ZSL's Wildest Moments

What began as a peaceful morning ride along Australia's coast quickly became a fight for survival.  In this episode of Wildest Moments, host Ben Fogle speaks with equine dentist Nicole Graham, who found herself trapped with her beloved horse Astro in deep tidal mud as water began to rise around them. With every passing minute the ground swallowed them deeper, turning a quiet ride into a desperate race against time.  Joining the conversation is ZSL zookeeper Gemma Metcalf, who shares expert insight into animal behaviour and the remarkable relationships that can form between humans and animals - a relationship that, in moments like these, can mean the difference between tragedy and survival.  For anyone who grew up haunted by that scene in The NeverEnding Story, this real-life story offers hope where a generation of filmgoers once felt heartbreak.   About Wildest Moments:  Hosted by Ben Fogle and created in partnership with Mountain Warehouse, Wildest Moments is a podcast from ZSL (Zoological Society of London) exploring the surprising, emotional and transformative encounters people have had with wildlife. New episodes are released on the third Thursday of every month. Launched as part of ZSL's 200th anniversary, the series celebrates over two centuries of inspiring closer connections between people and the natural world.   Credits Executive Producers - Rami Tzabar, Jane Gerber and Katie Derham  Senior Producer - Naomi Oiku  Production Supervisor - Mia Xerri Mondragon  ZSL editorial leads: Tina Campanella and Rebecca Blanchard  Sound Design and Additional Editing - Nada Smiljanić  Sound Engineer - Jon Last  Video Editor - Carla Mercer  Cover Art - Will Rose  Recorded at TYX Studios, London.      

When Cam Whitnall saw a video of five lions fighting for survival in war-torn Ukraine, he made a decision that would change his life - and theirs - forever.  In this episode of Wildest Moments, host Ben Fogle speaks with the wildlife photographer, author, presenter and Managing Director of The Big Cat Sanctuary, about his extraordinary childhood growing up in a zoo and how it ultimately led to a dramatic rescue mission that captured hearts around the world.  Joining the conversation is ZSL Curator of Mammals Sarah Forsyth, who offers insight into the unique expertise required to carry out complex wildlife rescues, and the remarkable skills, collaboration and dedication of the people working for wildlife in zoos and conservation organisations around the globe.  Together they explore how encounters with animals can inspire a lifetime of conservation action and offer hope for the future.  It's a powerful story of perseverance, compassion and the human drive to protect wildlife even in the most impossible circumstances.  About Wildest Moments:  Hosted by Ben Fogle and created in partnership with Mountain Warehouse, Wildest Moments is a podcast from ZSL (Zoological Society of London) exploring the surprising, emotional and transformative encounters people have had with wildlife. New episodes are released on the third Thursday of every month. Launched as part of ZSL's 200th anniversary, the series celebrates over two centuries of inspiring closer connections between people and the natural world.   Credits  Executive Producers - Rami Tzabar, Jane Gerber and Katie Derham  Senior Producer - Naomi Oiku  Production Supervisor - Mia Xerri Mondragon  Sound Design and Additional Editing - Nada Smiljanić  Sound Engineer - Jon Last  Video Editor - Carla Mercer  Cover Art - Will Rose  ZSL editorial leads: Tina Campanella and Rebecca Blanchard  Recorded at TYX Studios, London.    

For Dr Mya-Rose Craig, known to many as Birdgirl, birdwatching has always been more than a hobby – it's been a lifeline.  In this episode of Wildest Moments, host Ben Fogle speaks with the ornithologist, activist and author about how birds shaped her childhood and became a vital source of comfort as her family navigated her mother's bipolar disorder.  She shares the unforgettable moment she encountered a sword-billed hummingbird in Ecuador - a sighting so extraordinary it sparked an ambitious mission: to see every species of hummingbird on Earth.  Joining the conversation is ZSL Learning Officer Marcus Merriman, who reflects on the powerful role nature can play in young people's lives and why access to wildlife and wild spaces is so important for both people and the planet.  Together they explore how moments in nature can shape a lifetime - and why nurturing curiosity and connection with the natural world may be one of the most important investments we can make in the next generation.  It's a story about resilience, wonder and the transformative power of even the smallest animals.  About Wildest Moments:  Hosted by Ben Fogle and created in partnership with Mountain Warehouse, Wildest Moments is a podcast from ZSL (Zoological Society of London) exploring the surprising, emotional and transformative encounters people have had with wildlife. New episodes are released on the third Thursday of every month. Launched as part of ZSL's 200th anniversary, the series celebrates over two centuries of inspiring closer connections between people and the natural world.   Executive Producers - Rami Tzabar, Jane Gerber and Katie Derham  Senior Producer - Naomi Oiku  Production Supervisor - Mia Xerri Mondragon  ZSL editorial leads: Tina Campanella and Rebecca Blanchard  Sound Design and Additional Editing - Nada Smiljanić  Sound Engineer - Jon Last  Video Editor - Carla Mercer  Cover Art - Will Rose  Recorded at TYX Studios, London.    

Wildest Moments is a new wildlife and conservation podcast from international conservation charity ZSL, hosted by Ben Fogle. Created to celebrate ZSL's 200th anniversary, the series shares powerful stories of life-changing encounters with nature, alongside expert insight from ZSL scientists and conservationists.  The first three episodes launch on 19 March. Listen to the trailer now.    Executive Producers - Rami Tzabar, Jane Gerber and Katie Derham Senior Producer - Naomi Oiku  Production Supervisor - Mia Xerri Mondragon  Sound Design and Additional Editing - Nada Smiljanić  Sound Engineer - Jon Last  Video Editor - Carla Mercer  Cover Art - Will Rose  Recorded at TYX Studios, London   A Peanut & Crumb production for ZSL, in partnership with Mountain Warehouse.