Hello, friends, and welcome to episode 177 of Just the Zoo of Us.

This week I spoke with a paleontology researcher and fellow Floridian about some of our favorite ancient reptiles.

We discussed the Arcosaur family tree, flower picking, and other crocodilian leisure activities,

what to do if you find yourself in the chomping zone and falling in

love at a punk crock concert. Just the Zoo of Us presents American Crocodiles with Alec Baines. The

The Hello, friends. This is Ellen Weatherford. This is just the Zoo of Us, your favorite animal review podcast in this week. I am very thrilled to be introducing to you a Florida friend.

This is Alec Baines. Say hi, Alec.

Hey!

And Alec, what are your pronouns real quick?

My pronouns are they, them, or he, him.

My gender is fluidly in that zone, so either or both are fine.

Thank you so much.

And this week we are talking about an animal that's here

that we don't necessarily know is here because I think it gets overshadowed a lot. Partially my

fault, I'm sure. I'm definitely a hype girl for the alligator. So maybe I'm the problem.

But this week we're talking about the American crocodile. But before we talk about the crocodile, let's talk about Alec a little bit.

What got you into the work that you do with these wild creatures?

Yeah, so as a science communicator and paleobiologist, I kind of think all animals, both extinct and modern, are really fascinating in their own ways, as well as being able to talk with people about them.

But this group of animals called archosaurs really sparked my interest because I am Floridian like you are.

Arcasors are a group that includes terosaurs and dinosaurs, but also their modern relatives, the birds and the

crocodilians, which in Florida, you have a lot of birds and crocodilians. They end up in your

pool even. And you really develop an appreciation for them. Now that I've lived outside of Florida,

...