\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
<p>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.</p>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h2>Sea otter quick facts</h2>\n
<ul>\n
<li>Common name: Sea otter</li>\n
<li>Scientific name: <em>Enhydra lutris</em></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
<p>Keep exploring sea otters through Wild Kingdom videos, articles and related stories about marine mammals, kelp forests, rescue and conservation.</p>\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
<p>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.</p>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h2>Where do sea otters live?</h2>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p>The largest numbers live along the coast of Alaska, with smaller populations scattered down the Pacific coast through British Columbia, Washington and California.</p>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<h2>Why are sea otters important?</h2>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p>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.”</p>\n
<p>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.</p>\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
<p>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.</p>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h2>What’s being done to support sea otter conservation?</h2>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p>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.”</p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h2>Watch sea otters on Wild Kingdom</h2>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<h2>Frequently asked questions about sea otters</h2>\n
<h3>Are sea otters mammals?</h3>\n
<p>Yes, sea otters are marine mammals, which means they are warm-blooded, breathe air, have fur and nurse their young.</p>\n
<h3>How much do sea otters weigh?</h3>\n
<p>On average, adult males weigh 65 pounds and females weigh 45 pounds. Northern sea otters are often larger than southern sea otters.</p>\n
<h3>Are sea otters friendly?</h3>\n
<p>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></p>\n
<h3>Where do 90% of sea otters live?</h3>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<h3>What do sea otters eat in the wild?</h3>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h3>How do sea otters float on their backs?</h3>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<h3>Why are sea otters important for kelp forests?</h3>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<h3>What family are sea otters in?</h3>\n
<p>Sea otters are part of the weasel family and are relatives of river otters, weasels, badgers and mink.</p>\n
<h3>What are sea otters’ physical characteristics?</h3>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h3>Where do sea otters sleep?</h3>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<h3>How can people safely view sea otters?</h3>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p> </p>\n
<p><em><strong>Sources:</strong></em></p>\n
<p>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.</p>\n
<p>IUCN, <em>Enhydra lutris</em> (Sea Otter), The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, accessed August 2026, iucnredlist.org</p>\n
<p>Monterey Bay Aquarium, Sea Otter, accessed August 2026, montereybayaquarium.org/animals-the-ocean/animals-a-to-z/sea-otter</p>\n
<p>Monterey Bay Aquarium, Sea Otter Recovery Program, accessed August 2026, montereybayaquarium.org</p>\n
<p>Seattle Aquarium, The Densest Fur of Any Animal on Earth: All About Sea Otters, Dec. 30, 2024, accessed August 2026, seattleaquarium.org</p>\n
<p>U.S. Department of the Interior, 12 Facts About Otters for Sea Otter Awareness Week, accessed August 2026, doi.gov</p>\n
<p>U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Southern Sea Otter (<em>Enhydra lutris nereis</em>), accessed August 2026, fws.gov/species/southern-sea-otter-enhydra-lutris-nereis</p>\n
<p>U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, What Makes the Sea Otter a Keystone Species?, July 30, 2021, accessed August 2026, fws.gov</p>\n
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"excerpt" => "<p>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 […]</p>\n"
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<p><em>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</em></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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 </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/endangered-species-act"><span data-contrast="none">endangered.</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Key takeaways</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Sea turtles are reptiles, not mammals.</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">They live in oceans around the world, but females return to beaches to nest.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Seven species range across the globe, varying in size, diet and habitat.</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Flippers power their swimming and their shells offer protection.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Hatchlings (baby sea turtles) are small enough to fit in your hand.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Diets range from seagrass and jellyfish to sponges, crabs and shrimp.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Fishing gear, coastal development, pollution, climate change and human disturbance are their biggest threats.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Conservation includes rescue, rehabilitation, nest protection, education and ocean habitat work.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">If you spot a sea turtle or nest, watch from a distance and follow posted rules. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
</ul>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">What’s a sea turtle?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h2><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span><span data-contrast="auto">Sea turtle quick facts</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Common name: Sea turtle</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Animal group: Reptile</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Reptile type: Marine reptile</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Number of species: Seven — green, loggerhead, leatherback, hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley, olive ridley and flatback</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Native range: Oceans around the world</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Habitat: Coastal waters, open ocean, coral reefs, seagrass beds and nesting beaches </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Adult appearance: Shell, flippers, streamlined body and beak-like mouth </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Baby sea turtles: Hatchlings emerge from nests on sandy beaches </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Diet: Varies by species</span><span data-contrast="auto">; common foods include seagrass, algae, jellyfish, sponges, crabs, shrimp and other marine life </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Nesting behavior: Females come ashore to lay eggs in sand</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Conservation status: Nearly all sea turtle species are classified as threatened or endangered</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>\n
</ul>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Explore sea turtle stories</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Keep exploring sea turtles through Wild Kingdom videos, articles and related stories about ocean wildlife, rescue, rehabilitation and conservation. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\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"><span data-contrast="none">Celebrating World Sea Turtle Day</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="none">Sea Turtle Stranding Brings Organizations Together for Rescue</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="none">Manatee and Sea Turtle Conservation</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="none">Sea Creatures of the Florida Coast Clip</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="none">The Green Sea Turtle’s Impossible Comeback</span></a></li>\n
</ul>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">How many types of sea turtles are there?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">There are seven species of sea turtle, and each one has its own look, diet and story.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\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"><span data-contrast="auto">Green sea turtle: The largest of the hard-shelled species. Adults are mostly vegetarian, grazing on seagrass and algae.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Loggerhead: Named for its oversized head and powerful jaws, which it uses to crush conch, whelks and other hard-shell prey.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Hawksbill: A narrow, pointed beak lets it reach sponges tucked into coral reefs, making it a familiar sight on healthy reef systems.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Kemp’s ridley: The smallest and most endangered sea turtle, known for nesting in large, synchronized groups.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Olive ridley: Named for its olive-green shell and famous for arribadas, mass nesting events where thousands of females come ashore together.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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"><span data-contrast="auto">Flatback: Found around Australia, with a flatter, smoother shell than its relatives.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></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><span data-contrast="auto">What does a sea turtle look like?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Where do sea turtles live?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Sea turtles live in oceans around the world from </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/coral-reef-conservation-in-omaha-and-beyond"><span data-contrast="none">coral reefs</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> 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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Why are sea turtles important?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">They also draw people into ocean conservation, from beach cleanups and marine-debris efforts to </span><span data-contrast="auto">rescue, rehabilitation and responsible wildlife viewing.</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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.”</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Are sea turtles endangered?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Sea turtles face a range of challenges, many tied to human activity: </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/from-trash-to-art-saving-oceans-through-sculpture"><span data-contrast="none">fishing gear</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, 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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\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><span data-contrast="auto">What’s being done to support sea turtle conservation?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Sea turtle conservation includes rescue, rehabilitation, nest protection, field research, public education, fisheries-related work and habitat restoration.</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto"><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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-be-an-ecotourist"><span data-contrast="none">Conservation work</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> 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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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.” </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Watch sea turtles on Wild Kingdom</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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 </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-watch-mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild"><span data-contrast="none">how to watch Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Frequently asked questions about sea turtles</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Is a sea turtle a reptile?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Are sea turtles mammals? </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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.</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Are sea turtles tortoises?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">No, sea turtles aren’t tortoises. </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/giving-desert-tortoises-a-head-start"><span data-contrast="none">Tortoises</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> live on land and have legs built for walking. Sea turtles live mostly in the ocean and have flippers for swimming.</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Where does a sea turtle live?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Are sea turtles endangered?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Many sea turtle species are threatened or endangered. AZA notes that nearly all sea turtle species are classified as either threatened or endangered.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Why are sea turtles endangered?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">What’s the biggest threat to sea turtles?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">What are the different kinds of sea turtles? </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">What do sea turtles eat in the ocean?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Sea turtle diets vary by species. Some eat seagrass or algae, while others eat jellyfish, sponges, crabs, shrimp, snails or other marine animals. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">How long do sea turtles usually live?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">How big do sea turtles get?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">How small are baby sea turtles when they’re born?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><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" /></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">How can people help sea turtles? </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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 </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/what-do-i-do-if-i-find-an-injured-animal"><span data-contrast="none">stranded, injured or trapped sea turtle</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, contact local wildlife authorities or a licensed rescue organization. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Can you touch a sea turtle?</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h3>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><em><strong>Sources:</strong></em></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Working Together to Secure a Future for Sea Turtles, June 16, 2026, accessed June 2026.</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">NOAA Fisheries, Sea Turtles, accessed August 2026, fisheries.noaa.gov/sea-turtles.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
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"excerpt" => "<p>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 […]</p>\n"
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<p><span data-contrast="auto">Saving endangered species often requires bold action and daring rescues. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Peter joins a helicopter team in New Mexico to conduct a census of critically imperiled Mexican wolves. Then he helps biologists relocate a wild lynx to strengthen conservation in the Cascades. In California’s rugged Sierra Nevada, Peter and Dr. Rae work to protect endangered bighorn sheep. Their journey ends in Georgia, where biologists study a massive alligator to advance vital animal protection efforts.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Watch <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/captures-for-conservation/9000457432" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Captures for Conservation” on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a>. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Learn how </span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/filming-bighorn-sheep-on-wild-kingdom"><span data-contrast="none">Wild Kingdom has filmed bighorn sheep</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> over the years, then watch “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/saving-the-sierra-bighorn"><span data-contrast="none">Saving the Sierra Bighorn</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Go up-close with lynx in “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/return-of-the-lynx"><span data-contrast="none">Return of the Lynx</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">,” see wolf pups in “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/leader-of-the-pack"><span data-contrast="none">Leader of the Pack</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">” and journey into the swamp in “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/graduation-day-for-a-gator"><span data-contrast="none">Graduation Day for a Gator</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
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"date" => "2026-08-22 12:00:17"
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<p><strong>Television’s No. 1 weekend wildlife show returns Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, on NBC. In Season 4, Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant travel from Costa Rica to Alaska to Australia, meeting the people protecting jaguars, grizzly bears, koalas, orcas and more.</strong></p>\n
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<p><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/protecting-the-wild">Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a>, television’s No. 1 weekend wildlife show, returns for its fourth season on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, on NBC. <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/meet-our-hosts">Co-hosted</a> by wildlife expert Peter Gros and wildlife ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, the new season airs as part of NBC’s “The More You Know” educational and informational programming block.</p>\n
<p>Join Peter and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant on unforgettable journeys in search of remarkable stories of wildlife protection.</p>\n
<p>This season, the co-hosts encounter jaguars, grizzly bears, koalas, tapirs, spider monkeys, sea otters and orcas and meet the conservationists, wildlife veterinarians and local communities working to protect them. Dr. Rae and Peter travel from the rainforests of Costa Rica and the wilderness of Alaska to the beaches of Queensland, Australia, the tropical forests of Puerto Rico, and remarkable landscapes across California and Utah, all in the name of wildlife conservation.</p>\n
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_4-scaled.jpg" /></p>\n
<p>One of the season’s highlights takes viewers to Alaska, where Peter is joined by NBC meteorologist and “Earth Odyssey” Host Dylan Dreyer to explore one of North America’s last great wildernesses. Together, they kayak through iceberg-covered seas, coming face-to-face with sea otters and sea lions, among other adventures.</p>\n
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_5-scaled.jpg" /></p>\n
<p>Combining breathtaking adventure, remarkable animal encounters, and inspiring human stories, Season 4 continues the Wild Kingdom tradition of bringing families together through discovery and exploration.</p>\n
<p>“For generations, Wild Kingdom has inspired families to discover the wonder of the natural world together,” said Jennifer Wulf, vice president, brand marketing for Mutual of Omaha. “It’s the kind of show families can feel good about watching and one that sparks curiosity, conversation and a sense of adventure long after the episode ends.”</p>\n
<p>“Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild continues to reflect our mission of educating, informing and captivating viewers,” said Bryan Curb, president of Hearst Media Production Group. “The series has proven that audiences are looking for programming that not only entertains but also inspires and creates meaningful shared viewing experiences.”</p>\n
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5057" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1005" srcset="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-300x118.jpg 300w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-1024x402.jpg 1024w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-150x59.jpg 150w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-768x301.jpg 768w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-1536x603.jpg 1536w, https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_6-2048x804.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>\n
<p>Since its 2023 debut, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild has become one of the leading wildlife series for family viewing across broadcast and cable, averaging more than one million weekly viewers during the 2025-2026 television season, according to Nielsen. The series has <a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/awards-and-recognition">earned widespread recognition</a>, including five Daytime Emmy® nominations, 57 Telly Awards, the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation’s Gracie Award for co-host Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, and some of television’s leading sustainability honors — including BAFTA’s Albert certification and the Environmental Media Association’s Green Seal.</p>\n
<p>As one of television’s most beloved wildlife franchises, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild delivers programming that appeals to viewers across generations. Just as families gathered around the TV for the original Wild Kingdom, today’s families can continue that tradition on NBC, coming together to learn, explore and be inspired through breathtaking wildlife encounters and uplifting conservation stories. In addition to airing on NBC’s “The More You Know” programming block, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild is available on Telemundo, Peacock and NBC.com.</p>\n
<h2>Frequently asked questions</h2>\n
<h3>When does Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Season 4 premiere?</h3>\n
<p>Season 4 premieres on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, on NBC’s “The More You Know” block.</p>\n
<h3>Who hosts Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild?</h3>\n
<p>Wildlife expert Peter Gros and wildlife ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant host Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild.</p>\n
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/wknewsroom/files/2026/08/645519_WK_Media_S4_Images_Page_3-scaled.jpg" /></p>\n
<h3>Where can I watch Protecting the Wild?</h3>\n
<p>Watch new episodes on NBC, <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nbc.com</a> and <a href="https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/8131888204325022112" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peacock</a>. Episodes will be available to stream after they air.</p>\n
<h3>What animals are featured in Season 4?</h3>\n
<p>Jaguars, grizzly bears, koalas, tapirs, spider monkeys, sea otters and orcas are just some of the animals featured in Season 4.</p>\n
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"date" => "2026-08-25 09:32:24"
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<p><span data-contrast="auto">Dr. Rae and Peter explore the secrets behind keeping animals healthy and thriving under human care with the help of a good diet. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">In San Diego, California, and Queensland, Australia, they roll up their sleeves to gather bamboo for giant pandas and eucalyptus for koalas to give the animals vital nutrition they need. In New Mexico, Peter and Dr. Rae assist with the recovery of the Mexican gray wolf by delivering zoo-formulated food that mimics eating habits they’ll experience when released back to the wild. The journey ends in Mexico, where rescued spider monkeys receive a second chance at life.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Watch <a href="https://www.nbc.com/mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild/video/feeding-time/9000457434" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Feeding Time!” on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild</a>. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
<p><span data-contrast="auto">For an in-depth look at these species, watch “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/saving-the-sierra-bighorn"><span data-contrast="none">Panda-Monimum!</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">,” “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/rescue-down-under"><span data-contrast="none">Rescue Down Under</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">,” “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/leader-of-the-pack"><span data-contrast="none">Leader of the Pack</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">” and “</span><a href="https://www.mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/video/second-chance-spider-monkeys"><span data-contrast="none">Second Chance Spider Monkeys</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>\n
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"date" => "2026-08-29 12:00:49"
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