That's WILD! A Little Rock Zoo Podcast

In this episode of That’s Wild! , hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock from the Little Rock Zoo are joined by General Curator Hannah Baker to explore the fascinating science of animal coloration. The team breaks down how creatures across the globe use color not merely for aesthetics, but as a vital tool for survival, communication, and reproduction. They kick off with the art of camouflage, highlighting the elusive snow leopard whose rosette patterns foil trail cameras in the wild, the remarkably adaptable octopus, and the cryptic ambush abilities of pit vipers. The discussion shifts to threat displays and defensive bluffs, showcasing the startling behavior of the sphinx moth caterpillar mimicking a venomous snake, the toxic warning colors of the fire salamander, and the dramatic frilled lizard. Hannah introduces Iris, a 19-and-a-half-year-old blue-tongued skink live in the studio, demonstrating how vivid colors and deceptive postures can startle predators without actual danger. The hosts then examine mating displays driven by female choice, contrasting the elaborate dances of the greater bird-of-paradise, the iridescent handicap of male peacocks, and the vibrant shifting courtship shades of the tiny peacock spider. Further diving into visual trickery, they cover the deceptive mastery of the mimic octopus, the coral snake mimicry of the harmless scarlet kingsnake, and the predatory lure of the orchid mantis. The conversation wraps with nature’s most extreme and surprising colors, including the rare true blue pigments of the mandarinfish, the unexplainably colorful Christmas tree worm, the status-revealing red chest of the gelada baboon, biofluorescent platypuses glowing under UV light, the silver maturation marks of gorillas, and the translucent, heat-absorbing fur of polar bears. Finally, Hannah reminds listeners that animals perceive the world through entirely different visual spectrums, leaving vast layers of natural color still waiting to be understood.

In this episode of "That’s Wild!" (Season 2, Episode 13), host Susan Altrui, co-host Joy Matlock, and MC Dustin Bean explore "the villain edit," taking a look at how pop culture, myths, and fear give certain animals an unfairly bad reputation. They are joined by Hannah Baker, General Curator at the Little Rock Zoo, to listen to real voicemails from concerned citizens and separate animal facts from fiction. The conversation also features a special in-studio appearance by Madonna, a 1.5-year-old rescue ambassador opossum living at the zoo. The team kicks off the voicemails with a caller panicked over 30 to 50 vultures sitting on his roof, tearing the heads off fake owls, and "drooling disease". Hannah Baker sets the record straight, pointing out that vultures actually destroy disease rather than spread it, as their stomach acid has a pH of zero to one—as strong as battery acid. Next, a caller trapped in her bathroom complains about a "blind, flying rat" that drinks blood, carries rabies, and wants to nest in her hair. Hannah clarifies that bats are warm-blooded mammals belonging to the order Chiroptera, not rodents, and they are the only mammals capable of sustained powered flight. They do not nest in human hair, and they are not blind, using exceptional low-light vision paired with echolocation to navigate. Out of about 1,400 bat species worldwide, only three are vampire bats—none of which live in Arkansas—and while bats can vector rabies and should never be handled directly, they are essential for insect control. A third voicemail comes from a sleep-deprived new mom worrying if daddy longlegs are the most poisonous spiders in the world, if detaching a leg is a magic trick, and if killing one summons more. Hannah explains that harvestmen are arachnids but not true spiders, possessing zero venom glands. Detaching a leg, known as autotomy, is a survival distraction technique to escape predators while the leg keeps moving. They do not release recruitment pheromones when killed, and as omnivores, they even hunt black widows. The hosts also debunk the viral internet myth that humans swallow six to eight spiders a year in their sleep. The fourth caller vents about mosquitoes bypassing bug zappers, citronella, and garlic oil while completely ignoring his wife. Hannah explains that bug zappers mostly kill harmless insects like moths because mosquitoes are drawn to carbon dioxide, body heat, and moisture rather than light. Only female mosquitoes bite because they need blood protein for egg development, and they carry diseases like West Nile Virus regardless of climate. The hosts jokingly agree that mosquitoes deserve their villain status. The fifth voicemail describes a neighbor who "grieved" a dead opossum in her garage until it suddenly stood up and walked away, leaving behind a foul odor. Hannah clarifies that opossums are North America's only marsupial, not rodents, and "playing dead" is an involuntary, stress-induced reflex where they pass out and emit a nasty smell to deter predators. Due to their low body temperature around 92°F, they rarely carry rabies. They possess 50 teeth and a prehensile tail, which can hold onto branches for balance, though adults cannot hang upside down by their tails for long. The final caller, a worried grandfather, fears sharks are tracking his grandson's blood from an old wound, swimming up freshwater rivers, and riding in "tornadoes". Hannah explains that sharks can detect blood up to a quarter-mile away under ideal conditions, but they do not go into frenzies over human blood. While bull sharks can navigate fresh water via osmoregulation, landlocked lakes remain safe. While sharks account for 5 to 10 human deaths worldwide per year, humans kill over 100 million sharks annually through finning, overfishing, and bycatch.

In this episode of That’s Wild , hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock sit down with Hannah Baker, the general curator at the Little Rock Zoo, to bust common snake myths and explore the fascinating biology of reptiles. The conversation kicks off with Susan playfully describing a snake as "maybe a tube with teeth", which sets the stage for a deep dive into the complexities hidden inside that body. Hannah introduces Mojave, a 20-year-old Rosy Boa who serves as a zoo ambassador. Originally kept as a pet before coming to the zoo in 2015, Mojave helps educate the public that snakes aren't scary pests, but unique animals that play a vital role in our ecosystem. Throughout the discussion, Hannah debunks several persistent reptile myths, including the idea that vertical slit pupils automatically mean a snake is venomous. As Hannah explains, "A ground-dwelling ambush predator usually has vertical eye slits", which simply helps them with depth perception when waiting for prey rather than indicating venom. She also addresses how constrictors capture prey, dispelling the belief that they break bones or suffocate animals. Instead, constrictors cut off blood circulation, leading to a rapid loss of oxygen to the brain. Beyond hunting mechanics, the group discusses sensory adaptations, noting how snakes detect ground vibrations using their lower jaw and gather scent molecules with their unique split tongues. The episode emphasizes responsible pet ownership and wildlife conservation. Hannah highlights the long lifespan of snakes—explaining that they can easily live 20 to 30 years in human care—and warns against releasing exotic pets into the wild. Releasing non-native species can severely damage local ecosystems, as seen with invasive pythons in the Florida Everglades. The hosts remind listeners that zoos rarely have space to accept unwanted pets, urging prospective owners to do thorough research first or adopt traditional pets from shelters. The episode concludes with a appreciation for snakes, reminding listeners to value and conserve the natural world around them.

This episode of That's Wild! hosted by Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock features returning guest Dr. Sarah Stoneburg, who serves as a veterinarian at the Little Rock Zoo and oversees the zoo's commissary operations. The discussion highlights the massive logistical operation required to feed over 400 animals representing more than 200 species every day. Dr. Stoneberg explains the diverse diet categories handled by her team of three commissary keepers, noting, "we have carnivores, we have insectivores, we have herbivores, we have frugivores... a frugivore is a fruit-based diet". She emphasizes the intense meal preparation and safety standards involved, sharing that keepers follow human-grade kitchen standards and pass "ServSafe for our commissary keepers" to prevent cross-contamination between produce and meat. Managing supply lines requires constant calculation and spreadsheet tracking, as Dr. Stoneberg admits, "some deliveries take two weeks, some deliveries take six to eight weeks depending on what we're ordering, so we have to be paying attention of how much we still have in stock and then ordering to make sure we cover it at the right time". The conversation covers several specific species and their unique nutritional needs. For instance, the zoo participates in sustainable sourcing for its fish and krill to protect wild marine populations. When describing flamingos, Dr. Stoneberg reveals that krill and a specialized grain pigment called "canthaxanthin" help "maintain their coloration". Addressing their elephants, she notes that Zyna weighs about 6,000 pounds while Babe "weighs closer to 12,000 pounds," requiring carefully calibrated daily rations of grain, produce, and Bermuda hay. Handling picky eaters and administering medication also demands creative solutions. When a sloth rejected her formulated gel diet, Dr. Stoneberg notes that keepers got creative by "forming it into different shapes... we got different silicone molds to make sticks or stars" until she accepted it. To give medication to clever animals like big cats or primates who try to avoid pills, staff resort to using "jelly or pie filling," disguising pills inside whole prey, or even using "needles and inject it into superworms and mealworms". To manage costs and ensure a reliable food supply, the zoo operates a dedicated "bug shed" on site where they "propagate superworms on grounds... crickets... fruit flies... and then roaches" for the insect-eating animals. Ultimately, Dr. Stoneberg explains that all training rewards and enrichment foods are strictly factored into each animal's daily calorie count because "we love our animals at the zoo, but we want them to be healthy and not obese".

In this episode of That's Wild, hosts Joy Matlock and Dustin Bean sit down with guest Buddy Hasten. Buddy serves as the President and CEO of the Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Incorporated, but beyond his corporate career, he is a dedicated backyard beekeeper. During the episode, Buddy explains the ecological and economic significance of bees to Arkansas, noting how essential pollinators support the state's agriculture. He discusses threats to bee populations like Varroa mites, different bee breeds such as Italian, Russian, and Saskatraz bees, and the phenomenon of catching wild bee swarms—which he likens to winning the "bee lottery". Reflecting on the docile nature of swarming bees, Buddy notes, "At that moment in time, all of their focus is on protecting the queen... You can literally pick them up by the handful, and they don't even care." He also shares a humorous story about a suit mishap that resulted in over 50 bee stings. YouTube video link has won 19 international film festival awards and is the third film in the Pollinators Under Pressure documentary miniseries. Watch Power for Pollinators https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrBg1m3C_Mk&t=4s&utm_source=chatgpt.co The conversation expands into how electric cooperatives operate as member-owned, non-profit entities, comparing their structure to a beehive's collective effort. Buddy highlights the cooperative's environmental and conservation efforts, including integrated vegetation management along power line right-of-ways to protect pollinator habitats, and its partnership with research projects like Electric Power Research Institute's Power for Pollinators. Reflecting on the core ethos driving their work, Buddy shares, "When you slow down and stop in life and just really look, that's when you really see." The hosts and guest reflect on how communities and organizations can work "better connected together" to conserve the natural world. You can learn more about Buddy Hasten on the Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation Staff Directory and the Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation Executive Bios . To explore more about the host organization, visit the Little Rock Zoo , and check out Vines/Brookshire , the agency that edits and produces the podcast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrBg1m3C_Mk&t=4s&utm_source=chatgpt.com

In this episode of "That's Wild!", hosts Joy Matlock and Susan Altrui are joined by Kate Neal, the interim and senior carnivore keeper at the Little Rock Zoo, to explore the world of cheetahs. Neal clarifies right away that cheetahs are not actually classified as big cats, explaining, "Panthera is lions, tigers, jaguars, and leopards, where Acinonyx is the genus for cheetahs. So they are their own genus, there are no other extant members of that genus". The conversation highlights the species' remarkable adaptations for speed, including a flexible spine, semi-retractable claws that "act like cleats", and the black tear marks under their eyes that function "not unlike what football players do" to help reduce glare on the open savanna. Neal also shares that cheetahs are "obligate carnivores," meaning their short digestive systems require them to strictly digest meat. The episode delves into the Little Rock Zoo's role within the Species Survival Plan (SSP), a coordinated effort across 53 AZA facilities. Neal explains that while specialized breeding centers handle most births, the Little Rock Zoo acts as a "boarding school boot camp" where young cheetahs learn how to live at a public zoo and adapt to visitors before moving on to their next phase. The hosts and guest discuss four male cheetah brothers recently welcomed to the zoo who live together in a natural "coalition". Finally, the discussion turns to wild conservation challenges, such as habitat loss, disease, and retaliatory hunting by farmers, as well as the efforts of organizations like the Cheetah Conservation Fund to promote peaceful coexistence. Neal reflects on the importance of human connection to wildlife, noting that "seeing those things that need to happen abroad and in our backyard is really important for people to learn".

In this episode, Joy Matlock and Susan Altrui sit down with Kevin Krajcir, Conservation Biologist and Grants Coordinator with the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission. We dive deep into local bird conservation efforts, the research surrounding bird-feather mite symbioses, and practical steps everyday Arkansans can take to transform their backyards into thriving avian sanctuaries. Kevin shares his research background at Arkansas State University's Boves Lab, focusing on the functional nature of the symbiosis between songbirds and feather mites. Contrary to the common belief that all mites are harmful parasites, many feather mites maintain a commensal or mutually beneficial relationship with their avian hosts. "Feather mites are among the most diverse avian ectosymbionts on the planet, yet over eighty percent remain undescribed. Studying how these tiny symbionts interact with warblers and songbirds gives us crucial insights into avian health, transmission behaviors, and broader ecosystem dynamics." The discussion moves to local field conservation initiatives, including the banding station established at the Little Rock Audubon Center. Banding plays a key role in national monitoring efforts like MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) and tracking Neotropical migratory birds. "Establishing regular bird banding in central Arkansas fills major historical gaps in research, public outreach, and education. When you hold a bird in hand, measure its wing chord, and release it safely back into the wild, it completely changes how people connect with local conservation." Kevin highlights field surveys for wintering populations of species of concern, such as the Henslow’s Sparrow in rare saline soil barrens. The conversation emphasizes how prescribed fire and habitat management directly influence bird density and long-term population trends. "Our long-term data from community science projects—like the annual Christmas Bird Count—clearly demonstrate how habitat loss and climate change are shifting bird ranges and population baselines across the state." Finally, the episode outlines actionable advice for listeners wanting to support local species at home. From incorporating native Arkansas plants to reducing glass collisions and providing clean water sources, small residential adjustments offer vital stepping stones for migratory birds. "You don't need hundreds of acres to make a tangible difference for migratory birds. Planting native species and maintaining safe habitats in your own yard creates essential refuges across our urban landscapes." To see Kevin Krajcir present his local research and field methods in detail, check out the Bird Banding in Little Rock Presentation . This video is directly relevant because it features Kevin discussing his ongoing avian banding initiatives and conservation goals at the Little Rock Audubon Center.

In this wildly entertaining episode of That’s Wild , hosts Susan and Joy go head-to-head in a hilarious, fast-paced game of animal-themed "Would You Rather." They dive deep into the bizarre realities of the animal kingdom, weighing the pros and cons of shedding their entire outer layers against entering a complete physical shutdown. Along the way, they swap stories of forty-mile-an-hour cheetahs, arctic foxes, and the unexpected challenges of sharing a refrigerator with a wild animal. Amidst the laughter and chaotic hypotheticals, the duo also sneaks in some vital conservation truths, shedding light on the real-world impacts of coltan mining and palm oil on global wildlife. The heart of the episode centers on the terrifying choice between undergoing a "catastrophic molt"—losing all of one's feathers or skin in one giant, chaotic burst like a penguin—and experiencing a complete hibernation-style power outage. Susan immediately makes her stance clear, preferring to face the elements naked rather than lose consciousness for months on end. Joy, however, is much more hesitant to embrace the naked truth, sparking a brilliant debate about survival, dignity, and thermal regulation. "I’d rather just get the whole thing over with all at once. Frankly, it's better naked than cold." — Susan "A complete power outage sounds peaceful until you realize you have zero control over where you wake up—or who is watching you hibernate." — Joy The hypotheticals only get weirder as the episode progresses. The hosts debate whether they would rather have the lightning-fast, forty-mile-an-hour sprinting capacity of a cheetah or have to share their kitchen appliances with clever woodland creatures. Joy makes a strong case for why a fox in the fridge might actually be a roommate upgrade, while Susan questions the sheer caloric intake required to fuel a human-sized cheetah sprint. While the episode is packed with hilarious banter, Susan and Joy don't shy away from the serious side of wildlife advocacy. In a brilliant transition from their silly debates, they discuss the critical consumer habits that affect habitats worldwide. They highlight the devastating effects that standard coltan mining and unsustainable palm oil production have on endangered species, reminding listeners that the choices we make in our daily lives have massive, real-world ripple effects.

The hosts of the That's Wild podcast, Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock, spent this episode debunking famous animal myths and exploring weird wildlife facts: Susan kicks off the trivia by asking, "Supposedly sharks can smell a single drop of blood from miles away," but Joy corrects this, noting that "the single drop from miles away is a little far-fetched... it's a little heavily exaggerated. So it's not quite true, but they do have a very sharp sense of smell." Joy adds that "piranhas do become significantly more aggressive when water levels drop and prey concentrates in shrinking pools," but clarifies that many piranha species actually "eat fruit, seeds, insect, and smaller fish rather than attacking large animals." When discussing whether bats are blind, Joy notes that "bats are not blind. Most can see, and many use both vision and echolocation together simultaneously." The hosts clarify that people often assume echolocation replaces their eyesight simply because the ability seems so mysterious. Moving on to bullfighting, the hosts address the color red. Joy explains, "Bulls are red-green colorblind. They react to the movement, just like you said, of the cape, not the color," and notes that the red cloth is merely traditional, "partly to hide bloodstains during bullfighting." As for elephants being terrified of mice, Joy reveals, "Actually, there's no solid evidence that elephants have any special fear of mice. They may be startled by sudden small movements, but mice specifically are not necessarily the terror that cartoons want us to believe." She points out that elephants actually "explore unfamiliar objects carefully with their trunks... which are their noses, their fingers, their straws... It's like thousands of muscles in the trunk." Turning to city birds, the hosts discuss pigeon intelligence, with Joy stating, "The reality is that pigeons really can recognize and distinguish individual human faces, which kind of doesn't surprise me." She adds that they are also "capable of long-distance navigation and surprising feats of visual memory." When Susan brings up honey, Joy confirms it basically lasts indefinitely: "Honey's low moisture, acidity, and natural chemistry make it extremely resistant to bacteria. Properly stored, honey can remain edible essentially indefinitely." She notes that if it ever hardens, "crystallized honey isn't spoiled... it can usually be gently warmed back into liquid form."

This episode of the That's Wild podcast features host Susan Altrui, host Joy Matlock, MC Dustin Bean, and their guest, Dr. Raffaela Lesch. Dr. Lesch is a biology professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock who specializes in animal behavior, domestication, urbanization, and bioacoustics. The conversation explores how wild animals adapt and change physically when living close to humans. A central highlight is Dr. Lesch's research on raccoons, which she regards as a "modern day ancestral line" for studying the early stages of domestication driven by urbanization and the availability of human trash. The hosts and Dr. Lesch discuss the cleverness of campus raccoons, noting a study by a student named Kelsey who caught them on camera "opening those huge doors, those huge dumpster doors." The discussion clarifies that a wild animal learning to coexist with humans does not equal true domestication, which requires structural changes across many generations. Additionally, the episode touches upon Dr. Lesch's work in bioacoustics, including a long-term study comparing the vocal boxes of dogs and wolves to test the "neural crest domestication syndrome hypothesis." This study—which was later inherited by her master's student—revealed that dogs do have smaller larynges and shorter vocal folds than wolves, though this anatomical difference did not definitively explain the difference between barking and howling. Dr. Lesch also references external research on raccoon anatomy and urban-rural comparisons conducted by Dr. Christina Sluka at the University of Wyoming. Finally, the podcast explores how human speech patterns change when interacting with pets, noting that both men and women naturally shift to a higher pitch when communicating with animals.

his podcast is from the That's Wild series, specifically Season 2, Episode 4, titled "The Science of Cute." Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock from the Little Rock Zoo talk with resident animal expert Hannah about the science behind why we find baby animals cute. The episode features a live appearance by Bert, a three-month-old African penguin chick, and provides updates on various successful breeding programs at the zoo. Bert is a three-month-old African penguin chick hatched on November 16, 2025. At his age, he is undergoing "fledging," the process where chicks lose their downy feathers and transition to waterproof adult plumage so they can swim and fish independently. Bert currently sports a humorous "mohawk" of remaining down feathers on his back. Penguins have naturally dense bones compared to flighted birds, which helps them sink and swim rather than fly. They also possess a "nictitating membrane," a clear third eyelid that acts like built-in swim goggles to protect their eyes underwater. Hannah explains that human attraction to baby animals is an evolutionary adaptation. Certain features known as baby schema —such as large eyes, a button nose, big fat cheeks, and a large head—trigger the release of oxytocin in the human brain. This chemical response induces a desire to nurture and care for the baby. Because babies are highly demanding and require extensive resources, this biological bond is necessary for parents to successfully raise their offspring. Cartoon characters frequently replicate these exact proportions to make characters appear more endearing to audiences. The African penguin was upgraded to "critically endangered" status in 2024. Through the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which pairs animals based on genetic health rather than personality, the Little Rock Zoo has seen an unprecedented baby boom. While the zoo previously averaged two to three chicks per year, they successfully raised five chicks in 2025 and have already welcomed three more in 2026, bringing the recent total to eight. This spike in success is credited to new incubation research led by keeper Leanne. The team discovered that if penguin parents are allowed to care for their eggs for the first 10 days before the eggs are moved to an artificial incubator, the hatching success rate increases dramatically. Additionally, African penguins share parenting duties completely equally, with both mothers and fathers splitting egg incubation and chick-rearing duties 50/50. The Little Rock Zoo is experiencing a broader baby boom across multiple species. atched tadpoles around on her back. Bert the penguin is named after Dick Van Dyke’s chimney-sweep character in Mary Poppins , celebrating the actor turning 100 years old. Bert is also biologically related to Betty White, a famous former resident penguin at the zoo who was named when the actress turned 100. Other notable primate babies currently residing at the zoo include Keto the Colobus monkey (turning 6 months old), Molly the baby chimpanzee (6 months old), and Benny the gorilla, who previously made national news headlines upon his birth.

The episode kicks off with Susan and Joy sharing an incredible viral video of a diabetic support dog detecting its owner's shifting blood sugar levels from all the way across the street. This remarkable display of animal senses prompts a deeper conversation about how zoo veterinarians must routinely rely on intuitive care, but in reverse—interpreting the silent signals of animals that are experts at hiding their pain. Dr. Stoneburg completely reframes what it means to be a vet, revealing that the job relies far less on textbook science and much more on human connection. She notes that while veterinary school teaches you the biology of traditional animals, the real work is learned on the ground. Surprisingly, the most critical skill is managing human dynamics. Because zookeepers are the frontline eyes and ears monitoring the animals daily, a zoo vet must know how to communicate seamlessly with them to decode what is wrong with a patient. It becomes a puzzle of translating human observations, managing their concerns, and directing proper diagnostic care. The trio also looks closely at how veterinary medicine at a zoo relies on a massive network of human healthcare specialists. Because arkansas has limited veterinary specialists, the zoo relies heavily on human doctors—from cardiologists and endodontists to urologists and OB-GYNs—who generously donate their time and medical equipment out of a shared love for the animals. Dr. Stoneburg also opens up about "compassion fatigue," a heavy reality in the veterinary world. Zoo vets act as primary care providers from an animal's birth to its death, making it incredibly easy to become emotionally compromised. Navigating the sudden shift from a joyful newborn exam to an emergency euthanasia can weigh heavily on a vet's soul. Dr. Stoneburg emphasizes that to survive the field, a vet must possess the emotional discipline to step away, find an outlet for stress, and turn off the constant "what-ifs". The conversation moves into the intense logistics of sedating dangerous animals. Dr. Stoneburg walks through the steps of putting down a large animal, explaining the use of "hand-injection" training where keepers teach animals to safely present a limb for a voluntary injection. If voluntary cooperation isn't possible, darting is required. She shares a tense but heartwarming story about sedating an elderly tiger in renal failure. Even though he was weak, the tiger willingly laid down, presented his hip for the dart, and "chuffed" at her afterward, showing a profound level of trust and understanding. Finally, Dr. Stoneburg highlights the true purpose of modern zoos: global conservation. Beyond standard medical procedures, zoo vets are actively contributing to the global body of scientific knowledge through post-mortem studies, archival tissue research dating back to the 1980s, and standardizing preventative care. She underscores that the ultimate goal is shepherding species so they do not expire for future generations, making her life's work a vital gift to the world. Notable Quotes "A lot of what we learn outside of it is on-the-field learning. Dealing with different people, I think, is a big thing that schools don't always teach you about... You think about you're going to work with animals, you love animals so much, but a most of what we do is work with people." — Dr. Sarah Stoneburg

In this episode of the That’s Wild podcast, Little Rock Zoo Director Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock dive into the complex world of "zoo matchmaking". They are joined by Debbie Thompson, the Zoo's Curator of Carnivores and Primates, who explains that managing animal populations is a sophisticated process involving long-term planning and detailed genetic histories. Thompson, who has been with the zoo since 1982, shares how her role as a coordinator for Species Survival Plans (SSP) helps maintain genetic diversity across AZA-accredited zoos for future generations. The conversation highlights the delicate balance of population management, where planners must avoid being too conservative to prevent empty exhibits while ensuring they do not produce more animals than they can responsibly house. Thompson explains that while natural history provides a guide, every animal is an individual that communicates its needs through its actions rather than words. This individual focus is crucial when making high-stakes decisions that affect the conservation of entire species. A major highlight of the episode is the story of sloth bears Kayla and Baloo, who arrived from the Philadelphia Zoo in late 2024. Thompson details how a cooperative agreement allowed the pair to breed at the Little Rock Zoo while Philadelphia renovated its facilities. This successful "maternity leave" resulted in two cubs, which Thompson expects to be visible to the public by Spring Break 2026. The episode also looks toward the future of the Zoo's tiger program. Thompson reveals that Sunari, a Malayan tiger born at the Little Rock Zoo, is preparing for an international move to Singapore. This transfer is part of a critical genetic exchange designed to support the global Malayan tiger population, which currently numbers fewer than 100 individuals in AZA zoos. Following Sunari's departure, the Zoo expects to welcome a new breeding pair to continue its conservation mission. In a lighter segment, the hosts and Thompson play "Red Flag, Green Flag" regarding animal traits. Thompson identifies food motivation as a major "green flag" because it facilitates easier medical training, while an animal bonding too exclusively with a single keeper is a "red flag" that can complicate management and transitions. The episode wraps up with exciting updates on Christmas Day bush dog pups and a reflection on the "big family" culture that defines the Little Rock Zoo.

In this episode of That’s Wild , hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock dive into the prehistoric history of Arkansas with special guest Dr. Jessica Scott , a paleoecologist. They explore how the state’s landscape has shifted from deep oceans to dinosaur-inhabited shorelines and eventually to the age of mammoths. Key Discussion Points Paleoecology Explained : Dr. Scott defines paleoecology as the study of past ecosystems, comparing the work to a detective piecing together an ancient puzzle from limited fossil evidence. Arkansas’s State Dinosaur : The episode highlights Arkansaurus , the first and most complete dinosaur specimen found in the state. It was a bird-like, bipedal dinosaur belonging to the ornithomimosaur group. It stood approximately 8 feet tall, could be up to 15 feet long, and likely possessed feathers. Geological Shifts : Arkansas was once entirely underwater during the Paleozoic era and later partially submerged by the Western Interior Seaway during the Mesozoic era. Fossil Variety : Beyond dinosaurs, the state is home to fossils of marine invertebrates (oysters, coral) and "recent" ice-age giants like mammoths, mastodons, and Megalonyx (giant ground sloths). The Process of Fossilization : Detailed explanation of how organic material is replaced by minerals over time to become stone. Conservation Connection : The guest emphasizes that understanding past extinctions—such as the asteroid-driven end of the dinosaurs—helps us understand and combat the human-caused extinctions occurring today. Guest Information Dr. Jessica Scott : A paleoecologist, native Arkansan, and long-time advocate for the Little Rock Zoo.

In this episode, Little Rock Zoo Director Susan Altrui and co-host Joy Matlock interview Rex Nelson, Senior Editor and columnist at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette . They explore Rex's deep-rooted history as an Arkansan storyteller and discuss how the state's natural beauty and cultural attractions serve as a heart for the community. Key Discussion Points Wildlife and Safety: The hosts discuss a record-breaking year for bear attacks in Japan and link it to similar concerns in Arkansas, noting that poor harvests of acorns and hickory nuts drive bears into populated areas for food. Susan Altrui emphasizes the strict "do not feed the bears" rule at the Little Rock Zoo and discusses Bear Awareness Week in May. Red Wolf Conservation: The group highlights the Red Wolf, an original wolf of the South, and the ongoing conservation and repopulation efforts. Arkansas State University (ASU) is noted as the official biobank for the Red Wolf, storing genetic material for research. The "Natural State" and Quality of Life: Rex Nelson argues that in a post-pandemic world, amenities like the Zoo, hiking trails, and the Buffalo River are vital "economic development tools". He explains that talented young people choose where to live based on outdoor recreation and "quality of life" rather than just industrial jobs. Little Rock’s Hidden Gems: The conversation covers the beauty of Fourche Creek, an urban wetland within the city limits that features century-old cypress trees. The hosts celebrate the success of downtown Little Rock and the significant financial investments being made in the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and the Clinton Presidential Center. The Zoo’s Centennial: Susan reveals that research by historian Scott Carter moved the Zoo's founding date from 1926 to 1924. The very first animal acquired by the Zoo in 1924 was a snake. Guest Spotlight Rex Nelson is a native Arkansan and a seasoned journalist who has covered everything from high school football to the election of Bill Clinton. He currently writes three columns a week focused on Arkansas culture, food, and history for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette .

In this episode, hosts Dustin Bean and Joy Matlock are joined by Hannah Baker to discuss the often-overlooked world of bugs. The conversation features a special appearance by Miguel, a three-banded armadillo, to illustrate the direct link between mammals and their insect-based diets. Key Discussion Points Meet Miguel the Armadillo: Miguel is a three-banded armadillo , a species from South America capable of curling completely into a ball for protection. Unlike the nine-banded armadillos common in Arkansas, three-banded armadillos can "snap" their shell closed to potentially pinch a predator's paw. His shell is called a carapace , made of bony plates known as osteoderms covered in keratin. The Insectivore Diet: As an insectivore and omnivore, Miguel relies on a sharp sense of smell to find bugs several inches underground. He uses a long, sticky tongue and sharp claws to extract insects, similar to his close relatives, the anteaters and sloths . Behind the Scenes: The "Bug Room": The Little Rock Zoo maintains a dedicated "Bug Room" to breed and raise food for its animals. The facility produces approximately 8,000 crickets and 35,000 mealworms per week . The largest consumers of bugs at the zoo are the sloth bears , which use their lack of front incisors to "slurp" up insects. The Importance of Invertebrates: Bugs serve as the "infrastructure" of the ecosystem, acting as pollinators, decomposers, and a primary food source. A global decline in insect populations threatens the entire food chain. The episode highlights the danger of invasive species, such as the hammerhead worm , which preys on essential native earthworms. Tips for Supporting Local Pollinators Plant Native: Choose native plants for your garden to support local insect species. Leave the Leaves: Keeping leaf litter in your yard provides a habitat for various bugs and animals. Create Spaces: Designate a small section of your yard to grow wild as a pollinator garden. Bugtopia runs from March 21st through September 20th at the Little Rock Zoo, allowing guests to see the world from a bug's perspective and appreciate the "giants" of the tiny world.

In this episode of That’s Wild , hosts Dustin Bean and Joy Matlock go to "Bug Court" with guest Jessica Briley, the Conservation Education Manager for the Little Rock Zoo. They discuss the zoo's upcoming "Bugtopia" exhibit, which features giant animatronic insects and arachnids. Jessica provides fascinating facts about the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, the Asian Forest Scorpion, the Goliath Bird Eater spider, and the Monarch Butterfly, highlighting their ecological importance and debunking common myths. The episode emphasizes shifting perspectives from fear to curiosity and appreciation for these small but essential creatures. Takeaways The "Bugtopia" Exhibit: Running from March 21st through September 20th , Bugtopia aims to magnify the world of insects, allowing guests to observe their intricate anatomy and ecological roles. Madagascar Hissing Cockroach: These forest-floor decomposers use specialized pores called spiracles to create their signature hiss for defense and mating. Asian Forest Scorpion: As arachnids, scorpions are not insects. They possess sensory hairs called trichobothria and can glow under ultraviolet light. Goliath Bird Eater: Despite its name, this spider primarily eats insects and small vertebrates. It is the largest spider by mass and grows by molting its exoskeleton. Monarch Butterfly: These iconic pollinators migrate up to 3,000 miles . They are "bio-indicators," meaning their population health reflects the state of the overall ecosystem. Conservation Tips: Jessica shares practical ways to support local insect populations, such as planting native pollinator gardens and being mindful of leaf litter, which serves as a winter habitat.

In this episode of That’s Wild , we go behind the scenes at the Little Rock Zoo with Erin Dauenhauer-Decota , Assistant Curator for Primates, to explore the complex world of Great Apes and the personal "calling" of conservation. From the hilarious personalities of chimpanzees like Mikey to the "original PSL" (the Pygmy Slow Loris), Erin shares what it’s really like to manage one of the most diverse primate collections in the country. We also dive deep into the enduring legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall , discussing how her work shattered barriers for women in science and redefined our understanding of animal intelligence. In this episode, you’ll discover: Primate Personalities: Why a "smiling" chimp might actually be telling you they are uncomfortable, and why patience is the most important tool for a zookeeper. The Intertwined Path of Conservation: How recycling your old smartphones through programs like Gorillas on the Line directly impacts animal habitats and human rights crises in Africa. The Reality of the Calling: A candid look at the "allostatic load" of conservation work, the emotional investment of caring for wildlife, and advice for the next generation of animal advocates. A Look Ahead: Exciting news about the new squirrel monkey species arriving at the Little Rock Zoo next year. Whether you are a lifelong animal lover or a curious neighbor, this episode offers a grounded, inspiring look at how small changes in our daily lives can create massive ripples of hope for wildlife halfway around the world.

In this episode of That’s Wild , hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock celebrate the "Gentle Giants" of the animal kingdom. The conversation starts with a lighthearted look at the calming effects of capybaras—the world’s largest rodents—and the exciting news that they will be returning to the Little Rock Zoo in late 2025. The episode then dives deep into the world of elephants with special guest Kristen Grove , Elephant Manager and Curator at the Little Rock Zoo. Highlights include: Life with Giants: Kristen shares her journey from an elephant sanctuary to the Ringling Bros. Circus, and finally to her 13-year tenure at the Little Rock Zoo. Geriatric Care Experts: Learn how the zoo specializes in caring for its senior "girls," 50-year-old Babe and 65-year-old Zaina—one of the oldest elephants in an AZA-accredited facility. Elephant Personalities: Discover why the staff refers to the pair as "Pinky and the Brain," with Babe as the friendly "Labrador Retriever" and Zaina as the "sassy schemer". The Intelligence of Giants: Kristen discusses the emotional depth of elephants, including their ability to recognize themselves in mirrors and their incredible physical power. Conservation Impact: A look at the Little Rock Zoo’s direct support for Asian elephant orphans and medical care in range countries through organizations like Asian Elephant Support. Whether it's Babe painting masterpieces or Zaina solving puzzles, this episode illustrates why these magnificent animals serve as such powerful ambassadors for their wild counterparts. Subscribe and stay wild!

In this episode of That’s Wild , hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock take a nostalgic trip back to the 1970s and 80s to explore a pivotal era of transformation at the Little Rock Zoo. Joined by Arkansas broadcasting legend and former radio DJ Craig O’Neal. The team dives into the history of the "Bring Down the Bars" campaign—a community-led movement that revolutionized animal habitats by replacing traditional iron bars with more naturalistic environments. Highlights from this episode include: The "Bring Down the Bars" Legacy : Discover how the zoo transformed the historic WPA Big Cat House (now Café Africa) and moved iconic animals like Buck the Bengal Tiger into modern exhibits. A Community Effort : Craig O'Neal shares hilarious and heartfelt stories of 80s-era fundraisers, including the "Spots and Stripes Forever" benefit, and how the entire city rallied together to reshape the zoo's future. The Power of Tradition : From the 100-year-old Over-the-Jumps Carousel to the simple joy of family outings, the discussion explores why the zoo remains a "cathedral" for multi-generational Arkansas memories. Wild Stories : Craig recounts the time he "sponsored a monkey" that immediately escaped and shares the bizarre tale of the "Arkansas Husband Display" at a past Zoo Day. As the Little Rock Zoo embarks on its current "Wildly Reimagined" campaign, this episode celebrates the enduring energy and community spirit that continue to drive the zoo's "nine lives". Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your own zoo memories with us.