Just the Zoo of Us
251 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★★ - 353 ratingsJoin us, Ellen and Christian Weatherford, while we review your favorite species of animals and rate them out of ten in the categories of effectiveness, ingenuity and aesthetics.
More information can be found at justthezooofus.com 😊
Got a species you want us to review? Submit your animal friend to us at [email protected] and when we review your animal we'll give you a shoutout! 😊
Cover art by Mrs. Brainbow (Taylor Gordon-Wood). Theme music by Louie Zong.
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Episodes
191: Fireflies w/ Dr. Sarah Lower!
May 03, 2023 10:00 - 53 minutes - 49.3 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, biology professor and researcher Sarah Lower, for a review of nature’s very own glimmering fairy lights: fireflies! We discuss how to do the beetle dance, tips for packing a bioluminescent picnic, and the shockingly diabolical world of fireflies - from friendly fire to catfishing, thievery, and snailshakes. Links: The Lower Lab website Dr. Lower's Twitter Mass Audubon's Firefly Watch Community Science Project iNaturalist The Xerces Society's Firefly Atla...
190: Pom-Pom Crab & Mourning Dove
April 26, 2023 10:00 - 53 minutes - 48.7 MBChristian cheers for pom-pom crabs & Ellen explains what makes mourning doves so coo-l. We discuss how crabs clone their own pets, what type of milk pigeons order in their lattes, and a suspicious pattern of criminal activity. For more information about us & our podcast, head over to our website! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on TikTok!
189: Freshwater Megafish w/ Zeb Hogan!
April 19, 2023 10:00 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, biologist and host of Nat Geo WILD’s TV series “Monster Fish” Zeb Hogan, for a review of the giants lurking in the waters of the world’s rivers and lakes: freshwater megafish. We discuss how and why fish are able to reach massive sizes, what it’s like to research and work alongside these enormous creatures in their own homes, and how we can help protect and conserve the natural habitats we all rely on to thrive. Links: Check out Zeb's book, "Chasing Giants: In S...
188: Brown Pelican & Przewalski's Horse
April 12, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 62.3 MBEllen dives into the brown pelican & Christian goes wild with Przewalski's horse. We discuss gular pouches, aerodynamics, stud piles, and conservation success stories. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on TikTok! Cover photos: David Baileys (pelican) & Irén Udvarházi (Przewalski's horses), via Getty images
187: Mangrove Rivulus w/ Brooke Fitzwater (AKA "Oceanfilly")!
April 05, 2023 10:00 - 47 minutes - 43.9 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, biologist and science communicator Brooke Fitzwater, for a review of the tiny indestructible ogres of the swamp: the mangrove rivulus! We discuss parasites and their role in courtship and reproduction, what fish would put on their tinder profiles, and life as a fish who isn’t quite sure about this whole “being a fish” thing. Links: Learn more about Brooke's research and follow her on Twitter, TikTok or Instagram! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, ...
186: Your Questions & Stories!
March 29, 2023 10:00 - 58 minutes - 53.9 MBFor the second and final week of the 2023 MaxFunDrive, we're answering your questions and sharing your stories! We get into all of the exciting places the podcast has taken us, how it's helped you all connect with the animal kingdom, our favorite Muppets, and more. Links: Be a part of the MaxFunDrive & sign up to become a supporting member of the network and get access to exclusive content and beautiful gifts! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Follow El...
185: Megalodon & Thylacine
March 22, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 70.3 MBIt's a special trip in the time machine for the MaxFunDrive! Christian chomps on the megalodon & Ellen laments for the thylacine. We ask the important questions: What were they like? Are they really gone? Should we bring them back? Links: Learn more about the MaxFunDrive and be a part of supporting our show! Colorized footage of the thylacine, via the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia Paper: "Resolving when (and where) the Thylacine went extinct" Follow Just the Zoo of Us on...
Planthropology: Grass-Type Pokemon & the Plants that Inspired Them
March 15, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 71.3 MBWe're out traveling this week! In the meantime, please enjoy this episode of Planthropology, in which Ellen joined host Dr. Vikram Baliga for a conversation about grass-type Pokemon and the real-world plants that inspired them. Originally aired on the Planthropology podcast on March 1, 2022. Links: Check out Planthropology and follow on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or TikTok! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on TikTok!
184: D&D Classes w/ Eric Silver!
March 08, 2023 11:00 - 55 minutes - 50.7 MBJoin Ellen & tabletop roleplaying game podcaster and expert game master Eric Silver for an exploration of Dungeons & Dragons character classes and the real-world animals that embody them. We discuss animals with maxed out dexterity, charisma and strength. If you’ve never played D&D, don’t worry! We give explanations of the basics along the way so that anybody can enjoy. Links: Follow Eric on Twitter and Instagram! Check out Eric's podcasts: Join the Party, Games and Feelings, Tell Me Abo...
183: Octopuses w/ Chelsea Bennice, the OctoGirl!
March 01, 2023 17:27 - 56 minutes - 52 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, marine biologist Chelsea Bennice, for a review of the multifunctional, multicolored, multi-armed aliens of the ocean: octopuses! We discuss octopus handshakes, donut brains, swiss army mouths, goat eyes, toxic friendships and Eiffel towers. Links: Follow Chelsea on Facebook or Instagram! Learn more about octopuses at OctoNation.com, where you can find educational resources, merch and connect with the octopus fan community! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Faceboo...
182: Greater Sage Grouse & Pistol Shrimp
February 22, 2023 16:59 - 48 minutes - 44.4 MBEllen struts with the greater sage grouse & Christian pops off about the pistol shrimp. We discuss what happens at a lek, whether or not the sage grouse poses a threat to the United States military, what pistol shrimps can teach you about your pressure cooker, and the Shrimp of Theseus. Links: Vox: "This goofy bird vs. the fossil fuel industry" Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on TikTok!
181: Loggerhead Turtles w/ Jesse Gilbert!
February 15, 2023 11:00 - 43 minutes - 39.7 MBJoin Ellen and special guest, President and CEO of the Texas State Aquarium Jesse Gilbert, for a review of the living tanks of the sea: loggerhead turtles! We discuss the challenges faced by sea turtles in a changing world, the aquarium's work rescuing and rehabilitating loggerhead turtles and other marine life, and the magic of connecting with another species. Learn more about the Texas State Aquarium at their website and follow along with their work on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twi...
180: Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle & Indian Muntjac
February 10, 2023 11:00 - 59 minutes - 54.3 MBChristian throws down with the Japanese rhinoceros beetle & Ellen goes on a journey through evolutionary history with the Indian muntjac. We discuss the toxic masculinity of beetles and why the Indian muntjac's bark is just as bad as their bite. Links: The muntjac video shown to Christian Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on TikTok!
179: Spider Monkey w/ Dr. Michelle Rodrigues!
February 01, 2023 11:00 - 48 minutes - 43.9 MBEllen & special guest, primatologist and biological anthropologist Dr. Michelle Rodrigues, review the ballerinas of the Central and South American rain forests: spider monkeys. We discuss what life in the treetops looks like through a spider monkey’s big beautiful eyes, the latest innovations in butt-scratching technology, and the power of friendship. Follow Michelle on Twitter and Instagram, and learn more about her work at her website! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Inst...
178: Vicuña & Cookie Cutter Shark
January 25, 2023 16:27 - 50 minutes - 46 MBEllen luxuriates in the vicuña & Christian takes a bite out of crime with the cookie cutter shark. We discuss adaptations to life in the Andes, vicuña wool as political bribery, suctorial lips, and how to play an Uno Reverse card on some of the ocean's top predators. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on TikTok! Cover photos: Tadas Jucys via Getty images & Paulo Oliveira via The Guardian
177: American Crocodile w/ Alec Baines!
January 18, 2023 11:00 - 53 minutes - 48.6 MBJoin Ellen & paleontology researcher and fellow Floridian Alec Baines for a review of the saltwater guardians, American crocodiles. We discuss the archosaur family tree, flower-picking and other crocodilian leisure activities, what to do if you find yourself in the chompin’ zone, and falling in love at a punk croc concert. Follow Alec on Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about their science communication work: http://www.creaturefeatureservices.com/podcasts Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Fa...
176: Rio Cauca Caecilian & Rubber Boa
January 11, 2023 11:00 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MBChristian attends the caecilian cotillion & Ellen gets friendly with the rubber boa. We discuss life as a humble amphibian wiggling around in the mud and explain how even limbless creatures can still throw hands. The Caecilian Cotillions Song: https://youtu.be/xxsUQtfQ5Ew Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Cover photos: Chris Harrison via kingsnake.com (caecilian) & andrewnydam via Wikimedia commons (rubber boa) http://gallery.kingsnake.com/photo.php?id=3...
175: Cane Toad w/ Bethany Brookshire!
January 05, 2023 11:00 - 54 minutes - 50 MBJoin Ellen & science journalist Bethany Brookshire for a review of the lumpy little tide pods disrupting ecosystems all over the globe: cane toads. We discuss toxic shoulder pads, retro nature documentary excellence, poison butts and teacher toads, ugly animals, and the complicated relationships humans have with the wildlife around us. Further viewing: Cane Toads: An Unnatural History (1988) Cane toad mating call (up close in 4K) Learn more about Bethany's work at her website and follow...
174: Narwhal & Snow Monkey
December 29, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 56.1 MBEllen dives into the magical world of narwhals & Christian warms up to Japanese macaques. We discuss inside-out teeth, hot tub parties, and how misunderstandings and scams shaped unicorn mythology. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Cover photos: dottedhippo via Getty images (narwhal) & sorincolac via Getty images (snow monkeys)
79: Reindeer w/ Olivia deBourcier! (REPLAY)
December 21, 2022 11:00 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MBThis episode originally aired on December 25, 2020. This version of the episode includes minor updates and audio edits. Join Ellen & special guest, ecologist and science communicator Olivia deBourcier, for a festively themed review of reindeer! We talked about what makes them so well suited to the chilly climates they thrive in, from the tips of their impressive antlers all the way down to their clicky hooves, plus what it’s like to work with them and the threats they’re facing in their na...
173: Rats w/ Let's Learn Everything!
December 14, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 65.4 MBEllen is joined by the hosts of fellow Maximum Fun podcast Let's Learn Everything for a review of the little furry guys leaving tiny pawprints all over human history: rats! We discuss their role in the black plague, the intricacies of rat intelligence and emotions, and how they’ve been represented in folklore and pop culture. We’ll set historical records straight, display our best teamwork behavior, and take a trip down to your favorite family entertainment center and pizza restaurant chain....
172: American Beaver & Christmas Tree Worm
December 08, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 56.1 MBChristian chews on some facts about the American beaver & Ellen celebrates the festive Christmas tree worm. We discuss giant rodents, ecological engineering, coral reef symbiosis, and the prettiest worm. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Cover photos: photographybyJHWilliams via Getty images (beaver), johnandersonphoto via Getty images (Christmas tree worm)
171: Chimney Swifts w/ Ralph Crewe!
November 30, 2022 15:08 - 56 minutes - 51.5 MBJoin Ellen & science communicator, birder and professional nerd Ralph Crewe for a review of a little bird with the loftiest ambitions: chimney swifts. We talk about competitive birding, planetariums, and what it’s like to eat, sleep, and bathe entirely midair. Links: Check out Ralph's YouTube channel, Isn't That Something, and his work on Practical Engineering. Local to Pittsburgh? Check out Nerd Nite! Follow Ralph on Twitter and Facebook. Cover photo: Jonathan Irons via iNaturalist
170: Wild Turkeys
November 23, 2022 11:00 - 55 minutes - 50.6 MBEllen goes on an odyssey through history with the wild turkey. We discuss their path alongside humans for thousands of years, from prehistoric America to praise from Benjamin Franklin, the brink of extinction and nets fired out of cannons. Further viewing: Rocket Netting Turkeys, a video demonstration by the LSU AgCenter Paul Kelly's Gobbling Demonstration Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Cover photo: svetlanafoote via Getty images
169: Tiger Sharks w/ Melissa Márquez!
November 16, 2022 11:00 - 52 minutes - 47.6 MBJoin Ellen & shark scientist Melissa Márquez for a review of the giant garbage disposals of the ocean: tiger sharks. We discuss sharks as links to our world’s past, what it's like to work with the ocean as your office and wild sharks as your colleagues, teeth and slime and jelly-filled pores. Melissa's books: Mother of Sharks, a picture book for ages 5 to 8 Swimming with Sharks (Wild Survival #2) : Volume 2, an adventure book for ages 12 to 15 Learn more about Melissa's work on her websi...
168: Velvet Worms & Binturong
November 09, 2022 17:49 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBChristian sticks to velvet worms & Ellen hangs out with binturongs. We discuss sticky situations, some unconventional means of reproduction, prehensile tails, and popcorn-scented pee. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Cover photos: Geoff Galice via Wikipedia (velvet worm) & exs via Getty images (binturong)
167: Huntsman Spiders w/ Caitlin Henderson!
November 02, 2022 10:00 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, invertebrate photographer, zookeeper and science communicator behind "She's Got Legs" Caitlin Henderson, for a review of the best huggers of the arachnid world: huntsman spiders. We’ll discuss why your yard glitters at night, fake webs for real spiders, cartwheels, backflips, spider unions, spider spaghetti, and why the most dangerous thing about these little guys is how much we fear them. Follow Caitlin's work on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Tikto...
166: Iberian Ribbed Newt & Australian Ghostshark
October 27, 2022 16:27 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MBEllen has a bone to pick with the Iberian ribbed newt & Christian channels the spirit of the Australian ghostshark. We discuss insides becoming outsides, amphibian space flight, living fossils, and reset the "episodes since last Naruto reference" counter to zero. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Cover photos: Peter Halasz via Wikipedia (Iberian ribbed newt) & Fir0002/Flagstaffotos via Wikipedia (Australian ghostshark)
165: Wasps w/ Johanna Schwartz!
October 19, 2022 10:00 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, entomologist Johanna Schwartz, for a review of animals you may not have thought to appreciate before: wasps. From the world’s smallest insect, the fairyfly, to the infamous giant hornet, the wasp world is full of imposters, cockroach brain surgery, pollination and pest control. Check out Nature Check on YouTube & Twitch! Our appearance can be found here. Follow Johanna on Twitter! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord!
164: Bowmouth Guitarfish & Timber Rattlesnake
October 12, 2022 10:00 - 51 minutes - 47.4 MBChristian shreds on the bowmouth guitarfish & Ellen shakes things up with the timber rattlesnake. We discuss the shark-ray spectrum (which is not a laser beam that turns you into a shark), weird teeth, how a snake's rattle works, and why you should peacefully leave them alone. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Cover photos: Tomas Kotouc via Getty images (bowmouth guitarfish) & tamers1 via Getty images (timber rattlesnake)
163: The Dodo w/ Natalie Sabin!
October 05, 2022 10:00 - 51 minutes - 47.3 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, ecologist and history podcaster Natalie Sabin, for a post-mortem of the dearly departed dodo. We discuss the unique traits that allowed the dodo to thrive in its island home, what went wrong for them when humans appeared, and why they left such big heavy footprints in our hearts. Listen to Across the Ages wherever you get podcasts! Follow Natalie on Twitter for more wildlife ecology, bats, nature & history! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instag...
162: Spotted Lanternfly & Crown-of-thorns Starfish
September 29, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 58.8 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! This week, Ellen puts the spotted lanternfly in the spotlight & Christian spills his guts on the crown-of-thorns starfish. We discuss stinky trees, winged invaders, crunching up corals, and eyes where you least expect them. Learn more about what to do if you see spotted lanternflies in the USA: https://www.phila.gov/2018-08-31-spotted-lanternfly-in-philadelphia/ Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Cover pho...
161: Rufous Hummingbird w/ Alexander Vidal
September 21, 2022 10:00 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, illustrator and author Alexander Vidal, for a review of a tiny bird with an ambitious itinerary: the rufous hummingbird. We discuss cottagecore nests, how wildlife moves all over our continent, birds that look like bugs and bugs that look like birds, and a lesson in confidence from the world’s littlest dinosaurs. Get Alexander's book, Wilds of the United States: The Animals' Survival Field Guide! Follow Alexander on Twitter and Instagram! Hang out with Just th...
160: Marine Iguana & Colugo
September 14, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 59.6 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! This week, Christian gets salty over the marine iguana & Ellen glides along with the literally treehugging colugo. We discuss archipelagos, snot rockets, Darwin's garbage takes, Godzilla, skin parachutes and baby hammocks. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Cover photos: Patrick_Gijsbers via Getty images (marine iguana) & Didasteph via Wikimedia commons (colugo)
159: Moon Jellyfish w/ Sophie Wolvin!
September 07, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 58.5 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, marine biologist Sophie Wolvin, for a review of the ocean's little jello casseroles full of live bees: moon jellyfish! We’re gonna talk about what to do if you get stung by a jellyfish, what it’s like to care for the delicate jellies, their vortex of death, jellybeans and blooms, and I confess to some heinous jellyfish crimes. Follow Sophie on Twitter and learn more about her work at her website! Listen to Sophie discuss young adult fiction with biologists on th...
158: Pallas's Cat & Kiwi
September 01, 2022 14:40 - 1 hour - 57 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Ellen lets Pallas's cat out of the bag & Christian probes into the world of the sensitive kiwi. We discuss grumpy cats, spawncamping, chilly beans, buff legs and giant eggs. Check out Benjamin Lancer's paper on dragonfly attention in Nature! Watch Wildlife Instincts: Pallas's Cat - Master of the Plains on YouTube! Learn more about how you can help the kiwi! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram ...
157: Fleas w/ Tom Sharpe!
August 24, 2022 10:00 - 59 minutes - 54.8 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, podcaster and invertebrate enthusiast Tom Sharpe, as we leap into the world of the tiny menace: fleas! We discuss the intersection of entomology and Pokemon, blind leaps of faith, tiny little cowboys riding their trusty steeds up cave walls, the history of fleas on leashes, and more. For more of Tom's invertebrate podcasting, check out Grubbing in the Filth: An Invertebrate Podcast! Follow along on Twitter & Instagram. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twit...
156: California Sea Lion & Giant Isopod
August 17, 2022 10:00 - 59 minutes - 54.1 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Christian barks about the loud wet dog of the Pacific coast, the California sea lion, and Ellen gets to know her bottomfeeding best friend, the giant isopod. In this episode, we discuss our recent trip to Monterey Bay, pinniped evolution, whale falls, and Hello Kitty Darth Vader. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord & join Ellen for weekly video game streams on Twitch! Cover photos: cw...
155: Dolphins w/ Drew Smith!
August 10, 2022 16:41 - 1 hour - 61.1 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, anthropologist & cetologist Drew Smith, for a review of the adorable little apex predators zipping through the waves: dolphins! We talked about animal charisma, dolphin culture and society and play, a West Side Story-style rivalry, a whale’s favorite ice cream flavor, and how these animals so different from us have flipped and whistled their way into our human hearts. Follow Drew on Twitter! Learn more about upcoming Paleolithic historical fiction novel Jih's Jo...
154: Hognose Snake & Cone Snail
July 27, 2022 14:29 - 56 minutes - 51.5 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Ellen brings a flair for drama with the hognose snake & Christian shatters expectations with the lightning-fast strike of the cone snail. We discuss feigning death, longleaf pine forests, and stealthy assassins of the reef. For more information on longleaf pine forest conservation, check out the Longleaf Alliance. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord & join Ellen for weekly video game s...
153: Sandhill Crane w/ Tommy Siegel!
July 20, 2022 15:17 - 56 minutes - 51.3 MBJoin Ellen & special guest musician from Jukebox the Ghost, comic artist behind "Candy Hearts" and "I Hope This Helps," and birder Tommy Siegel for a review of the touring musicians of the North American skies: sandhill cranes. We talk about the mental health benefits of birding, how crane couples keep the romance alive, what a musical interpretation of their iconic call might sound like, and more. Follow Tommy on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Learn more about his work on his website. C...
152: Rough-Skinned Newt & Pumpkin Toadlet
July 13, 2022 10:00 - 56 minutes - 51.5 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's poisonous amphibian showcase, Christian takes competition to a whole new level with the rough-skinned newt and Ellen takes a leap of faith with the pumpkin toadlet. We discuss an evolutionary grappling match, the drawbacks of being too tiny, and glowing bones. Learn more about how you can help the Atlantic Forest by visiting Copaíba's website. Check out Ellen's guest appearances this week: "Don’t Go in the Water: A Guide to ...
151: Nominating the National Bird w/ Nick Lund!
July 06, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 62.2 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, science writer Nick Lund, for a special episode nominating our very own top 3 candidates for the national bird of the United States of America! In addition to our bird selections, Nick gives us insight into the process that actually goes into designating official state birds, the history behind the bald eagle’s use as the country’s symbol and why the turkey was once famously suggested to be America’s Next Top Wattle. Follow The Birdist on Twitter! Check out our ...
150: Saiga & Alligator Gar
June 30, 2022 10:00 - 59 minutes - 54.9 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! This week, Ellen steppes up to the plate with the saiga & Christian gar-ners support for the alligator gar. We discuss the inner workings of the saiga's bizarre nose, the funky antelope's conservation roller coaster ride, river monsters, and forbidden boba pearls. Learn more about saiga conservation & how you can support them with the Saiga Conservation Alliance! Hear about gars from Dr. Solomon David on his episode of Ologies from December...
149: Red-Tailed Hawk w/ Maya Higa!
June 22, 2022 15:18 - 45 minutes - 41.3 MBJoin Ellen & conservationist, wildlife educator and streamer Maya Higa to talk about one of the toughest, bravest predators in the sky: red-tailed hawks! We talk about the joys of falconry and wildlife rehabilitation, the reckless raptor lifestyle, environmentally-friendly window decor, what to do if you find a baby bird on the ground, and what it’s like to work alongside these modern-day dinosaurs. Follow Maya on Twitch, YouTube, Twitter & Instagram! Learn more about Alveus Sanctuary & fo...
148: Japanese Spider Crab & Saharan Silver Ant
June 15, 2022 10:00 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Christian reads the manual to the Japanese spider crab & Ellen turns up the heat with the Saharan silver ant. We discuss optical physics, exoskeletons, and the highs and lows of arthropod life from the dunes of the Sahara desert to the bottom of the ocean. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram & join Ellen for weekly animal-themed video game streams on Twitch! Cover photo: Arrlxx via Getty ima...
147: Assassin Bugs w/ Ilan Domnich!
June 09, 2022 16:35 - 1 hour - 82.4 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, entomologist Ilan Domnich, for a review of a fascinating family of bugs that are always one slow, methodical step ahead of the competition: assassin bugs! We discuss why their bite packs such a powerful punch, how they’re able to outsmart both predators and prey with downright machiavellian tactics like corpse armor and spawncamping and trap-setting, and what wonders you’ll find when you take a minute to stoop down and appreciate the intricacies of insects. This e...
146: Hedgehog & Bandicoot
June 01, 2022 10:00 - 53 minutes - 48.8 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's trip to the childhood arcade, Ellen rolls around at the speed of sound with the European hedgehog & Christian crashes the party with the eastern barred bandicoot. We discuss the hedgehog's formidable defenses, the bandicoot's triumphant return from extinction, and the role these two remarkable critters played in our very own childhoods. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Email or DM us for a link to...
145: Owl Monkeys w/ Alexi Grousis!
May 26, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 58.2 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, zookeeper & host of the We Out Here podcast Alexi Grousis, for a review of a unique and mysterious creature bouncing around rainforest canopies by the light of the moon: owl monkeys! We talk about how owl monkeys have adjusted to thriving in the twilight, what’s going on behind those big bright eyes, and what it’s like to work with these little fluffy forest sprites. Check out The We Out Here Podcast on your podcast app & follow them on Twitter and Instagram! Fo...
145: Owl Monkeys w/ Alexi Grousis
May 26, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 58.2 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, zookeeper & host of the We Out Here podcast Alexi Grousis, for a review of a unique and mysterious creature bouncing around rainforest canopies by the light of the moon: owl monkeys! We talk about how owl monkeys have adjusted to thriving in the twilight, what’s going on behind those big bright eyes, and what it’s like to work with these little fluffy forest sprites. Check out The We Out Here Podcast on your podcast app & follow them on Twitter and Instagram! Fo...