The Animal Nerd Podcast

When you think of heroic animals, a giant African rat is probably not the first species to come to mind, and yet these incredible creatures have saved thousands of lives in countries all across the world by detecting landmines, diagnosing TB, and now they're even helping to protect endangered species from poaching! And one of the most famous of these lifesaving giant rats is Magawa, who, working for the charity APOPO, detected over 100 landmines and unexploded devices in Cambodia, for which he received one of the highest honours any animal can receive.Like all of APOPO's rats, Magawa is a true hero, and it was an honour to be able to honour him in this episode 💕Original air date: 13th August 2024Important note: Unfortunately I wasn't able to import my show when I was switching hosting platforms, and as a result I'm having to re-upload my podcast from the start. Because of that, these early episodes are not indictive of the show's current quality - both in terms of the equipment used and my own skills as a writer & presenter - so apologies for that! Hopefully before too long I'll have caught up to my current output. In the meantime, you can check out my full back catalogue of episodes, and catch up with my newer content, over on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp6MWEI1w5ZrPiEM7zZKmgvtqhmWWbpeBShow notes: (for content warnings, sources used, related non-profits, etc)https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kWXmm1vOjjeHFwH4IaH9Aelpz6ObimQoNqNHBSDUCjs/edit?usp=sharing

Once upon a time, Peggy was just a normal rescue dog. Sure, she may have got strange looks from people when she was out being walked, but she was adored by her adoptive family, and that was all that mattered. And then, in 2023, she was officially crowned "Britain's Ugliest Dog", and now she's an award-winning Hollywood actress and social media star, best known for her role as Dogpool in the 2024 MCU film Deadpool & Wolverine.In this week's episode of the Animal Nerd Podcast, we dive deep into this beautiful girl's entire life story, from humble beginnings to international stardom, and so much more!Original air date: 10th August 2024Important note: Unfortunately I wasn't able to import my show when I was switching hosting platforms, and as a result I'm having to re-upload my podcast from the start. Because of that, these early episodes are not indictive of the show's current quality - both in terms of the equipment used and my own skills as a writer & presenter - so apologies for that! Hopefully before too long I'll have caught up to my current output. In the meantime, you can check out my full back catalogue of episodes, and catch up with my newer content, over on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp6MWEI1w5ZrPiEM7zZKmgvtqhmWWbpeBShow notes: (for content warnings, sources used, related non-profits, etc)https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xafswQrrb5mfnB17xe2arokEZRWV4BSmbKrzjbEcBUE/edit?usp=sharing

In 1995, a former dairy cow named Emily made headlines across the US when she decided to take her destiny into her own hands (or hooves?) and escaped from a slaughterhouse mere moments before she was due to be killed. From living wild in the harsh Massachusetts for over a month to becoming a sacred cow visited by pilgrims from across the world, Emily's life story is almost beyond belief, and I was delighted to be able to share it with you today 💕Original air date: 6th August 2024Important note: Unfortunately I wasn't able to import my show when I was switching hosting platforms, and as a result I'm having to re-upload my podcast from the start. Because of that, these early episodes are not indictive of the show's current quality - both in terms of the equipment used and my own skills as a writer & presenter - so apologies for that! Hopefully before too long I'll have caught up to my current output. In the meantime, you can check out my full back catalogue of episodes, and catch up with my newer content, over on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp6MWEI1w5ZrPiEM7zZKmgvtqhmWWbpeBShow notes: (for content warnings, sources used, related non-profits, etc)https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iZdsKb6evHc2iokYCOMa9tANuNf4RMnjl2XPviAKM18/edit?usp=sharing

When Jane Goodall first documented tool use in wild chimpanzees, it completely rewrote our understanding of non-human great apes - and also of our own evolution. Scientists were eager to learn more, and one such study was carried out on Abang, a rescue orangutan who had been stolen from the wild as a baby. However, things would become more complicated when the phenomena of enculturation was discovered, and scientists realised the ways that it could hinder the usefulness of studies based on captive ape behaviour. This week's episode is a bit of a niche one, but super interesting!Original air date: 27th July 2024Important note: Unfortunately I wasn't able to import my show when I was switching hosting platforms, and as a result I'm having to re-upload my podcast from the start. Because of that, these early episodes are not indictive of the show's current quality - both in terms of the equipment used and my own skills as a writer & presenter - so apologies for that! Hopefully before too long I'll have caught up to my current output. In the meantime, you can check out my full back catalogue of episodes, and catch up with my newer content, over on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp6MWEI1w5ZrPiEM7zZKmgvtqhmWWbpeBShow notes: (for content warnings, sources used, related non-profits, etc)https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X_K2m_6fs1vTyeN_4QG-MdgZecpG90xBVOGCqqVJjE0/edit?usp=sharing

In summer 2009, Australia faced the worst bushfires it had ever seen. And yet in a time of such intense darkness and horror, there was a glimmer of light in the form of a small, badly-burnt koala, whose rescue video went viral. Sam, as she was named, would go on to become a symbol of hope for those who had lost everything, and served as a poignant reminder of just how much of an impact one small act of kindness can truly have.Original air date: 23rd July 2024Important note: Unfortunately I wasn't able to import my show when I was switching hosting platforms, and as a result I'm having to re-upload my podcast from the start. Because of that, these early episodes are not indictive of the show's current quality - both in terms of the equipment used and my own skills as a writer & presenter - so apologies for that! Hopefully before too long I'll have caught up to my current output. In the meantime, you can check out my full back catalogue of episodes, and catch up with my newer content, over on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp6MWEI1w5ZrPiEM7zZKmgvtqhmWWbpeBShow notes: (for content warnings, sources used, related non-profits, etc)https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gkzJ6NYrJ3C1tZXpZIIXbtRW-IY4CJpVizsX2J1FRMw/edit?usp=sharing

Thumbelina was the shortest horse to have ever lived - only 17 inches tall! And while she did receive some media coverage in her lifetime, a lot of it was very surface-level, and since her passing she's faded into obscurity. So join me today as we deep-dive into the full life story of this incredible little animal, and the massive impact she left behind on the world!Original air date: 16th July 2024Important note: Unfortunately I wasn't able to import my show when I was switching hosting platforms, and as a result I'm having to re-upload my podcast from the start. Because of that, these early episodes are not indictive of the show's current quality - both in terms of the equipment used and my own skills as a writer & presenter - so apologies for that! Hopefully before too long I'll have caught up to my current output. In the meantime, you can check out my full back catalogue of episodes, and catch up with my newer content, over on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp6MWEI1w5ZrPiEM7zZKmgvtqhmWWbpeBShow notes: (for content warnings, sources used, related non-profits, etc)https://docs.google.com/document/d/17d8l17td4JxCJyE4IqItm_26QaBaAXzXDyOtsYURaQQ/edit?usp=sharing

Golden tabby is a rare colour mutation sometimes seen in tigers, and there's no doubt that they're beautiful, but despite that, their presence in the wild is a major red flag for conservationists. We're diving into why it's so concerning to experts in this week's episode of the Animal Nerd Podcast.Original air date: 9th July 2024Important note: Unfortunately I wasn't able to import my show when I was switching hosting platforms, and as a result I'm having to re-upload my podcast from the start. Because of that, these early episodes are not indictive of the show's current quality - both in terms of the equipment used and my own skills as a writer & presenter - so apologies for that! Hopefully before too long I'll have caught up to my current output. In the meantime, you can check out my full back catalogue of episodes, and catch up with my newer content, over on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp6MWEI1w5ZrPiEM7zZKmgvtqhmWWbpeBShow notes: (for content warnings, sources used, related non-profits, etc)https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VHRvEBPLegEWdCERledz3qa5rY6LJLvLHoayvVclKj8/edit?usp=sharing

At over 70 years old, Wisdom the laysan albatross is the oldest wild bird in the world, and she's still going strong to this day. She has a pretty incredible story and has completely rewritten everything experts thought they knew about her species. And yes, this is the episode I was working on when I got sidetracked by laysan albatrosses and made the bonus minisode for Pride month!Original air date: 25th June 2024Important note: Unfortunately I wasn't able to import my show when I was switching hosting platforms, and as a result I'm having to re-upload my podcast from the start. Because of that, these early episodes are not indictive of the show's current quality - both in terms of the equipment used and my own skills as a writer & presenter - so apologies for that! Hopefully before too long I'll have caught up to my current output. In the meantime, you can check out my full back catalogue of episodes, and catch up with my newer content, over on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp6MWEI1w5ZrPiEM7zZKmgvtqhmWWbpeBShow notes: (for content warnings, sources used, related non-profits, etc)https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xNzDcnvU85LgulP2v1P6ahSK5km3hbsDxJ_JRUnYuTg/edit?usp=sharing