That's WILD! A Little Rock Zoo Podcast

This episode of That's Wild! hosted by Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock features returning guest Dr. Sarah Stoneburg, who serves as a veterinarian at the Little Rock Zoo and oversees the zoo's commissary operations. The discussion highlights the massive logistical operation required to feed over 400 animals representing more than 200 species every day.

Dr. Stoneberg explains the diverse diet categories handled by her team of three commissary keepers, noting, "we have carnivores, we have insectivores, we have herbivores, we have frugivores... a frugivore is a fruit-based diet". She emphasizes the intense meal preparation and safety standards involved, sharing...

In this episode of That's Wild, hosts Joy Matlock and Dustin Bean sit down with guest Buddy Hasten. Buddy serves as the President and CEO of the Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Incorporated, but beyond his corporate career, he is a dedicated backyard beekeeper.

During the episode, Buddy explains the ecological and economic significance of bees to Arkansas, noting how essential pollinators support the state's agriculture. He discusses threats to bee populations like Varroa mites, different bee breeds such as Italian, Russian, and Saskatraz bees, and the phenomenon of catching wild bee swarms—which he...

In this episode of "That's Wild!", hosts Joy Matlock and Susan Altrui are joined by Kate Neal, the interim and senior carnivore keeper at the Little Rock Zoo, to explore the world of cheetahs. Neal clarifies right away that cheetahs are not actually classified as big cats, explaining, "Panthera is lions, tigers, jaguars, and leopards, where Acinonyx is the genus for cheetahs. So they are their own genus, there are no other extant members of that genus". The conversation highlights the species' remarkable adaptations for speed, including a flexible spine, semi-retractable claws that "act like cleats", and the black...

In this episode, Joy Matlock and Susan Altrui sit down with Kevin Krajcir, Conservation Biologist and Grants Coordinator with the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission. We dive deep into local bird conservation efforts, the research surrounding bird-feather mite symbioses, and practical steps everyday Arkansans can take to transform their backyards into thriving avian sanctuaries.

Kevin shares his research background at Arkansas State University's Boves Lab, focusing on the functional nature of the symbiosis between songbirds and feather mites. Contrary to the common belief that all mites are harmful parasites, many feather mites maintain a commensal or mutually beneficial...

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 mi...

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...

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...

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...

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 th...

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 mu...

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

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

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

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

In this episode of That’s Wild, we go behind the scenes at the Little Rock Zoo with Erin Dauenhauer-Decota, Assistant Curator for Primates, to explore the complex world of Great Apes and the personal "calling" of conservation.

From the hilarious personalities of chimpanzees like Mikey to the "original PSL" (the Pygmy Slow Loris), Erin shares what it’s really like to manage one of the most diverse primate collections in the country. We also dive deep into the enduring legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall, discussing how her work shattered barriers for women in science and...

In this episode of That’s Wild, hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock celebrate the "Gentle Giants" of the animal kingdom. The conversation starts with a lighthearted look at the calming effects of capybaras—the world’s largest rodents—and the exciting news that they will be returning to the Little Rock Zoo in late 2025.

The episode then dives deep into the world of elephants with special guest Kristen Grove, Elephant Manager and Curator at the Little Rock Zoo.

Highlights include:

In this episode of That’s Wild, hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock take a nostalgic trip back to the 1970s and 80s to explore a pivotal era of transformation at the Little Rock Zoo. Joined by Arkansas broadcasting legend and former radio DJ Craig O’Neal. The team dives into the history of the "Bring Down the Bars" campaign—a community-led movement that revolutionized animal habitats by replacing traditional iron bars with more naturalistic environments.

Highlights from this episode include:

In this episode of That’s Wild, hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock go behind the scenes of the Little Rock Zoo’s massive transformation: Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined. Joined by Ben Beggs, President of Flintco Inc., the team discusses the unique challenges and fascinating details involved in building world-class animal habitats.

Highlights from this episode include:

Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock speak with Little Rock Zoo's Conservation and Research Coordinator, Dr. Laura Bernstein-Kurtycz, about sloth bears and international conservation.

The episode starts with "Wild News": celebrating the hopeful increase in the endangered Red Wolf population (supported by AZA zoos) and the rediscovery of the sailback hound shark, highlighting the vulnerability of microendemic species.

Dr. Bernstein-Kurtycz clarifies that sloth bears, native to India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, are not sloths. They are insectivores and their primary diet of ants and termites is called myrmecophagous. Their unique adaptations include long claws for...

Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock team up with zookeeper Hannah Baker for a playful but powerful thought experiment: What if humans had the superpowers of animals? From cheetah-speed sprints to gorilla strength and kangaroo jumps, this imaginative episode uses humor to explore real conservation issues hiding beneath the “what if” scenarios.

But the conversation turns deeper: What if accredited zoos didn’t exist? The hosts reflect on the life-saving impact of AZA-accredited zoos—from black-footed ferrets and California condors to great ape medical research, hero rats, venom-derived medicines, habitat conservation, and the emotional and educational moments that sha...

Summary Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock celebrate conservation comeback stories and the teamwork behind them. Through a game of Two Truths and a Lie and a visit from zookeeper Hannah Baker (and ambassador ferret Hagrid), this episode explores how AZA-accredited zoos, government agencies, scientists, and communities combine tools like captive breeding, reintroduction, habitat protection, disease management, and genetics to bring species back from the brink.

In this episode you’ll learn

Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock explore how local actions support global conservation. From hummingbird migrations to endangered pancake tortoises, this episode pulls back the curtain on AZA-accredited zoo work, Species Survival Plans (SSPs), community events like Drink Beer, Save Turtles, and simple steps listeners can take to protect wildlife. Zookeeper Hannah Baker brings Short Stack the pancake tortoise to show how ambassador animals help spark conservation.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Episode Summary: Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock kick off with a fun audio quiz—identifying Siamang apes, ponies, capuchin monkeys, geese, and alligators by their calls—then dive into how That’s Wild animals are cared for. Learn about AZA accreditation, Species Survival Plans (SSPs), and the day‑to‑day enrichment and husbandry that keep zoo residents thriving. Zookeeper Hannah brings Iris the blue‑tongued skink to demonstrate protocols for ambassador animals.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Episode Summary: Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock explore the “superpowers” that let wildlife hide, survive, and sustain ecosystems. From master camouflagers in the upcoming Hidden Corners exhibit to the semi-permeable skin of a smooth-sided toad, learn how animals blend in, breathe through skin, and even regenerate limbs. Zookeeper Hannah introduces a native Amazonian toad ambassador to demonstrate these incredible adaptations up close.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Hosts Susan Altruy and Joy Matlock dive into the astonishing world of lizards—exploring Komodo dragons, bearded dragons, and Arkansas’s eastern collared lizard “dragons.” Learn what makes Komodos fearsome predators and how local zoos breed and release native species to restore Ozark glade ecosystems. Zookeeper Hannah also introduces Steve the bearded dragon, a laid-back ambassador who helps families connect with reptiles.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Join hosts Susan Altruy and Joy Matlock on That’s Wild Podcast as they explore the myriad ways animals communicate—through dance, color changes, smells, and vocalizations. From honeybee waggle dances to skunk foot stomps, squid chromatophores, and the hoots of a great horned owl named Lincoln, this episode reveals how nonverbal and verbal signals shape survival and social bonds in the wild. Zookeeper Hannah also brings Lincoln on-mic to demonstrate visual cues and territorial hoots firsthand.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Episode Summary: Hosts Susan Altruy and Joy Matlock explore how animals secure food—through foraging, hunting, and special tactics—and how habitat loss endangers those sources. Zookeeper Hannah then presents Monty, a Ball Python, to demonstrate snake adaptations for locating and subduing prey. Learn simple actions you can take to protect natural food chains.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Emcee Dustin Bean, host Susan Altrui, and co‑host Joy Matlock dive into animal intelligence and tool use on this episode of That’s Wild Podcast—brought to you by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and produced by the Little Rock Zoo. From octopuses wielding coconut shells to crows bending wires, learn how creatures across the globe employ inventive strategies to survive. Plus, special guest Hannah brings Molly, a 28‑year‑old Moluccan cockatoo ambassador, to demonstrate the true brainpower of our feathered friends.

Show Notes

1. Introduction & Mission (0:00)

Emcee Dustin Bean welcomes you to That’s Wild Podcast, produced by the Little Rock Zoo and sponsored by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation. Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock explore the world’s wildest “parenting” strategies—from alligator moms ferrying babies in their mouths to seahorse dads carrying eggs. You’ll hear how orangutans bond for eight years, why cuckoo birds outsource childcare, and get an insider look at parenting in action at Little Rock Zoo, capped off by a special visit from Vinny the African penguin.

Show Notes

1. Welcome & Mission

Join emcees Susan Altrui, Joy Matlock, and Dustin Bean on That’s Wild Podcast as they dive into the intriguing world of sleep and animal dormancy. In this episode—brought to you by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and produced by the Little Rock Zoo—the hosts explore the science behind hibernation, brumation, and estivation. From the ultra-slow heartbeats of hibernating bears to the unique adaptations of reptiles and desert dwellers, they blend humor with fascinating facts and share conservation insights to inspire listeners to protect our natural world.

Show Notes:

Join emcees Susan Altrui, Joy Matlock, and Dustin Bean on That’s Wild Podcast as they delve into the fascinating world of animal eating behaviors, from picky eaters like pandas and koalas to opportunistic feeders such as hyenas and owls. In this episode—brought to you by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and produced by the Little Rock Zoo—the hosts uncover incredible animal adaptations, share conservation insights, and explore how these behaviors connect to the natural world.

Show Notes:

1. Introduction & Mission

Episode Summary: Join emcees Susan Altrui, Joy Matlock, and Dustin Bean on That’s Wild Podcast as they explore the clever world of foxes and the urban ingenuity of rats. In this episode—brought to you by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and produced by the Little Rock Zoo—the hosts dive into intriguing animal behaviors, pop culture nods, and conservation insights that connect nature to everyday life.

Show Notes:

1. Introduction & Mission

This week on THAT’S WILD, Joy and Susan explore the natural world’s drama queens—animals with attitudes, quirks, and downright wild behaviors. From llamas asserting dominance to exploding ants and bubble-popping shrimp, this episode dives into the fascinating and sometimes bizarre behaviors that make these creatures true divas.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Happy Halloween! Explore the scary side of the natural world with your hosts from the Little Rock Zoo, Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock, as they discuss the real-life inspiration behind horror-movie monsters! Learn more about creepy animal behavior with special guests, Hannah Baker and Buzz the Tarantula.