Edge of the Earth: Tales of Conservation

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  What it REALLY takes to run a zoo with Jesse Vargas; Edge of the Earth | San Antonio Zoo Podcast 11.09.2026 32dk

  There's a LOT more to running a zoo than you might think.  On this episode of Edge of the Earth: Tales of Conservation, Dr. Danté Fenolio and Sierra Fenolio are joined by San Antonio Zoo COO Jesse Vargas for a look at the side of zoo work most guests never get to see.  How do you turn an idea like Congo Falls into a functioning habitat? What happens when the survival of an endangered species depends on decisions being made behind the scenes?  Jesse takes us inside the problem-solving, construction, operations, collaboration, and occasional chaos that goes into keeping a modern zoo moving—all while sharing the experiences that transformed the way he thinks about wildlife and conservation.  Turns out, you don't have to be a biologist to help save species.
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  Platypuses with Dr. Tahneal Hawke 28.08.2026 37dk

  Meet the mammal that lays eggs, detects its prey through electrical signals, glows under UV light and—in the case of males—comes equipped with venomous ankle spurs. Platypuses may look like they were assembled from nature's spare parts, but every one of their bizarre features has an incredible story behind it.  In this episode of Edge of the Earth: Tales of Conservation, hosts Dr. Danté Fenolio and Sierra Fenolio sit down with platypus conservation biologist Dr. Tahneal Hawke to uncover the remarkable biology of one of Earth's strangest species.  How did platypuses develop so many unusual adaptations? What is it like to study them in the wild? And what are scientists doing to protect their future?  Get ready for an episode filled with bizarre facts, fascinating discoveries, and plenty of reasons to believe that platypuses might just be nature's closest thing to little aliens.
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  Tim Morrow: Bold Ideas, Zoo Leadership & Community Impact 14.08.2026 52dk

  What does it take to transform a century-old zoo while keeping conservation at the heart of every decision? In this episode of Edge of the Earth: Tales of Conservation, hosts Dr. Danté Fenolio and Sierra Fenolio are joined by Tim Morrow, President and CEO of San Antonio Zoo. Tim shares the unexpected path that led him to zoo leadership and reflects on the experiences, challenges, and big ideas that have shaped San Antonio Zoo's evolution. The conversation explores the important role modern zoos play in wildlife conservation, how memorable guest experiences can inspire people to care about animals, and why collaboration between animal care professionals, researchers, educators, and the community is essential to securing a future for wildlife. Tim also offers a behind-the-scenes look at leading a nonprofit zoo, from pursuing ambitious projects to building a culture willing to think differently. Discover how bold ideas, thoughtful leadership, and a lifelong connection to animals can help transform not only a zoo, but the way an entire community sees its role in conservation.
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  Deep Sea Marine Biology: Eels, Sharks and Conservation! 31.07.2026 1sa 3dk

  What can eel larvae, glowing bacteria, and sharp-toothed fish teach us about life in the deep ocean? In this episode of Edge of the Earth: Tales of Conservation, hosts Dr. Danté Fenolio and Sierra Fenolio are joined by Dr. Jon Moore, professor of biology at Florida Atlantic University's Wilkes Honors College. Dr. Moore shares his experiences studying deep-sea ecosystems and working alongside Dr. Fenolio to identify the many species of eel larvae found in the Gulf. The conversation explores the unusual development of eel larvae, the importance of taxonomy, and the role of marine snow in deep-ocean food webs. Dr. Moore also recounts his experience diving aboard the submersible Alvin and discusses bioluminescence, deep-sea exploration, and remarkable species such as lancetfish, dragonfish, tube shoulders, cookie-cutter sharks, and sleeper sharks. Discover how life at the ocean surface connects to its deepest habitats—and why understanding these rarely seen species is essential to conserving our shared ocean.
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  Texas Horned Lizard: Blood, Myths and Conservation! 17.07.2026 59dk

  Fun fact: When threatened, Texas horned lizards can squirt blood from their eyes to ward off predators! And somehow, it still isn't the most interesting thing about them. In this episode, we're joined by guest speaker Bekky Muscher-Hodges, Manager of the Center for Conservation and Research at San Antonio Zoo, to take a closer look at the "Horny Toad" (the Texas horned lizard), one of North America's most iconic and unusual reptiles. From their incredible adaptations and specialized diet, to the myths that surround them, there's a lot more to this beloved reptile than meets the eye. We'll dive deeper into why Texas horned lizards have disappeared from much of their historic range and what researchers and conservationists at San Antonio Zoo are doing to bring them back. Whether you're here for the bizarre, bloody biology or the conservation work at hand, this episode is a great reminder that some of the most remarkable animals are hiding in plain sight.
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  First Ever Giant Squid Captured On Camera with Dr. Edie Widder 01.05.2026 56dk

  You don't want to miss this episode of Edge of the Earth: Tales of Conservation! Renowned oceanographer, marine biologist, and explorer Dr. Edith Widder joins us for a fascinating journey into the depths of the ocean. As the co-founder and CEO of the Ocean Research & Conservation Association, Dr. Widder has spent her career uncovering the mysteries of the deep sea—often lighting the way with groundbreaking discoveries in bioluminescence. In this episode, we dive into the science behind nature's glow-in-the-dark organisms, hear the incredible story of capturing the first-ever live footage of a giant squid (and doing it again), and explore some of Dr. Widder's wildest deep-sea adventures. She also shares her personal journey into marine biology and how curiosity, innovation, and storytelling can drive ocean conservation forward.
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  Talking Glowing Shrimp and Deep Sea Exploration with Heather Bracken-Grissom 20.03.2026 42dk

  In this episode, we dive into the mysterious world of glowing shrimp and the wonders of deep-sea exploration with marine biologist Heather Bracken-Grissom. She unpacks the science behind bioluminescence and what makes deep-sea crustaceans some of the most fascinating creatures on Earth. The conversation also explores how scientists study the ocean's depths and the challenges of uncovering life in such extreme environments. Along the way, Heather shares her journey to becoming a marine biologist and offers insight into pursuing a career in ocean science.
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  Exploring Blackwater Cave Diving with Mike Bartick 21.02.2026 50dk

  In this episode, we venture into the open ocean at night with underwater photographer and blackwater diving expert Mike Bartick. He shares how blackwater diving reveals rarely seen larval and deep-sea species, why it's becoming so important for marine research, and what it's like to encounter the ocean's most mysterious creatures suspended in the dark.
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  She flew above the Amazon Rainforest! Women in Stem with Kamryn Richard 07.02.2026 59dk

  In this episode of Edge of the Earth: Tales of Conservation, we sit down with Kamryn to talk about what it's really like to be a woman working in conservation today. She opens up about the challenges, the resilience, and the unexpected hurdles she's faced in a male-dominated field — but also the incredible moments that make it all worth it. From flying a bush plane over the Amazon rainforest to connecting with conservationists around the globe, Kamryn shares stories of adventure, purpose, and passion for protecting our planet. Whether you're interested in wildlife, travel, or environmental work, this conversation is both inspiring and eye-opening. Tune in for an honest, heartfelt, and empowering discussion about carving your path in conservation 🌍
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  Blackwater Diving with Robert Stansfield 24.01.2026 1sa

  Today's episode dives into the deep with Robert Stansfield of Blackwater Cozumel as we explore the fascinating world of blackwater diving. Learn how this unique diving technique reveals rarely seen marine life, why it's so essential for research and conservation, and what it's like to encounter the ocean's most mysterious creatures in the dark.
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  New England Cottontail 10.01.2026 36dk

  In this episode of Edge of the Earth: Tales of Conservation, we're joined by Lou Perrotti, Director of Conservation Programs at Roger Williams Park Zoo. The conversation focuses on the New England Cottontail and the critical conservation efforts underway to protect this important species and its habitat.
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  Burying Beetles 27.12.2025 42dk

  In this episode of Edge of the Earth: Tales of Conservation, we're joined by Lou Perrotti, Director of Conservation Programs at Roger Williams Park Zoo. The conversation focuses on the burying beetle and the critical conservation efforts underway to protect this important species and its habitat.
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  GRACE Foundation 12.12.2025 47dk

  Welcome to Edge of the Earth: Tales of Conservation, the official podcast of San Antonio Zoo!  In our very first episode, we're thrilled to sit down with GRACE Executive Director Katie Fawcett and Deputy & Education Director Laurie Cummins to explore the world of gorilla conservation. We dive into fascinating gorilla facts, the impactful work GRACE is doing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and why protecting these incredible animals matters now more than ever. We also celebrate the opening of Congo Falls, San Antonio Zoo's new gorilla habitat, and discuss how it directly supports gorilla conservation in the wild. Join us for a world of fun on this first ever episode!