Niall has primarily been in Rome to record segments for a special documentary called 'Pope Leo's Elephant', which will be broadcast this coming Christmas Day. It tells the story of an extraordinary diplomatic gift - a magnificent Asian Elephant named Hanno - that was sent to Pope Leo X by King Manuel I of Portugal in 1514.

Derek Mooney and guests explore the natural world in all its forms. Listen live every Monday at 10pm on RTÉ Radio 1.

Mooney Goes Wild

Looking forward to Pope Leo’s Elephant

Tonight our experts respond to some of your e-mails and queries about ducks in California, Woodpeckers in Cavan, Buzzards in Waterford and the life span of garden birds, including Robins...

E-mails From Listeners

Nature Nights Live returns to RTÉ Radio 1 from March 9th–13th, at 10–11pm, in partnership with the Tree Council of Ireland for National Tree Week. The programme will share event updates, celebrate native trees and nocturnal wildlife, feature expert guests, and invite listeners to ask questions and share sightings.

Looking Forward To Nature Nights Live On RTÉ Radio 1

Grey Squirrels introduced in 1911 have impacted Ireland’s Red Squirrels, but the Reds are now rebounding due to increased Pine Marten numbers. The 2026 All-Ireland Squirrel and Pine Marten Survey has been launched, and Colin Lawton, Ecology Lecturer at the University of Galway, joins the programme to explain the project...

Looking forward to Pope Leo’s Elephant

Mooney Goes Wild

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