That's WILD! A Little Rock Zoo Podcast

That's WILD! A Little Rock Zoo Podcast

by Susan Altrui & Joy Matlock
Pets & AnimalsNature
Season 2
Would You Rather: Wild Edition
In this wildly entertaining episode of That’s Wild, hosts Susan and Joy go head-to-head in a hilarious, fast-paced game of animal-themed "Would You Rather." They dive deep into the bizarre realities of the animal kingdom, weighing the pros and cons of shedding their entire outer layers against entering a complete physical shutdown. Along the way, they swap stories of forty-mile-an-hour cheetahs, arctic foxes, and the unexpected challenges of sharing a refrigerator with a wild animal. Amidst the laughter and chaotic hypotheticals, the duo also sneaks in some vital conservation truths, shedding light on the real-world impacts of coltan mining and palm oil on global wildlife. The heart of the episode centers on the terrifying choice between undergoing a "catastrophic molt"—losing all of one's feathers or skin in one giant, chaotic burst like a penguin—and experiencing a complete hibernation-style power outage. Susan immediately makes her stance clear, preferring to face the elements naked rather than lose consciousness for months on end. Joy, however, is much more hesitant to embrace the naked truth, sparking a brilliant debate about survival, dignity, and thermal regulation. "I’d rather just get the whole thing over with all at once. Frankly, it's better naked than cold." — Susan "A complete power outage sounds peaceful until you realize you have zero control over where you wake up—or who is watching you hibernate." — Joy The hypotheticals only get weirder as the episode progresses. The hosts debate whether they would rather have the lightning-fast, forty-mile-an-hour sprinting capacity of a cheetah or have to share their kitchen appliances with clever woodland creatures. Joy makes a strong case for why a fox in the fridge might actually be a roommate upgrade, while Susan questions the sheer caloric intake required to fuel a human-sized cheetah sprint. While the episode is packed with hilarious banter, Susan and Joy don't shy away from the serious side of wildlife advocacy. In a brilliant transition from their silly debates, they discuss the critical consumer habits that affect habitats worldwide. They highlight the devastating effects that standard coltan mining and unsustainable palm oil production have on endangered species, reminding listeners that the choices we make in our daily lives have massive, real-world ripple effects.
S2 · E7
Jul 21, 2026
38:18
Is That True?!
The hosts of the That's Wild podcast, Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock, spent this episode debunking famous animal myths and exploring weird wildlife facts: Susan kicks off the trivia by asking, "Supposedly sharks can smell a single drop of blood from miles away," but Joy corrects this, noting that "the single drop from miles away is a little far-fetched... it's a little heavily exaggerated. So it's not quite true, but they do have a very sharp sense of smell." Joy adds that "piranhas do become significantly more aggressive when water levels drop and prey concentrates in shrinking pools," but clarifies that many piranha species actually "eat fruit, seeds, insect, and smaller fish rather than attacking large animals." When discussing whether bats are blind, Joy notes that "bats are not blind. Most can see, and many use both vision and echolocation together simultaneously." The hosts clarify that people often assume echolocation replaces their eyesight simply because the ability seems so mysterious. Moving on to bullfighting, the hosts address the color red. Joy explains, "Bulls are red-green colorblind. They react to the movement, just like you said, of the cape, not the color," and notes that the red cloth is merely traditional, "partly to hide bloodstains during bullfighting." As for elephants being terrified of mice, Joy reveals, "Actually, there's no solid evidence that elephants have any special fear of mice. They may be startled by sudden small movements, but mice specifically are not necessarily the terror that cartoons want us to believe." She points out that elephants actually "explore unfamiliar objects carefully with their trunks... which are their noses, their fingers, their straws... It's like thousands of muscles in the trunk." Turning to city birds, the hosts discuss pigeon intelligence, with Joy stating, "The reality is that pigeons really can recognize and distinguish individual human faces, which kind of doesn't surprise me." She adds that they are also "capable of long-distance navigation and surprising feats of visual memory." When Susan brings up honey, Joy confirms it basically lasts indefinitely: "Honey's low moisture, acidity, and natural chemistry make it extremely resistant to bacteria. Properly stored, honey can remain edible essentially indefinitely." She notes that if it ever hardens, "crystallized honey isn't spoiled... it can usually be gently warmed back into liquid form."
S2 · E6
Jul 7, 2026
51:27
Raccoons, Dogs & Wolves: How Wild Animals Shape to Our World with Dr. Raffaela Lesch
This episode of the That's Wild podcast features host Susan Altrui, host Joy Matlock, MC Dustin Bean, and their guest, Dr. Raffaela Lesch. Dr. Lesch is a biology professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock who specializes in animal behavior, domestication, urbanization, and bioacoustics. The conversation explores how wild animals adapt and change physically when living close to humans. A central highlight is Dr. Lesch's research on raccoons, which she regards as a "modern day ancestral line" for studying the early stages of domestication driven by urbanization and the availability of human trash. The hosts and Dr. Lesch discuss the cleverness of campus raccoons, noting a study by a student named Kelsey who caught them on camera "opening those huge doors, those huge dumpster doors." The discussion clarifies that a wild animal learning to coexist with humans does not equal true domestication, which requires structural changes across many generations. Additionally, the episode touches upon Dr. Lesch's work in bioacoustics, including a long-term study comparing the vocal boxes of dogs and wolves to test the "neural crest domestication syndrome hypothesis." This study—which was later inherited by her master's student—revealed that dogs do have smaller larynges and shorter vocal folds than wolves, though this anatomical difference did not definitively explain the difference between barking and howling. Dr. Lesch also references external research on raccoon anatomy and urban-rural comparisons conducted by Dr. Christina Sluka at the University of Wyoming. Finally, the podcast explores how human speech patterns change when interacting with pets, noting that both men and women naturally shift to a higher pitch when communicating with animals.
S2 · E5
Jun 23, 2026
42:22
The Science of Cute
his podcast is from the That's Wild series, specifically Season 2, Episode 4, titled "The Science of Cute." Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock from the Little Rock Zoo talk with resident animal expert Hannah about the science behind why we find baby animals cute. The episode features a live appearance by Bert, a three-month-old African penguin chick, and provides updates on various successful breeding programs at the zoo. Bert is a three-month-old African penguin chick hatched on November 16, 2025. At his age, he is undergoing "fledging," the process where chicks lose their downy feathers and transition to waterproof adult plumage so they can swim and fish independently. Bert currently sports a humorous "mohawk" of remaining down feathers on his back. Penguins have naturally dense bones compared to flighted birds, which helps them sink and swim rather than fly. They also possess a "nictitating membrane," a clear third eyelid that acts like built-in swim goggles to protect their eyes underwater. Hannah explains that human attraction to baby animals is an evolutionary adaptation. Certain features known as baby schema—such as large eyes, a button nose, big fat cheeks, and a large head—trigger the release of oxytocin in the human brain. This chemical response induces a desire to nurture and care for the baby. Because babies are highly demanding and require extensive resources, this biological bond is necessary for parents to successfully raise their offspring. Cartoon characters frequently replicate these exact proportions to make characters appear more endearing to audiences. The African penguin was upgraded to "critically endangered" status in 2024. Through the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which pairs animals based on genetic health rather than personality, the Little Rock Zoo has seen an unprecedented baby boom. While the zoo previously averaged two to three chicks per year, they successfully raised five chicks in 2025 and have already welcomed three more in 2026, bringing the recent total to eight. This spike in success is credited to new incubation research led by keeper Leanne. The team discovered that if penguin parents are allowed to care for their eggs for the first 10 days before the eggs are moved to an artificial incubator, the hatching success rate increases dramatically. Additionally, African penguins share parenting duties completely equally, with both mothers and fathers splitting egg incubation and chick-rearing duties 50/50. The Little Rock Zoo is experiencing a broader baby boom across multiple species. atched tadpoles around on her back. Bert the penguin is named after Dick Van Dyke’s chimney-sweep character in Mary Poppins, celebrating the actor turning 100 years old. Bert is also biologically related to Betty White, a famous former resident penguin at the zoo who was named when the actress turned 100. Other notable primate babies currently residing at the zoo include Keto the Colobus monkey (turning 6 months old), Molly the baby chimpanzee (6 months old), and Benny the gorilla, who previously made national news headlines upon his birth.
S2 · E4
Jun 9, 2026
19:53
Dr. Sarah Stoneburg: Realities of a Zoo Veterinarian
The episode kicks off with Susan and Joy sharing an incredible viral video of a diabetic support dog detecting its owner's shifting blood sugar levels from all the way across the street. This remarkable display of animal senses prompts a deeper conversation about how zoo veterinarians must routinely rely on intuitive care, but in reverse—interpreting the silent signals of animals that are experts at hiding their pain. Dr. Stoneburg completely reframes what it means to be a vet, revealing that the job relies far less on textbook science and much more on human connection. She notes that while veterinary school teaches you the biology of traditional animals, the real work is learned on the ground. Surprisingly, the most critical skill is managing human dynamics. Because zookeepers are the frontline eyes and ears monitoring the animals daily, a zoo vet must know how to communicate seamlessly with them to decode what is wrong with a patient. It becomes a puzzle of translating human observations, managing their concerns, and directing proper diagnostic care. The trio also looks closely at how veterinary medicine at a zoo relies on a massive network of human healthcare specialists. Because arkansas has limited veterinary specialists, the zoo relies heavily on human doctors—from cardiologists and endodontists to urologists and OB-GYNs—who generously donate their time and medical equipment out of a shared love for the animals. Dr. Stoneburg also opens up about "compassion fatigue," a heavy reality in the veterinary world. Zoo vets act as primary care providers from an animal's birth to its death, making it incredibly easy to become emotionally compromised. Navigating the sudden shift from a joyful newborn exam to an emergency euthanasia can weigh heavily on a vet's soul. Dr. Stoneburg emphasizes that to survive the field, a vet must possess the emotional discipline to step away, find an outlet for stress, and turn off the constant "what-ifs". The conversation moves into the intense logistics of sedating dangerous animals. Dr. Stoneburg walks through the steps of putting down a large animal, explaining the use of "hand-injection" training where keepers teach animals to safely present a limb for a voluntary injection. If voluntary cooperation isn't possible, darting is required. She shares a tense but heartwarming story about sedating an elderly tiger in renal failure. Even though he was weak, the tiger willingly laid down, presented his hip for the dart, and "chuffed" at her afterward, showing a profound level of trust and understanding. Finally, Dr. Stoneburg highlights the true purpose of modern zoos: global conservation. Beyond standard medical procedures, zoo vets are actively contributing to the global body of scientific knowledge through post-mortem studies, archival tissue research dating back to the 1980s, and standardizing preventative care. She underscores that the ultimate goal is shepherding species so they do not expire for future generations, making her life's work a vital gift to the world. Notable Quotes "A lot of what we learn outside of it is on-the-field learning. Dealing with different people, I think, is a big thing that schools don't always teach you about... You think about you're going to work with animals, you love animals so much, but a most of what we do is work with people." — Dr. Sarah Stoneburg
S2 · E3
May 26, 2026
37:43
Debbie Thompson: The Art and Science of Zoo Matchmaking
In this episode of the That’s Wild podcast, Little Rock Zoo Director Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock dive into the complex world of "zoo matchmaking". They are joined by Debbie Thompson, the Zoo's Curator of Carnivores and Primates, who explains that managing animal populations is a sophisticated process involving long-term planning and detailed genetic histories. Thompson, who has been with the zoo since 1982, shares how her role as a coordinator for Species Survival Plans (SSP) helps maintain genetic diversity across AZA-accredited zoos for future generations. The conversation highlights the delicate balance of population management, where planners must avoid being too conservative to prevent empty exhibits while ensuring they do not produce more animals than they can responsibly house. Thompson explains that while natural history provides a guide, every animal is an individual that communicates its needs through its actions rather than words. This individual focus is crucial when making high-stakes decisions that affect the conservation of entire species. A major highlight of the episode is the story of sloth bears Kayla and Baloo, who arrived from the Philadelphia Zoo in late 2024. Thompson details how a cooperative agreement allowed the pair to breed at the Little Rock Zoo while Philadelphia renovated its facilities. This successful "maternity leave" resulted in two cubs, which Thompson expects to be visible to the public by Spring Break 2026. The episode also looks toward the future of the Zoo's tiger program. Thompson reveals that Sunari, a Malayan tiger born at the Little Rock Zoo, is preparing for an international move to Singapore. This transfer is part of a critical genetic exchange designed to support the global Malayan tiger population, which currently numbers fewer than 100 individuals in AZA zoos. Following Sunari's departure, the Zoo expects to welcome a new breeding pair to continue its conservation mission. In a lighter segment, the hosts and Thompson play "Red Flag, Green Flag" regarding animal traits. Thompson identifies food motivation as a major "green flag" because it facilitates easier medical training, while an animal bonding too exclusively with a single keeper is a "red flag" that can complicate management and transitions. The episode wraps up with exciting updates on Christmas Day bush dog pups and a reflection on the "big family" culture that defines the Little Rock Zoo.
S2 · E2
May 12, 2026
41:48
Ancient Arkansas: The World of Dinosaurs and Fossils with Jessica Scott
In this episode of That’s Wild, hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock dive into the prehistoric history of Arkansas with special guest Dr. Jessica Scott, a paleoecologist. They explore how the state’s landscape has shifted from deep oceans to dinosaur-inhabited shorelines and eventually to the age of mammoths. Key Discussion Points Paleoecology Explained: Dr. Scott defines paleoecology as the study of past ecosystems, comparing the work to a detective piecing together an ancient puzzle from limited fossil evidence. Arkansas’s State Dinosaur: The episode highlights Arkansaurus, the first and most complete dinosaur specimen found in the state.It was a bird-like, bipedal dinosaur belonging to the ornithomimosaur group. It stood approximately 8 feet tall, could be up to 15 feet long, and likely possessed feathers. Geological Shifts: Arkansas was once entirely underwater during the Paleozoic era and later partially submerged by the Western Interior Seaway during the Mesozoic era. Fossil Variety: Beyond dinosaurs, the state is home to fossils of marine invertebrates (oysters, coral) and "recent" ice-age giants like mammoths, mastodons, and Megalonyx (giant ground sloths). The Process of Fossilization: Detailed explanation of how organic material is replaced by minerals over time to become stone. Conservation Connection: The guest emphasizes that understanding past extinctions—such as the asteroid-driven end of the dinosaurs—helps us understand and combat the human-caused extinctions occurring today. Guest Information Dr. Jessica Scott: A paleoecologist, native Arkansan, and long-time advocate for the Little Rock Zoo.
S2 · E1
Apr 28, 2026
27:13
Season 1
Arkansas Stories with Rex Nelson
In this episode, Little Rock Zoo Director Susan Altrui and co-host Joy Matlock interview Rex Nelson, Senior Editor and columnist at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. They explore Rex's deep-rooted history as an Arkansan storyteller and discuss how the state's natural beauty and cultural attractions serve as a heart for the community. Key Discussion Points Wildlife and Safety:The hosts discuss a record-breaking year for bear attacks in Japan and link it to similar concerns in Arkansas, noting that poor harvests of acorns and hickory nuts drive bears into populated areas for food. Susan Altrui emphasizes the strict "do not feed the bears" rule at the Little Rock Zoo and discusses Bear Awareness Week in May. Red Wolf Conservation:The group highlights the Red Wolf, an original wolf of the South, and the ongoing conservation and repopulation efforts. Arkansas State University (ASU) is noted as the official biobank for the Red Wolf, storing genetic material for research. The "Natural State" and Quality of Life:Rex Nelson argues that in a post-pandemic world, amenities like the Zoo, hiking trails, and the Buffalo River are vital "economic development tools". He explains that talented young people choose where to live based on outdoor recreation and "quality of life" rather than just industrial jobs. Little Rock’s Hidden Gems:The conversation covers the beauty of Fourche Creek, an urban wetland within the city limits that features century-old cypress trees. The hosts celebrate the success of downtown Little Rock and the significant financial investments being made in the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and the Clinton Presidential Center. The Zoo’s Centennial:Susan reveals that research by historian Scott Carter moved the Zoo's founding date from 1926 to 1924. The very first animal acquired by the Zoo in 1924 was a snake. Guest Spotlight Rex Nelson is a native Arkansan and a seasoned journalist who has covered everything from high school football to the election of Bill Clinton. He currently writes three columns a week focused on Arkansas culture, food, and history for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
S1 · E23
Apr 14, 2026
41:30
Built on a Bugtopia
In this episode, hosts Dustin Bean and Joy Matlock are joined by Hannah Baker to discuss the often-overlooked world of bugs. The conversation features a special appearance by Miguel, a three-banded armadillo, to illustrate the direct link between mammals and their insect-based diets. Key Discussion Points Meet Miguel the Armadillo:Miguel is a three-banded armadillo, a species from South America capable of curling completely into a ball for protection. Unlike the nine-banded armadillos common in Arkansas, three-banded armadillos can "snap" their shell closed to potentially pinch a predator's paw. His shell is called a carapace, made of bony plates known as osteoderms covered in keratin. The Insectivore Diet:As an insectivore and omnivore, Miguel relies on a sharp sense of smell to find bugs several inches underground. He uses a long, sticky tongue and sharp claws to extract insects, similar to his close relatives, the anteaters and sloths. Behind the Scenes: The "Bug Room":The Little Rock Zoo maintains a dedicated "Bug Room" to breed and raise food for its animals. The facility produces approximately 8,000 crickets and 35,000 mealworms per week. The largest consumers of bugs at the zoo are the sloth bears, which use their lack of front incisors to "slurp" up insects. The Importance of Invertebrates:Bugs serve as the "infrastructure" of the ecosystem, acting as pollinators, decomposers, and a primary food source. A global decline in insect populations threatens the entire food chain. The episode highlights the danger of invasive species, such as the hammerhead worm, which preys on essential native earthworms. Tips for Supporting Local Pollinators Plant Native: Choose native plants for your garden to support local insect species. Leave the Leaves: Keeping leaf litter in your yard provides a habitat for various bugs and animals. Create Spaces: Designate a small section of your yard to grow wild as a pollinator garden. Bugtopia runs from March 21st through September 20th at the Little Rock Zoo, allowing guests to see the world from a bug's perspective and appreciate the "giants" of the tiny world.
S1 · E22
Mar 31, 2026
25:27
Bugtopia Exhibit: Order in the Bug Court!
In this episode of That’s Wild, hosts Dustin Bean and Joy Matlock go to "Bug Court" with guest Jessica Briley, the Conservation Education Manager for the Little Rock Zoo. They discuss the zoo's upcoming "Bugtopia" exhibit, which features giant animatronic insects and arachnids. Jessica provides fascinating facts about the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, the Asian Forest Scorpion, the Goliath Bird Eater spider, and the Monarch Butterfly, highlighting their ecological importance and debunking common myths. The episode emphasizes shifting perspectives from fear to curiosity and appreciation for these small but essential creatures. Takeaways The "Bugtopia" Exhibit: Running from March 21st through September 20th, Bugtopia aims to magnify the world of insects, allowing guests to observe their intricate anatomy and ecological roles. Madagascar Hissing Cockroach: These forest-floor decomposers use specialized pores called spiracles to create their signature hiss for defense and mating. Asian Forest Scorpion: As arachnids, scorpions are not insects. They possess sensory hairs called trichobothriaand can glow under ultraviolet light. Goliath Bird Eater: Despite its name, this spider primarily eats insects and small vertebrates. It is the largest spider by mass and grows by molting its exoskeleton. Monarch Butterfly: These iconic pollinators migrate up to 3,000 miles. They are "bio-indicators," meaning their population health reflects the state of the overall ecosystem. Conservation Tips: Jessica shares practical ways to support local insect populations, such as planting native pollinator gardens and being mindful of leaf litter, which serves as a winter habitat.
S1 · E21
Mar 17, 2026
30:20
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