Hey there, friends, and welcome to episode 238 of Just the Zoo of Us. This week, I am joined by

conservationist and co-host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, Peter Gross, to talk about the

iconic Red Wolf and their ongoing recovery from the brink of extinction. We discussed the shifting

landscapes and attitudes in wildlife conservation over

the last few decades, the role that captive breeding and reintroduction have played in

reviving nearly lost red wolf populations. What makes these iconic animals so special,

why large predators are so integral to a thriving ecosystem and so much more.

I really enjoyed this conversation, and I think that you guys will too.

Just the Zoo of Us presents Red Wolves with Peter Gross.

Music The The Hello, everybody. This is Ellen Weatherford. I'm here with Just the Zoo of Us, your favorite

Animal Review podcast. And I am ecstatic this week to be bringing a brand new friend who's a new friend for this show,

but probably for a lot of people who maybe like me grew up as an animal nerd,

probably not a super unfamiliar voice to a lot of people listening.

This is Peter Gross.

Say hi, Peter.

Hi, nice to be talking to all of you.

This is such a like starstruck moment because a lot of people listening are probably familiar with your work with the Mutual of Omaha's

Wild Kingdom. For people listening who maybe like me grew up as animal kids and grew up with the

incredible work that y'all have done.

Could you introduce yourself a little bit for our audience? Let our friends listening know

what your career has been like that led you to this amazing conservation work that you do.

Well, thank you. That's very nice to hear all those comments. I too, as a teenager, was allowed to watch Wild Kingdom on Sunday afternoon,

...