RePlay: The Real Raccoon Science Behind the Headlines

RePlay: The Real Raccoon Science Behind the Headlines

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557474/fan_mail/new] This is a RePlay of Episode 14 from March 2026... In this episode Rick discusses the media's misguided headlines and articles about a scientific study on raccoon that looked at domestication signals. Rick offers up information from the published paper and explains what the research actually indicates about raccoon evolution and domestication. While the idea of having a raccoon as a pet might sound enticing, there are significant challenges and ethical considerations that must be addressed. Raccoons are not domesticated animals; they are wild creatures with specific needs. PLEASE adopt a dog or cat from your local shelter. You will save a life and you will be much happier with truly domesticated animal in your home. Link to published study mentioned in this episode:  "TRACKING DOMESTICATION SIGNALS ACROSS POPULATIONS OF NORTH AMERICAN RACCOONS (PROCYON LOTOR) VIA CITIZEN SCIENCE-DRIVEN IMAGE REPOSITORIES" [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12983-025-00583-1] Shout out to Big Bear Alpine Zoo (just because) Big Bear Alpine Zoo website [https://bigbearzoo.org/] Big Bear Alpine Zoo in Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bigbearalpinezoo/] Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com [https://www.zoologyrick.com/] Find Rick on social media: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/zoologyrick] Threads [https://www.threads.com/@zoologyrick] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ZoologyRick] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@rickschwartz] Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Replay: Meet the Founder of Global Conservation Force, Mike Veale

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557474/fan_mail/new] This is a RePlay of Episode 06 from February 2026... In this episode, Mike Veale, the founder and CEO of Global Conservation Force, discusses the organization's multifaceted approach to wildlife conservation. Global Conservation Force brings together a team of experts, volunteers, and community members to work towards saving endangered species. Mike shares the pillars of conservation work, the founding of the GCF, the importance of conservation efforts, and how individuals can contribute. Mike shares personal experiences and highlights the interconnectedness of wildlife and human communities, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and education in conservation. Rick wraps up this episode with a facts about rhinos and rhino poaching, and how you can help animals like the rhinoceroses from your own home. Connect with Global Conservation Force: GCF Website [https://globalconservationforce.org/] GCF on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/globalconservationforce] GCF on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/RhinosGCF] GCF on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxtiJtIRqCRuz8E7fx1vXcA] Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com [https://www.zoologyrick.com/] Find Rick on social media: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/zoologyrick] Threads [https://www.threads.com/@zoologyrick] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ZoologyRick] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@rickschwartz] Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Fascinating Facts About Turkey Vultures

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557474/fan_mail/new] In this 10 Minute Tuesday episode of Animals, Nature, and You, explore the fascinating world of turkey vultures, their social behavior, unique adaptations, and vital role in the ecosystem, inspired by Rick Schwartz's personal experiences and insights. Animals, Nature, and You on IG [https://www.instagram.com/animalsnatureandyou] Learn more about Turkey Vultures: All About Turkey Vultures [https://chintiminiwildlife.org/raptor-ambassadors/turkey-vulture/turkey-vulture-info/] Vultures of the World [https://www.ventanaws.org/vulturesoftheworld.html] Do Birds Have a Sense of Smell? [https://www.audubon.org/news/do-birds-have-sense-smell] (Audubon) Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com [https://www.zoologyrick.com/] Rick's social media stuff... Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/zoologyrick] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@RickSchwartz] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ZoologyRick] Threads [https://www.threads.com/@zoologyrick] BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/zoologyrick.bsky.social] Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Bird Behaviorist, Zookeeper, and Now Spokesperson: Marco Wendt's Conservation Journey

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557474/fan_mail/new] Join host Rick Schwartz as he reunites with former cohost Marco Wendt as they explore wildlife conservation, bird personalities, and the importance of collaboration in zoos and conservation efforts across borders. Discover insights from decades of experience, including work with cassowaries, bird behavior, and overcoming burnout in the wildlife care field. Animals, Nature, and You on IG [https://www.instagram.com/animalsnatureandyou] Links mentioned in this episode: All About Birds - Crested Caracara [https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Crested_Caracara/overview] All About Birds - Southern Cassowary [https://ebird.org/species/soucas1] Find Marco Here: Marco on IG [https://www.instagram.com/zoologymarco/] Marco on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@zoologymarco] Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com [https://www.zoologyrick.com/] Rick's social media stuff... Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/zoologyrick] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@RickSchwartz] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ZoologyRick] Threads [https://www.threads.com/@zoologyrick] BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/zoologyrick.bsky.social] Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Beyond the Fluff: The Incredible Survival Skills of Rabbits

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557474/fan_mail/new] This 10 Minute Tuesday episode explores the incredible adaptations and superpowers of rabbits; highlighting their speed, agility, and survival strategies that make them true super-powered superheroes of the animal kingdom.   Animals, Nature, and You on IG [https://www.instagram.com/animalsnatureandyou] Learn more about Rabbits: PBS Nature - Rabbits Facts [https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/rabbit-fact-sheet/] Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com [https://www.zoologyrick.com/] Rick's social media stuff... Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/zoologyrick] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@RickSchwartz] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ZoologyRick] Threads [https://www.threads.com/@zoologyrick] BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/zoologyrick.bsky.social] Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.