What does it take to save a species on the edge?

From the iconic television show, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, comes Back From the Brink, a podcast celebrating the most remarkable comeback stories in the natural world. We meet endangered species that were nearly lost –– some down to their last dozen or hundred –– and learn how they found their way back. Each episode goes deep on a single species and the scientists, conservationists, and unexpected heroes at the forefront of environmental conservation who fought to save them.

About the Hosts:

As a wildlife ecologist, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant has expertise in uncovering how human activity influences carnivore behavior and ecology. Dr. Wynn-Grant is a recipient of the prestigious Gracie Award, which focuses on women who are making positive change and who further the discussion of what a fulfilling career in media looks like. Honored for her work on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, Dr. Wynn-Grant continues to inspire with her passion for wildlife conservation and storytelling.

Peter Gros is a veteran wildlife expert and educator. As the co-host of the Emmy® nominated series, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, and narrator of the Back from the Brink podcast, Gros shares conservation success stories and brings a message of hope to motivate audiences to take action in protecting wildlife and their habitats. Gros joined the original Wild Kingdom team in 1985, co-hosting alongside Jim Fowler on the classic series and Mutual of Omaha’s Spirit of Adventure.He has nearly 30 years of field experience with captive wildlife, establishing breeding programs for endangered animals and rehabilitation programs for birds of prey. As a USDA licensed exhibition exhibitor and animal educator, Gros has shared his experiences across the U.S. through the Wild Kingdom Kids Summit, talk show appearances and lectures. He also serves on the board of directors of the Suisun Marsh Natural History Association and is a trustee for the Cheetah Conservation Fund.

About Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom:

Since its network television premiere in 1963, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom has been one of the most loved and respected wildlife programs in television history. The Daytime Emmy® nominated Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, now airing weekends on NBC’s “The More You Know” time block, celebrates stories of conservation success, including the great work of caring, compassionate experts and how they are making a positive impact on the Wild Kingdom. For more information about Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, visit www.wildkingdom.com

Conversations of squeaks, whistles and buzzes are an important way that beluga whales communicate in the dark depths of the ocean. In this episode, Dr. Kristin Westdal of Oceans North chats about her groundbreaking research of beluga behaviors and how noise pollution in the water can impact these beautiful mammals. She shares some unforgettable moments of up-close encounters with belugas while kayaking in the frigid waters near Churchill, Manitoba. Bonus Track: Sunny Nelson from Lincoln Park Zoo shares her journey researching the beautiful, and nearly extinct, Bali Myna, a rare bird found only in Bali, Indonesia.

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As climate change rapidly melts Arctic sea ice, polar bears could face near extinction by the end of the century. But thanks to the work of dedicated conservationists, there’s hope. In this episode, Nikki Smith, curator at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, shares her mission to help save polar bears in the wild and secure the future of this incredible species. She discusses the many challenges they face, from rising temperatures disrupting their breeding and growth to surviving in extreme freezing conditions and how the zoo’s breeding program is essential for the survival of this species. Bonus Track: Jennica King at Sedgwick County Zoo shares how the zoo’s efforts gave two orphaned bears a second chance—not just to survive, but to thrive.

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Bison may no longer be on the brink of extinction, but their journey is far from over. With dwindling genetic diversity and the absence of natural selection, these prairie ecosystem engineers are not as wild as they once were. In this episode, Dr. Daniel Kinka, director of rewilding at American Prairie, shares the story of bison—from their near extinction due to westward expansion to their return to the plains. We also learn why bison rewilding is essential to restoring biodiversity and ensuring the prairie thrives for generations to come. Bonus Track: Jen Osburn Eliot at Oregon Zoo shares how they’re helping Northwestern pond turtles grow strong in a program that raises and releases them back into the wild.

To learn more about Wild Kingdom, check out the website.

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The Bahamas stands as the only nation in the world to establish a shark sanctuary encompassing its entire marine environment. In this episode, we speak with Bahamian biologist and passionate shark advocate, Candace Fields, on why sharks are the true guardians of our oceans, highlighting their essential role in maintaining the vibrant underwater landscapes of coral reefs. She discusses how we can change the common misconceptions about sharks in the media, helping people learn to admire, not fear, these ocean superheroes. Bonus Track: Dr. Rory Telemeco of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo shares how collaborative conservation efforts are restoring the Blunt-nosed leopard lizard to the landscape to preserve this nearly extinct species.

To learn more about Wild Kingdom, check out the website.

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For seven years, North American zoos saw no coati births, leaving their population shrouded in uncertainty. But at Brevard Zoo in Florida, a groundbreaking milestone changed everything — welcoming the first coati litter in nearly a decade. Lauren Hinson, director of animal programs and coati studbook keeper, takes us behind the scenes of this incredible journey. From the challenges of understanding this species to the joy of seeing new life thrive, she reveals what it took to make this conservation success story a reality, and why it matters now more than ever. Bonus Track: Lisa Faust of Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo introduces us to the critically endangered Puerto Rican parrot, a remarkable bird that is on the brink of a comeback!

To learn more about Wild Kingdom, check out the website.

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Whale sharks face a constant threat from hunting, with thousands killed each year for their fins. In this episode, Kelly Link, a biologist at the Georgia Aquarium, recounts her up close and personal adventures with these filter feeders, including an incredible 33-hour-mission to bring two whale sharks to safety in Atlanta. She dives into the urgent need for whale shark conservation as their global population continues to decline and many of their behaviors in the wild remain a mystery. Bonus Track: From bears to frogs, countless animals are at risk due to habitat loss. Learn how Darren Minier and Isabella Linares of the Oakland Zoo are stepping up to rescue and protect wildlife in need.

To learn more about Wild Kingdom, check out the website.

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Ever wondered why some people and animals form such strong bonds? Or why these connections are so vital to our well-being? In this episode, we continue with more stories from the AZA conference, speaking with Dr. Kathayoon Khalil, a conservation psychologist with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, about the powerful role of empathy in human-animal connections. We also dive into the world of tarantulas with Wildlife & Environmental Educator Sarah Bowser to explore fascinating facts about these misunderstood creatures and the threats they face in the wild. Thom Demas from the Tennessee Aquarium wraps up the episode with a deep dive into the underwater world of a little-known fish that shows how stream health impacts us all – wildlife and humans.

To learn more about Wild Kingdom, check out the website.

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

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