Published by Wild and Kind Kids
Wild and Kind Kids is a podcast for families who love animals: the furry, feathery, scaly, and wiggly ones! Each episode invites kids (and their grown-ups) to get curious about how creatures big and small live, play, and help our planet. Hosted by a mom and her two curious kids, it’s part storytelling, part sound adventure, and all about growing a wilder, kinder world — one animal at a time.
Listen on Apple PodcastsCould a tree be a whole neighborhood? High in the Australian bush, a barking owl named Bram thinks of his old eucalyptus tree as home. But when a bright red ribbon appears around its trunk, he realizes that home may be in danger. With the help of sugar gliders, possums, rainbow lorikeets, and a few clever ideas, Bram must find a way to help the humans see that this isn't just one tree. It’s a neighborhood. In this episode, kids will learn: Why we call them “barking” owls How silent flight helps owls sneak up on prey using specialized feathers How tree hollows become essential homes for barking owls, sugar gliders, possums, bats, frogs, and many other Australian animals Wild and Kind Kids is a weekly, screen-free animal podcast for curious kids and their grownups. Every episode blends an original story with real animal science, helping children build curiosity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the natural world, one remarkable animal at a time. Listen during bedtime, quiet afternoons, long car rides, or homeschool science lessons about birds of prey, Australian animals, forests, and habitats. Barking owl audio by Hank Bower from Xeno-canto , used under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (CC BY-NC-SA) license. Keep exploring: Download this week's free Barking Owl coloring sheet Follow @wildandkindkidspod on Instagram for crafts, nature activities, and behind-the-scenes fun Find more resources or request an animal at wildandkindkids.com Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: Barking Owl (Australian Museum) Barking Owl (Australia Zoo) “Owl” be Seeing You: Amazing Facts About Owl Eyes (The American Bird Conservancy) The Silent Flight of Owls, Explained (Audubon Magazine)
What if one giant splash could help an entire neighborhood? American alligators may look fierce, but the biggest alligators often play an important role in helping other animals survive. This week, we're heading into the wetlands to discover how one muddy hole can become a lifeline. When the water begins disappearing from Wild Marsh, the other animals can't understand why old Boone the alligator keeps digging, scraping, and making such a mess. His noisy work seems to chase everyone away. But as the marsh changes, Boone's mysterious project may be exactly what his neighbors need. Can the animals learn that sometimes kindness doesn't always look the way we expect? Along the adventure, kids will uncover: Why American alligators dig special "alligator holes" that become homes for dozens of wetland animals How alligators can replace their teeth throughout their lives What makes an alligator's jaws incredibly powerful when closing, but surprisingly weak when opening Why American alligators are considered a keystone species, helping entire wetland ecosystems thrive Every episode of Wild and Kind Kids blends an original story with real animal science, helping kids build curiosity about the natural world while discovering that kindness can take many different forms. It's a screen-free educational podcast for kids that's perfect for family listening, homeschool science, or winding down together after a busy day. Keep exploring: Download this week's free American alligator coloring sheet Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod Find more animal activities, printable resources, or request a future episode at wildandkindkids.com Learn along with us: American Alligator (National Geographic Kids) American Alligator (The National Zoo) Alligators need warm weather to make an area their home (The Washington Post) Crocodiles have the strongest bite ever measured (National Geographic) Alligator holes (The Florida Museum)
Could moving slowly make you a superhero? In this episode of Wild and Kind Kids, we climb into the rainforests of Costa Rica to meet Benny, a gentle two-toed sloth who dreams of having adventures like her fast-moving friends. But when a tiny tree frog needs help, Benny discovers that sometimes the greatest heroes aren't the fastest ... they're the ones who slow down long enough to notice what everyone else misses. Along the way, kids will learn amazing sloth facts, including: Why sloths move so slowly How they camouflage themselves high in the rainforest canopy Why their fur grows "backward" The surprising tiny creatures that live in their fur Wild and Kind Kids is a screen-free podcast for curious kids and their grown-ups. Every episode combines an original animal adventure with real science, helping children build curiosity, empathy, and a love for the natural world. Perfect for family listening, homeschool, classrooms, quiet time, bedtime, or your next road trip. Keep exploring: Download a two-toed sloth coloring sheet Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod Find more resources or request an animal at wildandkindkids.com Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: The sloth and the moth: A mutually beneficial relationship (The Royal Society) Sloth (National Geographic Kids) Why are sloths so slow? (The Sloth Conservation Foundation) Why are sloths so slow? And other sloth facts (World Wildlife Fund)
Would you trade your paws for a pair of sneakers? In this episode of Wild and Kind Kids, we journey to the deserts of North Africa to meet Tazzy, a curious fennec fox who loves collecting mysterious treasures left behind by humans. When she discovers a pair of sneakers, she's convinced she's finally found the secret to becoming faster, stronger, and more adventurous. But as Tazzy soon learns, the desert has a funny way of reminding every animal that it was designed for its own amazing home. Along the way, kids will learn about the world’s smallest canine, including: How their giant ears help them find prey and keep them cool The ways they find water Why it pays to come out at night in the desert Wild and Kind Kids is a screen-free podcast for curious kids and their grown ups. Every episode combines an original animal adventure with real science, helping children build curiosity, empathy, and a love for the natural world. Perfect for family listening, homeschool, classrooms, quiet time, bedtime, or your next road trip. Keep exploring: Download a fennec fox coloring sheet Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod Find more resources or request an animal at wildandkindkids.com Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: Fennec Fox (National Geographic Kids) Fennec Fox (San Diego Zoo) Fennec Fox Fact Sheet (Nature)
Why does a day octopus hide? And what happens when it finally decides to be seen? In this episode of Wild and Kind Kids, we travel to the coral reefs of Hawaii to meet Ollie, a shy day octopus who is a master of camouflage. As Ollie blends into rocks, coral, and sand, he dreams of exploring a reef on the other side of a wide stretch of open ocean floor. But getting there means facing his biggest fear. Along the way, kids will discover amazing day octopus facts, including: How octopuses sense the world with their arms What an “octopus garden” is How octopus use ink to escape predators We'll also learn about coral reefs, why they're important to ocean animals, and how kids can help protect them through this week's Wild and Kind Mission. Perfect for curious kids who love animals, ocean life, science, nature, and stories with heart. Keep exploring: Download a day octopus coloring sheet Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod Request an animal or join our Wild and Kind Kids Club at: wildandkindkids.com Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: Coral Reef Facts (National Geographic Kids) Day Octopus (Monterey Bay Aquarium) Day Octopus (Maui Ocean Center) These are the weird and wonderful reasons octopuses change shape and color (National Geographic)
Why do mimic poison frog dads carry their babies on their backs through the rainforest? In this Father's Day special of Wild and Kind Kids, we journey to the rainforests of Peru to meet one of nature's most dedicated animal dads: the mimic poison frog. Along the way, kids will discover how these tiny rainforest frogs care for their tadpoles, why they're called "mimic" poison frogs, how toe-tapping helps them find food, and what makes their bright colors so important. Then, join Tico the frog and his son Pip for a heartwarming original story about searching for the perfect place to grow up. Perfect for curious kids, homeschool families, and anyone who loves frogs, rainforest animals, and nature stories. Keep exploring: Download a poison frog coloring sheet Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod Find more resources or request an animal at wildandkindkids.com Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: Meet a great dad from the animal world: The poison frog (KQED) Virtual Habitat Chat: Mimic Poison Frogs (VIDEO) (The Detroit Zoo) Poison frogs tap dance to rouse prey (VIDEO) (New Scientist)
Deep in the forests of India and Southeast Asia lives one of the most famous snakes on Earth: the king cobra. This is also the home of a very confused group of animals who are convinced that a king cobra is building something mysterious. A throne? Perhaps. A trap? Maybe. A castle? Well … probably not. When a king cobra begins carrying leaves and twigs to a clearing in the forest, a langur, an Indian giant squirrel, and a hornbill become determined to solve the mystery. But the truth turns out to be far more surprising—and far more heartwarming—than any of them imagined. Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they explore the fascinating world of the king cobra. Kids will discover: How king cobras create their famous hoods Why king cobras can sometimes look grown-ups right in the eye How king cobras use venom and powerful warning displays to protect themselves Keep exploring: Download a king cobra coloring sheet Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod Find more resources or request an animal at wildandkindkids.com Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: King Cobra (National Geographic Kids) Cobra | Amazing Animals from National Geographic Kids (Video) King Cobras (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers) The King Cobra (Smithsonian National Zoo)
Deep in the rivers and streams of Australia lives one of the strangest animals on Earth: the duck-billed platypus. More specifically, this is the home of Sam, a furry creature with a duck bill, webbed feet, a beaver-like tail, and absolutely no idea what he is. When Sam discovers a flyer for the Great Splash & Quack, he comes to a very reasonable conclusion: he must be a duck. Determined to win the grand prize of unlimited freshwater shrimp, Sam enters the competition and quickly becomes the most confusing contestant in Splash & Quack history. He can't quack. He can't fly. But when it comes to swimming, diving, and finding hidden things underwater, Sam might just have a few surprises up his sleeve. Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they explore the wonderfully weird world of the duck-billed platypus. Kids will discover: How platypuses use a real-life "sixth sense" to hunt underwater Why male platypuses are one of the few venomous mammals on Earth How their amazing adaptations help them thrive in rivers and streams Keep exploring: Download a duck-billed platypus coloring sheet Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod Find more resources or request an animal at wildandkindkids.com Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: To hunt, the platypus uses its electric sixth sense (American Museum of Natural History) Duck-Billed Platypus (National Geographic Kids) Platypus Fact Sheet (Nature) 10 fascinating platypus facts that will amazing you (WWF)
Far out in the mountains and forests of the American Southwest lives one of the rarest wolves on Earth: the Mexican wolf. More specifically, this is the home of Luna, a young Mexican wolf who loves being part of a pack even if she secretly longs for some new blood. One night, Luna hears a howl echoing through a canyon and becomes convinced she’s discovered another wolf pack. But as Luna continues exploring the mysterious canyon, she discovers something surprising about echoes, loneliness, and hope. Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they explore the wild world of the Mexican wolf, also known as el lobo. Kids will discover: How wolves use howls to communicate across long distances What Mexican wolf packs are like How wolves are built to hunt Why Mexican wolves nearly disappeared from the wild Keep exploring: Download a Mexican wolf coloring sheet Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod Show us your coloring sheet or request an animal: wildandkindkidspod@gmail.com Sign up for email updates Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: Mexican Gray Wolf (Wildlife Science Center) Mexican Wolf (Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens) Conserving the Mexican Wolf (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service) Mexican Wolf (Columbus Zoo & Aquarium)
Deep beneath the canals of Xochimilco in Mexico lives one of the strangest (and cutest) creatures on Earth: the axolotl. Meet Ralph, an axolotl who is VERY tired of looking like a baby. While the other animals zoom around the canals having fun, Ralph is determined to become a serious grown-up. He grows a moss mustache. Carries an important-looking briefcase. Attends “business meetings.” And even tries disgusting grown-up food. There’s just one problem: being a grown-up is exhausting. Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they dive into the weird and wonderful world of the axolotl: the smiling salamander who never grows up. Kids will discover: How axolotls can regrow legs, tails, and even parts of their hearts Why scientists study axolotls to learn about healing and regeneration How axolotls slurp up food like underwater vacuum cleaners Why wild axolotls are critically endangered in Mexico Keep exploring: Download an axolotl coloring sheet Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod Show us your coloring sheet or request an animal: wildandkindkidspod@gmail.com Sign up for email updates Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: Axolotl (National Geographic Kids) 10 Absolutely Amazing Axolotl Facts (WWF) Adopt an Axolotl Virtually New axolotl study gives researchers a leg up in work towards limb regeneration (U.S. National Science Foundation) Axolotls can regrow limbs. Could they one day help us do the same? (National Geographic)
Far out in the shimmering ocean lives Rosa, a young shortfin mako shark from the Marvelous Makos, a family famous for one incredible thing: flying. Not with wings, of course. With leaps. Rosa’s family can burst from the water like silver rockets, twisting high above the waves before crashing back into the sea with giant splashes. There’s just one problem. Rosa can’t do it. No matter how hard she tries, she belly flops, skims the surface, or sinks back into the ocean while the other makos soar overhead. And when her mother tells her the secret is remembering two magic words, Rosa is determined to figure them out. Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they dive into the speedy, surprising world of the shortfin mako shark, the fastest shark in the ocean. Kids will discover: How mako sharks zoom through the ocean at over 45 miles per hour Why some sharks have to keep swimming to stay alive How sharks grow endless rows of replacement teeth Why mako sharks sometimes launch completely out of the water Keep exploring: Download a shortfin mako shark coloring sheet Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod Show us your coloring sheet or request an animal: wildandkindkidspod@gmail.com Sign up for email updates Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: The Shortfin Mako Shark (Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History) Sharks4Kids (Ways to Learn About and Help Sharks) Do Sharks Drown if They Stop Swimming? (Two Oceans Aquarium) Spilling the Secret to a Mako Shark’s Speed (Forbes)
Deep in a warm, moonlit rainforest in Africa lives Penny the pangolin, a quiet, scaly explorer with a secret she’s not so sure about. Her tongue is … long. Like, really long. Longer than her head. Longer than her legs. Maybe even the longest in the whole forest. But there’s just one problem: she has no idea what it’s for. As night falls and the forest comes alive, Penny watches other animals use their amazing abilities to swing, fly, and find food. Meanwhile, her tongue just … hangs there. That is, until a curious bushbaby shows up with a big idea: what if they run a few tests to figure it out? Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they explore the strange, surprising, and super-powered world of one of Earth’s most unique animals: the pangolin. Kids will discover: How pangolins use their long, sticky tongues to eat insects Why scales are a pretty smart adaptation for a mammal Why pangolins are called the “guardians of the forest” Keep exploring: Download a pangolin coloring sheet Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod Show us your coloring sheet or request an animal: wildandkindkidspod@gmail.com Sign up for email updates Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: Pangolin facts and photos (National Geographic) [VIDEO] Pangolin: World’s Weirdest (Nat Geo Wild) 5 playful pangolin facts (Eco Kids Planet) The Pangolin Crisis Fund
In the warm, shimmering waters of Thailand swims Atlas the whale shark, a gentle giant who likes things just the way they are: quiet, calm, and solitary. With a body the size of a school bus, a mouth wide enough to scoop up clouds of tiny food, and a slow, steady way of moving through the sea, Atlas spends his days drifting and thinking big thoughts. But everything changes when a tiny, cheerful hitchhiker named Renea shows up … and refuses to leave. At first, Atlas just wants his space back. But as he tries (and fails!) to shake his new companion, he begins to discover something surprising: sometimes the friend you didn’t ask for might be exactly the one you need. Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they dive into the calm, curious, and captivating world of the ocean’s largest fish: the whale shark. Kids will discover: How whale sharks eat using filter feeding (even with giant mouths!) Why these slow swimmers travel thousands of miles across the ocean What makes each whale shark’s spot pattern unique How animals can help each other through special relationships in nature Keep exploring: Download a whale shark coloring sheet Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod Show us your coloring sheet or request an animal: wildandkindkidspod@gmail.com Sign up for email updates Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: Secrets of Whale Shark Migration Revealed (National Geographic) Whale Sharks Have Tiny Teeth on Their Eyeballs (Smithsonian Magazine) The Whale Shark (National Geographic Kids) 5 Interesting Facts About Whale Sharks (The World Wildlife Foundation)
On the sunlit savanna near Arusha, Tanzania, a troop of baboons is on the move … headed straight for a breakfast of juicy mangoes. But when they arrive, something is wrong. The mangoes are gone! All eyes turn to Bunky, the troop’s most mischievous member. But did he really take them? Or is there more to the story? With the help of an unlikely detective, Bunky sets out to clear his name and the entire troop learns an important lesson about teamwork, trust, and paying attention before jumping to conclusions. Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they explore the social, chatty world of baboons, where communication, cooperation, and community are everything. Kids will discover: How baboons communicate using sounds, faces, and body language Why baboons live in large groups called troops How baboons are built for survival, from super big cheek pouches to bottoms that help them sit and patrol for hours Keep exploring: Download a baboon coloring sheet Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod Show us your coloring sheet or request an animal: wildandkindkidspod@gmail.com Sign up for email updates Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: These animals have the biggest, weirdest cheek pouches (National Geographic) Baboons (National Geographic) Baboon (African Wildlife Foundation)
Among the waving eelgrass and shifting waters of Elkhorn Slough in California floats one very happy sea otter named Mixy. Mixy has the perfect collection of treasures tucked into her pocket: a just-right rock, a smiling shell, even an extra snack. But when another otter swims close and asks to borrow something, Mixy isn’t so sure. After all, it’s her perfect tool. Soon, she discovers that the perfect tool isn’t just for helping yourself; it might be even more powerful when it’s shared. Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they dive into the playful, splashy world of sea otters, where tools, teamwork, and tiny pockets make a big difference. Kids will discover: How sea otters use tools (yes—real tools!) What makes sea otter fur the thickest in the animal kingdom How sea otters are made for a life in the water Why sea otters are a keystone species in their ecosystem Keep exploring: Download a sea otter coloring sheet Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod Show us your coloring sheet or request an animal: wildandkindkidspod@gmail.com Sign up for email updates Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: The Sea Otter (National Geographic Kids) Sea Otter (Monterey Bay Aquarium) 10 facts you otter know about sea otters (WWF) Watch: Sea otters have pockets (Oceana)
In the icy waters of Antarctica, it’s not easy being Jeremy the leopard seal. In fact, it’s downright lonely. With his long, sleek body, lightning-fast swimming, and a mouth full of sharp teeth, Jeremy is one of the ocean’s fiercest predators. But today, he has a special mission: to make a friend. Unfortunately, everywhere he goes, animals scatter in fear. It seems no one can look past his teeth to see the lonely creature behind them … until one small, unexpected friend sees something different. Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they explore the fast, fierce, and fascinating world of one of Antarctica’s top predators: the leopard seal. Kids will discover: What it means to be an apex predator How leopard seals are built for speed and surprise Why blubber is important for animals in icy environments How curiosity shows up in the animal world Keep exploring: Download a leopard seal coloring sheet Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod Show us your coloring sheet or request an animal: wildandkindkidspod@gmail.com Sign up for email updates Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: Leopard Seal (National Geographic) Rockabye Baby: The Love Songs of Lonely Leopard Seals Resemble Human Nursery Rhymes (The Conversation) Leopard Seals - Hydrurga leptonx (Cool Antarctica) How a Leopard Seal Fed Me Penguins (National Geographic)
Deep inside a limestone cave in Southeast Asia lives a bat so tiny it could almost sit on your fingertip. Her name is Twinkle. Twinkle is a bumblebee bat and tonight she’s ready for her very first big adventure outside the cave. But the night is enormous, the forest is full of strange sounds, and Twinkle soon discovers that being brave doesn’t mean you never feel scared. As Twinkle flies through the dark, she meets glowing fireflies, a booming frog, and a silent owl … and learns that every creature has its own way of navigating the night. Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they explore the fascinating world of the bumblebee bat , one of the smallest mammals on Earth. Kids will discover: How bats use echolocation to “see with sound” in the dark How the bumblebee bat earned its name How bats help keep insect populations under control and why protecting dark skies helps bats survive Keep exploring: Download a bumblebee bat coloring sheet Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod Show us your coloring sheet or request an animal: wildandkindkidspod@gmail.com Sign up for email updates Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: Bumblebee Bat (Bat Conservation International) Bumblebee Bat (iNaturalist)
In the hot, dusty Sonoran Desert, a young rattlesnake named Dusty has just gotten something exciting… his very first rattle. Dusty thinks his new rattle is amazing. So amazing, in fact, that he rattles at everything. Butterflies. Pebbles. Shadows. Even his own tail. RATTLE RATTLE RATTLE. But when Dusty rattles all the time, the other desert animals stop paying attention. And one day, when a real danger appears, Dusty learns something important: warnings only work when they’re used for moments that truly matter. Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they explore the fascinating world of rattlesnakes, one of North America’s most misunderstood reptiles. Kids will discover: How rattlesnakes sense heat in the dark to find prey Why rattlesnakes have a rattle and how it helps protect them What a defense mechanism is and how animals use them to stay safe Keep exploring: Download a rattlesnake coloring sheet Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod Show us your coloring sheet or request an animal: wildandkindkidspod@gmail.com Sign up for email updates Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: The Rattlesnake (National Geographic Kids) Rattlesnake (San Diego Zoo)
Deep in the golden grasslands of Africa, a young cheetah named Zuri is trying very hard to become something she’s not. A lion. Her best friend Hugo the lion is strong. Really strong. He can roar, wrestle, and shove logs with his giant paws. Zuri tries everything to be strong like him … but nothing seems to work. Until one surprising moment reveals something important: Zuri doesn’t need to be strong like a lion, because cheetahs have superpowers of their own. Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they explore the speedy, spotted, super-powered world of the fastest land animal on Earth: the cheetah. Kids will discover: • Why cheetahs are the fastest land animals on Earth • How their bodies are specially built for speed • What an adaptation is and how it helps animals survive • Why different animals are specialized for different jobs in nature Keep exploring: Download a cheetah coloring sheet Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod Show us your coloring sheet or request an animal: wildandkindkidspod@gmail.com Sign up for email updates Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: 10 top cheetah facts! (National Geographic Kids) Cheetah facts for kids (Cheetah Conservation Fund) Cheetah fast facts (Cheetah Kids)
Deep in a cool Appalachian river, two hellbender siblings named Moss and Pebble are convinced they’ve found the BEST rock in the whole river. It has everything: a mud slide, a pebble garden, and the perfect crayfish trap. So when their parents say it’s time to move downstream, the siblings protest in every dramatic way they can. But as the water warms, the bugs disappear, and silt begins to settle, Moss and Pebble start to notice something important: sometimes animals move first because they can feel changes others can’t. Through humor, curiosity, and a big “aha” moment, Moss and Pebble discover how one small choice can help an entire ecosystem. Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they explore the weird, wrinkly, wonderful world of the hellbender, one of North America’s most surprising underwater creatures. Kids will discover: Why hellbenders are sometimes called “snot otters” How these giant salamanders breathe through their skin What it means to be a bioindicator Keep exploring: Download a hellbender coloring sheet Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod Show us your coloring sheet or request an animal: wildandkindkidspod@gmail.com Sign up for email updates Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: Hellbender (The National Zoo) 12 Facts about Hellbender Salamanders (PBS News) Hellbenders: Fantastic Beasts (US Fish & Wildlife Service)
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