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Join Zoologist, Jess Newton, as she interviews Steve Nichols BCAv, the driving force behind one of the UK's largest animal sanctuaries. Hear hilarious tales, including those of the sanctuary's World renowned, (and rather colourful) Swearing Parrots, alongside heartwrenching stories like Jackson, the Mandrill monkey who fell in love with Steve and famous for his part in the Harry Potter films, or when the wildest of animals turned up in the form of Dehra the Bengal tiger, now that's a story to listen to. This podcast offers a unique blend of laughter, tears, and inspiring accounts of compassion, resilience, and the profound bond between humans and animals.
18 Episodes
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Send us a text This episode of Wild Conversations is all about catching up with the whirlwind that is daily life at Lincolnshire Wildlife Park. Jess sits down with Steve to chat through the never-ending list of jobs, challenges, and surprises that have been keeping the team busy. Between ensuring the welfare of hundreds of parrots, responding to the daily needs of animals across the park, and managing staff, you’d think there wouldn’t be much room left for anything else. But in true LWP styl...
Send us a text Hosted (sort of) by Jessica Newton In a refreshing twist to the usual format, this week Steve grabs the mic — figuratively, of course — and flips the script, putting podcast host and zoologist Jessica Newton in the hot seat. What unfolds is a light-hearted, engaging profile of the woman who’s been guiding listeners through the sanctuary’s journey. Steve delves into Jess’s university days, her path into zoology, and ultimately how she came to be such an integral part of the te...
Send us a text In this deeply moving episode our wonderful host, Jess Newton sits down with Steve for what is, without doubt, one of the most heartfelt chapters in the sanctuary’s story. This episode is dedicated to Dehra — the very first tiger to arrive at the sanctuary, and the one who would go on to carve a permanent place in Steve’s heart. With raw emotion, laughter, and moments of reflection, Jessica does her best to hold it together as Steve opens up about the extraordinary connection ...
Send us a text In this powerful and poignant episode, Zoologist, Jess Newton sits down once again with Steve Nichols BCAv and founder of the UK's largest parrot sanctuary, to explore a moment that changed the course of the sanctuary’s future — and Steve’s life — forever. This heart-warming episode marks the arrival of something far bigger than feathers: tigers. And not just any tigers, but the first big cats to call the sanctuary home. What began as a bold decision quickly turned into ...
Send us a text In this deeply moving episode of Wild Conversations, join our host, Jess Newton, as she speaks with Steve Nichols, the compassionate founder of Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, one of the UK's largest animal sanctuaries. Together, they bravely revisit the heartbreaking decision to say farewell to Uganda, one of the sanctuary's magnificent white lions, after a prolonged and difficult illness. Jess and Steve share the raw emotions and poignant memories surrounding Uganda's final days,...
Send us a text Join our ever-enthusiastic host, Jess, in this poignant yet ultimately heartwarming episode of In Wild Conversations. This time, Jess sits down with Steve, the passionate founder of our beloved animal sanctuary, as he recounts a distressing period in the sanctuary's history – the time they were burgled. While thankfully none of the sanctuary's vibrant parrots were stolen, the incident had its own chaotic aftermath. A few feathered escapees took flight, eventually being found a ...
Send us a text Welcome to episode 12 of Wild Conversations! Join your host, Jess Newton, as she delves into the fascinating story behind the creation of one of the UK's largest animal sanctuarys. In this episode, Jess continues her chat with Steve, the passionate founder of the sanctuary, uncovering the surprising reason why visitor numbers were initially very low. Prepare to be charmed as Steve reveals how the arrival of a wonderful meerkat family sparked an incredible surge in popularity, d...
Send us a text Welcome back to "Wild Conversations"! In episode 11, our ever-enthusiastic host, Jess, dives deep into the heart of the sanctuary's daily dramas and triumphs with the incredible Steve, its founder. This week, a heart-wrenching tale unfolds as Steve recounts the rapid rehoming of a baby Blue and Yellow Macaw, purchased on a whim and surrendered within 24 hours. This incident sparks a vital conversation about the responsibilities of exotic pet ownership, highlighting the often-ov...
Send us a text Welcome to another "Wild Conversations," where host Jess delves into the extraordinary stories behind one of the UK's largest animal sanctuaries. In this episode, Jess sits down with Steve Nichols BCAv, the remarkable founder of the sanctuary, for a candid and hilarious chat from the early days. Steve takes us back to the sanctuary's humble beginnings on opening day, a whirlwind of activity back in 2003, where one crucial detail slipped through the cracks: chairs for the cafe. ...
Send us a text Welcome back to a slightly unexpected episode. Jess usually uses her clever wit to tempt the sanctuary stories out of Steve. This week? Let's just say Steve decided to test the structural integrity of his own spine. Spoiler: it failed. Hours before recording, he took a 'gravity-assisted shortcut' resulting in a fractured back. So, yeah, we're pivoting. Hard. Forget the parrot advice folks for this week. We're trading squawks for squeaks of pain. Steve, bless his cotton socks (...
Send us a text Get ready for some feathered mayhem in episode 8. Steve and Jess are back with a mix of hilarious anecdotes and essential parrot care advice. This week, Steve shares a truly embarrassing tale of a macaw heist, where a chocolate bar disappears en route to one of the UK's strictest vets and Steve has to fess-up. Imagine the chaos! Beyond the laughs, we dive into critical first aid, focusing on how to handle bleeding in parrots. We'll cover quick-clotting techniques and the import...
Send us a text Episode 7 of Wild Conversations is a joy to listen to. Join your host, Jess, as she sits down with the ever-entertaining Steve, who's ready to unleash a torrent of jaw-dropping tales from the murky world of unscrupulous parrot traders where you will be astounded by the sheer horror of the tricks these individuals employed to offload their innocent feathered friends. But it's not all doom and gloom! Steve, with his decades of experience, and Jess a zoologist with nearly a decade...
Send us a text Join Jess as she dives into the weird world of Steve, the chaotic man who created this amazing sanctuary. In this week's episode, Steve takes us on a nostalgic journey, introducing the eccentric crew that would arrive on Friday evening armed with the famous Scrumpy ready for a wobbly weekend of aviary construction. —a motley bunch you won't soon forget. Then, prepare for a squawking symphony! Jess and Steve discuss vital, advice on managing a parrot-filled home. Learn how...
Send us a text Alright, get ready for a truly eclectic episode! In this fact-filled adventure, Steve's world takes a bizarre turn when he's approached by a group convinced they've discovered mystical energy within feathers. Was it a genuine scientific breakthrough, or as Steve suspected, a full-blown cult? Hear his hilarious account of navigating this strange encounter, and learn about the unexpected allure of feathered mysticism. But the episode isn't just about eccentric groups and esoteri...
Send us a text Episode 4, Jess plunges into the captivating world of Steve, a man whose sheer passion and vision have a magnetic pull. His ability to inspire and attract people to his ambitious projects, regardless of the potential chaos, is a testament to his unique personality. You'll hear stories of how Steve's energy and determination have shaped the sanctuary, proving that sometimes, a little bit of madness can lead to extraordinary results. But it's not all about grand visions. Steve an...
Send us a text "Ever wondered what it's like to face the bright lights of television for the very first time? In this episode, your host, Jess, sits down with Steve, who recounts his hilariously nerve-wracking debut on a late 90s TV program, well before he even started building the sanctuary. Picture this: Steve, sweating like mad with nervous energy, so tense that the makeup artists couldn't even get the make-up to stick to his face! But the story doesn't end there. Hear how television legen...
Send us a text "Steve's relentless house hunt, spanning over 100 properties and 10,000 miles, finally culminates in the quiet village of Friskney, near Skegness. But the relief is short-lived. In this episode, Jess hears more of Steve's journey, from the unexpected discovery of his new home to the unsettling realisation that he might have made a significant error. Join us as we explore the highs and lows of relocation, and uncover the truth behind Steve's Friskney gamble." Support the s...
Send us a text Ever wondered how a chance encounter can spark a life-changing mission? On this the debut episode of Wild Conversations, host Jess Newton sits down with Steve Nichols BCAv, the remarkable founder of one of the UK's largest animal sanctuaries. Steve shares the incredible story of how a conversation with a nun ignited the dream to build a haven for animals in need. Hear how that initial spark, combined with unwavering dedication, led to the creation of this extraordinary place. J...
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