For the curious, the wild at heart, and those who dream beyond the beaten path. Hosted by a passionate wildlife traveller Will Routledge, each episode dives into the world of conservation, exploration, and human connection with nature. From in-depth conversations with wildlife experts and conservationists to unforgettable stories from the front lines of wild and untamed places. Wildlife Quests brings you stories that inspire, educate, and ignite your love for the wild world. Whether you're a traveller, a nature nerd, or someone who just wants to hear about people doing extraordinary things, this podcast is for you.
Wildlife and Wild Places: Nate Wilbourne’s New Zealand Mission
In this episode, we sit down with Nate Wilbourne, one of New Zealand’s most passionate young conservationists, to talk all things wildlife. From bird relocation projects to predator trapping, Nate shares his experiences working hands on in conservation across Aotearoa. We explore the challenges of protecting native species, the success stories that give hope, and how community led efforts are shaping the future of NZ’s unique ecosystems. Learn more about Nate and his work here: https://...
28 Jul 2025
Living Fossils: Richard Pearce on Japan’s Giant Salamanders
In this episode, we’re joined by Richard Pearce, founder of Bushido Japan and passionate conservationist, to uncover the mysterious world of the Japanese giant salamander one of the world’s largest and most elusive amphibians. Richard shares how he became involved with this ancient species, what makes it so unique, and the cultural and ecological importance it holds in Japan. From tranquil mountain streams to centuries-old legends, this episode explores the intersection of wildlife conservati...
14 Jul 2025
Peter Jackson Backs De-Extinction Project: From Fossil to Fantasy, the Giant Moa
In this episode, we dive into the cutting-edge science behind one of the most ambitious conservation experiments in history: the effort to bring back the giant moa. From ancient DNA and CRISPR technology to emu surrogates and artificial egg environments, William explores how scientists including those at Colossal Biosciences are rewriting extinction. But this isn't just science fiction. We unpack what this means for modern biodiversity, Indigenous collaboration, and ethical conservation, with...
9 Jul 2025
Wild Antarctica: A Researcher’s Life in the Coldest Classroom
Life on Ice: Jean Pennycook on Living and Researching in Antarctica In this fascinating episode, I sit down with Jean Pennycook, a scientist and educator who has spent over two decades living and working in the icy wilderness of Antarctica. Jean shares what it’s like to sleep in a tent on the frozen continent, conduct penguin research in extreme conditions, and witness some of Earth’s most extraordinary wildlife up close. From the daily routines of survival in sub-zero temperatures to the br...
30 Jun 2025
Behind the Camera: Alaska Through Tom Walker’s Eyes
Wildlife photographer Tom Walker recounts his experiences capturing Alaska's untamed landscapes and elusive animals, highlighting the patience and persistence required to document the quiet, magical moments in nature in this interview with the host.
25 Jun 2025
Into the Wild: My Journey Through Sumatra’s Jungle
The host journeys into Sumatra's jungle, exploring Gunung Leuser National Park and encountering orangutans, gibbons, and bioluminescent millipedes while connecting with local villagers.
18 Jun 2025
Hunting, Ice, and Igloos: Seth Kantner's Arctic Life
Author Seth Kantner recounts his upbringing in a sod igloo on the Alaskan tundra, sharing stories of subsistence hunting and deep connection with the land in an interview with the host.
12 Jun 2025
The Man Who Circled the Earth Alone: Rowing 41,000 Miles
Guinness World Record holder Erden Eruç recounts his solo rowing expeditions across three oceans and cycling across continents, highlighting the power of human-powered exploration in an interview with the host.
9 Jun 2025
1,800km Journey through Indonesia: Lumarara’s Whale Hunters
The host journeys 1,800km to Lumarara, Indonesia, exploring a remote whale hunting village and its ancient traditions, offering insights into unique cultural practices.
22 May 2025
Living Root Bridges: The Ancient Art of Growing Architecture
In one of the wettest regions on Earth Meghalaya, India a remarkable tradition thrives: bridges made not from steel or stone, but from the living roots of rubber fig trees. In this episode, I speak with Morningstar Khongthaw, founder of the Living Bridge Foundation, to learn how these extraordinary living structures are created, maintained, and passed down through generations. With over 130 bridges still standing some dating back 500 years Morningstar shares the cultural significance, ecologi...
18 May 2025
Pearling Stories from the Edge of Australia
In this solo episode, I share my raw, real story of how I stumbled into the mysterious and beautiful world of the pearling industry. From having no clue about oysters to spawning them by hand, I take you on my journey to Beagle Bay a remote Aboriginal community two hours north of Broome, Western Australia where I lived and worked for eight months on private land. I talk about the unexpected path that led me there, the gritty life in a hatchery, unforgettable moments at sea aboard a pea...
10 May 2025
The Truth Behind Free Willy: Keiko’s Real Story
Dive into the untold story of Keiko, the beloved orca who captured the world’s heart in Free Willy. Join me as I sit down with environmentalist and wildlife filmmaker Karla, along with musician and director Theresa, to uncover the real life journey of Keiko beyond the Hollywood spotlight. This episode explores the truth behind his captivity, the efforts to return him to the wild, and the powerful documentary Keiko: The Untold Story, which shines a light on his legacy. If you’ve ever wondered ...
7 May 2025
Vanishing Dolphins: The Battle to Save Māui & Hector’s
In this episode, we sit down with Christine Rose founder and chair of Māui and Hector’s Dolphin Defenders to explore her remarkable three decade journey protecting two of the world’s rarest marine mammals. Christine shares powerful stories from her encounters with these elusive dolphins, both from the shoreline and at sea, and discusses what first sparked her passion for their protection. We unpack the serious threats these dolphins face from fishing bycatch to habitat degradation and why ev...
5 May 2025
The Orangutan Whisperer: Leif Cocks on Saving a Species
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Leif Cocks renowned primatologist and founder of The Orangutan Project. We explore Leif’s remarkable journey from zookeeper to one of the world’s most vocal advocates for orangutan conservation. Leif shares what inspired him to dedicate his life to protecting great apes, the early challenges of establishing The Orangutan Project, and the complex realities of working on the front lines of wildlife conservation. We dive into the threats facing oranguta...
4 May 2025
A Journey into the Unknown
In this debut episode, I share the story of how I left the UK in 2015 and began a life of travel and adventure. From working on the road to encountering incredible wildlife across continents, this episode kicks off the podcast with personal stories, lessons learned, and what it’s like to live a nomadic life close to nature. Follow me on YouTube for full videos of my travels: It's a Wildlife - YouTube You can reach out to me on my blog if you have a story you would like to share, or if you ar...
Who has been a guest on Wildlife Quests
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Tom Walker
Seth Kantner
Erden Eruç
Reach and audience
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YouTube views
164,333
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 44 / 100
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Quality
54
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
0
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