Conservationists Assemble
Earth’s mightiest animal advocates unite to raise awareness and funds for wildlife around the world in the Conservationists Assemble podcast. Whether you are a seasoned conservationist or new to wildlife advocacy, this is the podcast for you! By listening to the podcast, you’ll gain insights into effective conservation strategies, connect with passionate advocates, and discover how you can make a real impact on wildlife preservation. Join us in our mission by subscribing to the podcast and becoming part of the global community dedicated to wildlife conservation.
Episodes
7 days ago
7 days ago
Tune in to this episode of the Conservationists Assemble as we charge into the world of a rhino species that is small in size and small in population size but larger than life, with our expert guest and rhino fanatic, Stacy Strother.
Throughout the episode we acknowledge how the incredible breeding work of the Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio was pivotal to the work taking place at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary and how zoos today can still contribute to Sumatran rhino conservation despite no zoos globally housing this species.
Stacy then takes us on a journey through the history of the International Rhino Foundation, including their creation as the International Black Rhino Foundation in 1991 in an effort to combat the large scale decimation of Zimbabwe's Black Rhino population through poaching. Just two years later, upon the realisation that the world's five rhino species were in crisis, the International Black Rhino Foundation became the International Rhino Foundation.Stacy closes out the episode with an emphatic message to our listeners, specifically to the amazing zookeeping community that both herself and the podcast recognise exist out there that they are in an incredible unique environment where they can make a difference, not just to rhinos but all the incredible species that zookeepers across the world have the opportunity to work with and educate about and even more so if they have endangered relatives who don't exist in zoos. All it takes is finding the right audience.
Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
Tune in to this episode of the Conservationists Assemble as we leap into the world of the Diana Monkey and discuss the progressive efforts of the West African Primate Conservation Action (WAPCA) with expert guest, Andrea Dempsey.The episode kicks off with an insight into what is a Diana Monkey, named because of particular marking on their behind. We learn that you might hear them before you see them as they're a vocal species and about their social dynamics.
A discussion into how adaptable these endangered animals have needed to become to overcome pressures brought around by human presence and their role within their ecosystem.
Looking forward, Andrea advocates for the one plan approach to conservation whereby multiple contributors from different backgrounds have a role within conservation, be that in situ NGOs, good ex situ zoos and wildlife parks and governments. This leads to a thought-provoking conversation on the consideration of utilising the skills and expertise of the people that share their home with the Diana Monkey to take the helm of in situ conservation to ensure longevity.
An important message about impactful consumerism. Using sustainable palm oil as an example, we talk about how if we as consumers look or cheaper or less ethical products, then a knock on effect of that is the producers of that product receiving low income and look for alternatives of income and livelihood in the form of actions that have a negative impact on wildlife numbers.
After acknowledging that the actions WAPCA are taking for conservation could provide a model for other conservation NGOs we take a look into Andrea's background.From starting out in the film and media industry, including a stint in managing comedians. A conversation with one particular comedian led to Andrea volunteering at ZSL London Zoo. Andrea acknowledges certain transferable skills from transitioning from working with comedians to primates and that gaining a paid job largely attributed to her discovery of WAPCA and provided that next stepping stone in her career.Andrea closes out the episode with an emphatic message to our listeners about the impact they can have on conversation by simply visiting their local good zoo.
Monday Apr 29, 2024
The Northern Giant Mouse Lemur with Dr. Daniel Hending
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Come with us in a captivating episode of the Conservationists Assemble podcast, where we have returned to Madagascar and look into the world of nocturnal lemurs, specifically that of the Northern Giant Mouse Lemur. Present on the episode to share his knowledge and insight into this lesser-known lemur species is Dr. Daniel Hending.
Dan discusses the nuances and niche of this adaptable lemur species and informs us on their threats as well as his experiences in trying to find these awesome creatures in the dead of night.
The episode advances into discussing aspects of Dan's career including his first journey to the 'eight continent', how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the research of biologists in the field and his desire to observe all 100+ species of lemur in the wild, with a commendable tally of 50 already.
Tune in to this episode of the Conservationists Assemble podcast now!
Monday Apr 22, 2024
The Role of Zoos and a glimpse in to their future with Douglas Richardson
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Journey with us in a captivating episode of the Conservationists Assemble podcast, where we explore the role of good zoos within modern conservation as the podcast is joined by Douglas Richardson to share his insight and experience of a near half century working in and with zoos around the world.
The episode covers many aspects of the role of ex situ conservation and those involved in it. From the beginnings of how zoos as we know them came to exist through to what zoos of the future may look like. Doug shares his knowledge and thoughts on aspects and key figures within conservation shaped how ex situ organisations operate today.
In acknowledging the fact that conservation work will never be done, listen as Doug and I chat about notions of transparency with visitors to zoos and the wider public to further educate on how zoos operate and how talking to visitors to zoos about lesser discussed elements of conservation methods could change perceptions and garner support.
This episode is must-listen for anyone who seeks to understand the realm of ex-situ conservation in greater detail and certainly opens up future conversations with Doug on the podcast.
Monday Apr 15, 2024
A story of extinction and rewilding: The case of the Northern Bald Ibis
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Join us in a captivating episode of the Conservationists Assembled podcast, where we take flight into world of another Europe's reintroduction success stories, the Northern Bald Ibis.
With our guest experts, Juliane Pokorny and Christiane Bohm we journey back in time to discuss the events that caused them to become functionally extinct in the wild. Through hard work, Christiane details the success of the ex situ breeding programme, now managed by Juliane at the Alpenzoo in Innsbruck and the continued reintroduction of Ibis born in zoos back into the wild.
This episode concludes with an emphatic hope for the model of such conservation success to be able to provide similar foundations for reintroductions of other threatened species.
Monday Apr 08, 2024
Binturong and ABConservation with Ameline Roger and Elea Delsaux
Monday Apr 08, 2024
Monday Apr 08, 2024
Join us in a captivating episode of the Conservationists Assembled podcast, where we ascend into the unknown world of a mammal that will just butter you up. That mammal is, of course, the Binturong. Representing the Binturong and ABConservation on the podcast are our guest experts, Ameline Roger and Elea Delsaux.
Through an illuminating conversation, we discuss these unique mammals with their prehensile tails and acknowledge that is still lots left to learn about them. We also highlight the actions needed to prevent the Binturong from slipping closer to extinction.
Ameline and Elea enlighten us on the enjoyment that can be gained from exploring the great outdoors of the Philippines and inform us on how ABConservation came to be.
Monday Apr 01, 2024
Ice and Ocean: The story of Polar Bears with Amy Cutting
Monday Apr 01, 2024
Monday Apr 01, 2024
Join us in a captivating episode of the Conservationists Assembled podcast, where we plunge into the rapidly changing world of our polar regions, specifically that of the arctic, home to the largest land carnivore, the Polar Bear with guest expert, Amy Cutting. Through an illuminating conversation, we discuss the threats and the actions needed to reverse the needle for the Polar Bear, the origin of the term carbon footprint and the need to put the push back on the large-scale fuel companies to collaborate for a better future for our planet and the inclusive ways you can get involved with Polar Bear conservation provided by the hard working team at Polar Bears International and the zoos they partner up with.
Explore how modern technologies, funded by corporate, zoos and public sponsors are helping Polar Bears International alert businesses working in Polar Bear habitat to the presence of denning mothers and her cubs and prevent disturbances.
We delve into the incredible knowledge we now have on Polar Bears based of research both in the wild, but also in zoos where Polar Bears in human care have a multi-faceted role in their species survival.
Amy candidly shares her personal journey into the wildlife sector, revealing her passion and commitment to animal care, and the lessons learned along the way - including the importance of resilience in pursuing a career in conservation. She also reveals her admiration for her fellow team at Polar Bears International and colleagues at the Oregon Zoo in Portland for their support and prescence througout her work life.
This episode concludes with an emphatic appeal for the masses to consider making small changes for the betterment of the planet. For conservation enthusiasts or those simply intrigued by animal behaviour and ecology, this episode offers an insightful look into the world of the Ice Bear and the ever-important role of conservation.
Monday Mar 25, 2024
One of Europe's most endangered species, the European Mink with Tiit Maran
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Join us in a captivating episode of the Conservationists Assembled podcast, where we stay close to home with guest expert, Tiit Maran. Through an illuminating conversation, we uncover the near catastrophic past of the European Mink and the extraordinary recovery efforts they're making through the hard-work of some amazing conservation heroes.
Explore how the introduction of the much larger American Mink has forced the European Mink out of good quality habitat, and how conservationists are working diligently in research breeding programs, public education and a successful reintroduction programme to ensure their survival.
We delve into urgent wildlife conservation issues, discuss sustainable practices for individuals, and illustrate the profound positive effects politics and politicians can and should play in conservation.
Tiit candidly shares his personal journey into the wildlife sector, revealing a family lineage in biology and wildlife through his grandmother in a museum and his father as a wildlife film maker, and the lessons learned along the way - including the importance of resilience in pursuing a career in conservation but also to acknowledge the physical and mental toll it can take and how there are alternative ways to still contribute towards conservation.
Monday Mar 18, 2024
African Painted Dogs with Peter Blinston
Monday Mar 18, 2024
Monday Mar 18, 2024
Join us in a captivating episode of the Conservationists Assembled podcast, where we trek into the world of African Painted Dog with guest expert, Peter Blinston. Through an illuminating conversation, we uncover the lives of these social canids and the community they have behind them
Explore unique efforts in conserving these amazing animals and means of preventing their threats. From football leagues to selling art made out of disarmed snares, there are many fantastic efforts by some awesome people trying to help save the African Hunting Dog.
Learn about the amazing people who have devoted their lives to front line conservation, including an award winning tracker and field officer, Jealous Mpofu and many more!
We delve into the role that good zoos have to play in painted dog conservation, and the larger field of conservation but also acknowledges that there is still plenty more room for in situ and ex situ conservation to collaborate on. Peter discusses the importance of funding and what he would like to see more of in terms of ex situ conservation support.
Monday Mar 11, 2024
Francois' Langur with Andrew Hope
Monday Mar 11, 2024
Monday Mar 11, 2024
Get ready for an exciting journey with the 'Conservationists Assembled' podcast, where we delve into the mysterious world of the Francois’ Langur alongside the knowledgeable Andrew Hope! Explore their unique forested habitats, the collaborative efforts of Belfast Zoo and their conservation partners, and importance of having a genetically diverse population in accredited zoos as an insurance policy for the looming challenges of this remarkable primate.
Andrew, the Francois Langur EEP coordinator and curator at Belfast Zoo in Ireland, guides us through an enthralling exploration of these bold primates with the hair-style to match, shedding light on the impact of human activities on their numbers despite living in inaccessible habitat.
The focus then shifts to how growing up in South Africa and being exposed to wildlife from a young age with a particular passion for reptiles lead to pursuit of a career within conservation that continued when Andrew and his family relocated to Ireland. A career that has granted the opportunity to work with apes, large carnivores, ungulates and primates, with a particular fondness for Bongo.
Wrapping up the podcast, Andrew shares that how much a round of golf would do for downtime should the northern Irish whether permit And how he has desire to return to South Africa in the future and ambition to see wild Francois’ Langurs, Penguins and Tree Kangaroos.
About me
Hello! I am so glad you've become a part of the Conservationists Assemble podcast community. Let me introduce myself. My name is Jonny Bloxham. I have always been had a keen interest in animals and wildlife. From a young age, it was always Animal Planet on the TV whenever I managed to wrestle the remote off my older siblings. More specifically, it was the crocodile hunter, Steve Irwin and monkey life, and more recently David Attenborough (obviously). So I went to the University of Chester and achieved a degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare which led me to undertake work experience and ultimately start my career as a zookeeper at Hertfordshire Zoo (fka Paradise Wildlife Park) in Hertfordshire. Aside from being around the incredible species and the amazing people that care for them, I really enjoyed getting to interact with the visitors. The same could be said for my time on the hoofstock team at Yorkshire Wildlife Park and it was becoming increasingly clear that I had a passion for conservation education. Whilst cleaning out these large hoofstock enclosures (and they take some cleaning out) it provided ample time to listen to podcasts of various genres. And thus, the Conservationists Assemble podcast was born (inspired by one of my other big interests, the marvel movies).
Jonny
About the podcast
My ambitions for this podcast is to be a podcast for everyone. I want this podcast to be a tool for those who work in ex situ conservation to help aid the standards of education within ex situ by discussing the issues surrounding different species on the podcast but also by highlighting the crucial link between in situ and ex situ conservation.
I also want this podcast to be for people who don't work in ex situ conservation and just have a love of animals. I aim for this podcast to be inclusive, and there will be plenty of opportunities for listeners to be involved with the podcast in the future. In the mean time, please be sure to keep listening. Share and rate the podcast to help it keep going and do feel free to interact with me on the podcast's social media. I want to know what you think!
Jonny