Dwarf minke whales were only discovered in August 1981, so there’s still stacks to learn about them. We do know that each year they mysteriously appear on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, stay about a month, and then totally disappear again. We also know that they are incredibly curious, playful and actively seek out human contact.

As a marine biologist studying the dwarf minke, Suzanne Hillcoat’s spent hundreds of hours in the water with these little giants to research their behaviour, and she’s had countless super-close encounters with them. In this episode of Wild Lives by Faunographic, Suzanne reflects on some of her most memorable interactions with these sweet cetaceans.

(Spoiler alert: If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have a whale flirt with you, you won’t want to miss this!)

Dwarf minke whales were only discovered in August 1981, so there&rsquo;s still stacks to learn about them. We do know that each year they mysteriously appear on Australia&rsquo;s Great Barrier Reef, stay about a month, and then totally disappear again. We also know that they are incredibly curious, playful and actively seek out human contact.
As a marine biologist studying the dwarf minke, Suzanne Hillcoat&rsquo;s spent hundreds of hours in the water with these little giants to research their behaviour, and she&rsquo;s had countless super-close encounters with them. In this episode of Wild Lives by Faunographic, Suzanne reflects on some of her most memorable interactions with these sweet cetaceans.
(Spoiler alert: If you&rsquo;ve ever wondered what it&rsquo;s like to have a whale flirt with you, you won&rsquo;t want to miss this!)

Get up close and personal with the animals you love! Season 2 of your favourite wildlife podcast shares the real-life stories of life in the field with naturalists, rangers, photographers, adventurers and a whole lot more. Powered by Faunographic and hosted by Australian journalist and photographer, Rachelle Mackintosh, each episode reveals deeply personal frontline stories as we get close to tigers, great white sharks, wolves, grizzly bears – and everything with fur, feathers and fins in between. From jaw-dropping close encounters to poignant insights into what makes these creatures tick, WILD LIVES by Faunographic will give you all the feels. Subscribe today!

Get up close and personal with the animals you love! Season 2 of your favourite wildlife podcast shares the real-life stories of life in the field with naturalists, rangers, photographers, adventurers and a whole lot more. Powered by Faunographic and hosted by Australian journalist and photographer, Rachelle Mackintosh, each episode reveals deeply personal frontline stories as we get close to tigers, great white sharks, wolves, grizzly bears &ndash; and everything with fur, feathers and fins in between. From jaw-dropping close encounters to poignant insights into what makes these creatures tick, WILD LIVES by Faunographic will give you all the feels. Subscribe today!

WILD LIVES

WILD LIVES by faunographic

Marine biologist Suzanne Hillcoat shares her intriguing tales of the dwarf minke whale on Australia's Great Barrier Reef

Suzanne Hillcoat & the Great Barrier Reef's Dwarf Minke Whales

Australian wildlife is being devastated by this bushfire crisis, with at least 1 billion animals lost so far. But what happens when these fires go out – can our wildlife and their habitats recover? In this special report we chat wildlife experts Professor Christopher Dickman, Tim Faulkner and Chad Staples to find out what happens next for our animals. (Spoiler alert: there IS good news!)

Professor Christopher Dickman
By December, 480 million animals had lost their lives in the New South Wales fires alone – Professor Christopher Dickman is the globally acclaimed ecologist who originally calculated that number. He talks us through the possibility of extinction, the specific behaviours of fire-affected animals, how our city critters are coping with the smoke, and most inspiringly, explains how our bush will rebuild itself. He also talks about some pretty cool little animals you’ve probably never even heard of, as well as about what’s happening with our bats/flying foxes, potoroos, and the resilience of our wildlife.
Listen: 2:33 to 26.28

Tim Faulkner
Aussie Ark president Tim Faulkner explains what’s happening with our koalas. Before the fire they were already in real trouble due to habitat loss, with experts predicting they were on the trajectory to be extinct by 2050. We’ll need to think laterally to help them bounce back. Thankfully, Tim and his team have just the thing to help them do that, and to also keep them safe for decades to come – the Koala Ark project.
Listen: 26:28 to 39:03

Chad Staples
Chad Staples has long been one of Australia’s favourite wildlifers thanks to his epic work at Featherdale. Now working as the Director of Mogo Wildlife Park, Chad and his team rescued Mogo’s 200+ animals  – including everything from giraffes to lemurs to big cats – when the 31,000-hectare Clyde Mountain blaze threatened their home on New Year’s Eve. In this interview, Chad reveals how the rescue unfolded, and he also shares some exciting plans for the park in the wake of this crisis.
Listen: 39:03 to 51:55

What You Can Do
In the months to come we may still encounter animals with burns and fire-related illnesses, so our mate Denis Duggan shares WIRES’ practical tips on how you can help them.
Listen: 51:55 to 53:18

If you’d like to get involved and/or show your support, here’s where to get started:  Mogo Wildlife Park, Aussie Ark’s koala project, Wildlife Victoria, WIRES (NSW only), Kangaroo Island’s Dunnarts, Kangaroo Island's Koalas & Wildlife. See Faunographic for info.

Australian wildlife is being devastated by this bushfire crisis, with at least 1 billion animals lost so far. But what happens when these fires go out &ndash; can our wildlife and their habitats recover? In this special report we chat wildlife experts Professor Christopher Dickman, Tim Faulkner and Chad Staples to find out what happens next for our animals. (Spoiler alert: there IS good news!)
Professor Christopher Dickman By December, 480 million animals had lost their lives in the New South Wales fires alone &ndash; Professor Christopher Dickman is the globally acclaimed ecologist who originally calculated that number. He talks us through the possibility of extinction, the specific behaviours of fire-affected animals, how our city critters are coping with the smoke, and most inspiringly, explains how our bush will rebuild itself. He also talks about some pretty cool little animals you&rsquo;ve probably never even heard of, as well as about what&rsquo;s happening with our bats/flying foxes, potoroos, and the resilience of our wildlife. Listen: 2:33 to 26.28
Tim Faulkner Aussie Ark president Tim Faulkner explains what&rsquo;s happening with our koalas. Before the fire they were already in real trouble due to habitat loss, with experts predicting they were on the trajectory to be extinct by 2050. We&rsquo;ll need to think laterally to help them bounce back. Thankfully, Tim and his team have just the thing to help them do that, and to also keep them safe for decades to come &ndash; the Koala Ark project. Listen: 26:28 to 39:03
Chad Staples Chad Staples has long been one of Australia&rsquo;s favourite wildlifers thanks to his epic work at Featherdale. Now working as the Director of Mogo Wildlife Park, Chad and his team rescued Mogo&rsquo;s 200+ animals&nbsp; &ndash; including everything from giraffes to lemurs to big cats &ndash; when the 31,000-hectare Clyde Mountain blaze threatened their home on New Year&rsquo;s Eve. In this interview, Chad reveals how the rescue unfolded, and he also shares some exciting plans for the park in the wake of this crisis. Listen: 39:03 to 51:55
What You Can Do In the months to come we may still encounter animals with burns and fire-related illnesses, so our mate Denis Duggan shares WIRES&rsquo; practical tips on how you can help them. Listen: 51:55 to 53:18
If you&rsquo;d like to&nbsp;get involved and/or show your support, here&rsquo;s where to get started:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://mogozoo.com.au/">Mogo Wildlife Park</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aussieark.org.au/koala-ark/">Aussie Ark&rsquo;s koala project</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/">Wildlife Victoria</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wires.org.au/">WIRES</a>&nbsp;(NSW only),&nbsp;<a href="https://au.gofundme.com/f/saving-the-kangaroo-island-dunnart-from-extinction">Kangaroo Island&rsquo;s Dunnarts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://au.gofundme.com/f/help-save-kangaroo-islands-koalas-and-wildlife">Kangaroo Island's Koalas &amp; Wildlife</a>. See <a href="http://www.faunographic.com">Faunographic</a> for info.

Australian wildlife is being devastated by this bushfire crisis, with at least 1 billion wild lives lost so far. But what happens when these fires go out – can our animals and their habitats recover? In this special report we chat wildlife experts Professor Christopher Dickman, Tim Faulkner and Chad Staples to find out what happens next for our animals. (Spoiler alert: there IS good news!)

Special report: Australia's bushfires & what's next for our wildlife

There’s no one else on Earth like Dr Jane Goodall. After all, she’s not only won countless awards for her decades-spanning conservation work, but her work with chimpanzees has actually changed the way we see both animals and humans.

At 85 years young, Dr Jane is still working hard, travelling 300 days of the year to share her important message of hope, and to support her Roots and Shoots program – an innovative approach to conservation that’s enabling young folks to be the change our planet needs.

In this episode, the finale for Season 2 of Wild Lives, Dr Jane introduces us to the chimpanzee that changed her life, David Greybeard; reveals what she’s learnt about the environment, climate change and the importance of education and local action; and reveals exactly how she wants to be remembered.  

There&rsquo;s no one else on Earth like Dr Jane Goodall. After all, she&rsquo;s not only won countless awards for her decades-spanning conservation work, but her work with chimpanzees has actually changed the way we see both animals and humans.
At 85 years young, Dr Jane is still working hard, travelling 300 days of the year to share her important message of hope, and to support her Roots and Shoots program &ndash; an innovative approach to conservation that&rsquo;s enabling young folks to be the change our planet needs.
In this episode, the finale for Season 2 of Wild Lives, Dr Jane introduces us to the chimpanzee that changed her life, David Greybeard; reveals what she&rsquo;s learnt about the environment, climate change and the importance of education and local action; and reveals exactly how she wants to be remembered.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There’s no one else on Earth like Dr Jane Goodall. After all, she’s not only won countless awards for her decades-spanning conservation work, but her work with chimpanzees has actually changed the way we see both animals and humans. At 85 years young, Dr Jane is still working hard, travelling 300 days of the year to share her important message of hope, and to support her Roots and Shoots program – an innovative approach to conservation that’s enabling young folks to be the change our planet needs. In this episode, the finale for Season 2 of Wild Lives, Dr Jane introduces us to the chimpanzee that changed her life, David Greybeard; reveals what she’s learnt about the environment, climate change and the importance of education and local action; and reveals exactly how she wants to be remembered.

Dr Jane Goodall: A Lifetime with Chimps

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/4857eece-fb74-4f01-be69-a8b200695eb2/clips/4d36228b-daf3-47ed-b11a-ab04001136e9/transcript

As poaching decimates wildlife populations across Africa, determined people are stepping up to intervene – including the Black Mambas, the world’s first women’s only anti-poaching unit, who patrol and protect South Africa’s Balule Nature Reserve.

Through their surveillance and sophisticated monitoring techniques, the Mambas are the first line of defence in the war against poaching – but unlike the armed units who work alongside them, these incredible women carry no weapons, patrolling 20km on foot each day to ensure the reserve’s wildlife is protected. 
The Mambas believe the poaching crisis will not be solved through violence, 
but instead through empowerment and education, and their commitment to the cause is inspiring.

This episode of Wild Lives was recorded live in Balule, where we go on both night and morning patrols with Black Mamba rangers Mirren, Q and Goodness. Their strength, humility and determination will give you hope for wildlife – and us.

Please note: A large part of this episode was recorded live in the field, so the sound can be patchy in places. The night-patrol audio is a little challenging, because we're driving through the bush in an open 4WD, so you'll hear some distortion due to wind, along with bouncy car suspension, etc, especially around 11:00 to 16:35. BUT I know you'll be able to ignore those iffy bits because what these women have to say is solid gold!

As poaching decimates wildlife populations across Africa, determined people are stepping up to intervene &ndash; including the Black Mambas, the world&rsquo;s first women&rsquo;s only anti-poaching unit, who patrol and protect South Africa&rsquo;s Balule Nature Reserve.
Through their surveillance and sophisticated monitoring techniques, the Mambas are the first line of defence in the war against poaching &ndash; but unlike the armed units who work alongside them, these incredible women carry no weapons, patrolling 20km on foot each day to ensure the reserve&rsquo;s wildlife is protected. The Mambas believe the poaching crisis will not be solved through violence, but instead through empowerment and education, and their commitment to the cause is inspiring.
This episode of Wild Lives was recorded live in Balule, where we go on both night and morning patrols with Black Mamba rangers Mirren, Q and Goodness. Their strength, humility and determination will give you hope for wildlife &ndash; and us.
Please note: A large part of this episode was recorded live in the field, so the sound can be patchy in places. The night-patrol audio is a little challenging, because we're driving through the bush in an open 4WD, so you'll hear some distortion due to wind, along with bouncy car suspension, etc, especially around 11:00 to 16:35. BUT I know you'll be able to ignore those iffy bits because what these women have to say is solid gold!

As poaching decimates wildlife populations across Africa, determined people are stepping up to intervene – including the Black Mambas, the world’s first women’s only anti-poaching unit, who patrol and protect South Africa’s Balule Nature Reserve. Through their surveillance and sophisticated monitoring techniques, the Mambas are the first line of defence in the war against poaching – but unlike the armed units who work alongside them, these incredible women carry no weapons, patrolling 20km on foot each day to ensure the reserve’s wildlife is protected. The Mambas believe the poaching crisis will not be solved through violence, but instead through empowerment and education, and their commitment to the cause is inspiring. This episode of Wild Lives was recorded live in Balule, where we go on both night and morning patrols with Black Mamba rangers Mirren, Q and Goodness. Their strength, humility and determination will give you hope for wildlife – and us.  Please note: A large part of this episode was recorded live in the field, so the sound can be patchy in places. The night-patrol audio is a little challenging, because we're driving through the bush in an open 4WD, so you'll hear some distortion due to wind, along with bouncy car suspension, etc, especially around 11:00 to 16:35. BUT I know you'll be able to ignore those iffy bits because what these women have to say is solid gold!

On Patrol with the Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/4857eece-fb74-4f01-be69-a8b200695eb2/clips/8cc84256-1536-4396-ad13-ab0a00096959/transcript

Suzanne Hillcoat & the Great Barrier Reef's Dwarf Minke Whales

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