The Axolotl

The Fennec Fox

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  [https://0f00c271-cc67-41f0-bab6-22990eb1f7eb.usrfiles.com/ugd/0f00c2_cf0f6d7910b449dcb685b6ca430c37f6.pdf] * Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod [https://www.instagram.com/wildandkindkidspod] * Find more resources or request an animal at wildandkindkids.com [http://wildandkindkids.com/]  Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: * Fennec Fox [https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/fennec-fox](National Geographic Kids)  * Fennec Fox [https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/fennec-fox] (San Diego Zoo)  * Fennec Fox Fact Sheet [https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/fennec-fox-fact-sheet/] (Nature)

The Day Octopus

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 [https://0f00c271-cc67-41f0-bab6-22990eb1f7eb.usrfiles.com/ugd/0f00c2_f27bf0efde914c1a9f93eea841090dca.pdf]  * Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod [https://www.instagram.com/wildandkindkidspod] * Request an animal or join our Wild and Kind Kids Club at: wildandkindkids.com [http://wildandkindkids.com/]  Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: * Coral Reef Facts [https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/geography/general-geography/coral-reef-facts/] (National Geographic Kids)  * Day Octopus [https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals-the-ocean/animals-a-to-z/day-octopus] (Monterey Bay Aquarium)  * Day Octopus [https://mauioceancenter.com/marine-life/day-octopus/] (Maui Ocean Center)  * These are the weird and wonderful reasons octopuses change shape and color [https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/octopuses-squid-cuttlefish-cephalopod-camouflage-color-shape-changing] (National Geographic)

The Mimic Poison Frog

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  [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/y6k7n48jpyb2j1mi90ku5/Mimic-Poison-Frog-Coloring-Sheet.pdf?rlkey=j052eczowckl5nmb6tl3gtsg0&dl=0] * Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod [https://www.instagram.com/wildandkindkidspod] * Find more resources or request an animal at wildandkindkids.com [http://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 [https://www.kqed.org/science/1979498/meet-a-great-dad-from-the-animal-world-the-poison-frog] (KQED)  * Virtual Habitat Chat: Mimic Poison Frogs [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DVNs7lW44g] (VIDEO)  (The Detroit Zoo)  * Poison frogs tap dance to rouse prey [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U0-vPX3L4c] (VIDEO) (New Scientist)

The King Cobra

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 [https://0f00c271-cc67-41f0-bab6-22990eb1f7eb.usrfiles.com/ugd/0f00c2_10c3ab72c2464119824e8f3fd4aab79b.pdf]  * Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod [https://www.instagram.com/wildandkindkidspod] * Find more resources or request an animal at wildandkindkids.com [http://wildandkindkids.com/]  Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: * King Cobra [https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/facts/king-cobra] (National Geographic Kids)  * Cobra | Amazing Animals from National Geographic Kids [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImUgAzHSyIc] (Video)  * King Cobras [https://sdzwildlifeexplorers.org/animals/king-cobra] (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers)  * The King Cobra [https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/king-cobra] (Smithsonian National Zoo)

The Duck-Billed Platypus

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 [https://0f00c271-cc67-41f0-bab6-22990eb1f7eb.usrfiles.com/ugd/0f00c2_516537b2eb6c49058f72576759b78f6e.pdf] * Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod [https://www.instagram.com/wildandkindkidspod] * Find more resources or request an animal at wildandkindkids.com [http://wildandkindkids.com/]  Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted: * To hunt, the platypus uses its electric sixth sense [https://www.amnh.org/explore/news-blogs/platypus-electroreception-hunting] (American Museum of Natural History)  * Duck-Billed Platypus [https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/platypus] (National Geographic Kids)  * Platypus Fact Sheet [https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/platypus-fact-sheet/] (Nature)  * 10 fascinating platypus facts that will amazing you [https://wwf.org.au/blogs/9-interesting-platypus-facts/] (WWF)