{"podcast":{"title":"The Backyard Naturalists","slug":"the-backyard-naturalists-4262914","podcast_index_feed_id":4262914,"rss_url":"https://thebackyardnaturalists.libsyn.com/rss","website_url":"http://www.thebackyardnaturalists.com","image_url":"https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/1/5/2/d/152d5a4c8d405dd7bafc7308ab683e82/BYN_ARTWORK.png","author":"Downtown Podcasting","episode_count":100,"summary":"Embark on a magical adventure into the wonders of your backyard with 'The Backyard Naturalists' podcast. Whether you're a curious nature lover or a seasoned enthusiast, our show is your ticket to discovering the enchanting world of your own outdoor space. Join us on a journey of discovery as we celebrate the beauty of your backyard and explore a wide range of fascinating topics. Learn how to transform your little piece of nature into a haven for local wildlife, and discover the joy of citizen science by participating in events like the Great Backyard Bird Count. We'll guide you in creating a thriving ecosystem right at home by using native plants. Discover which fascinating creatures share your area, and learn how to attract specific bird species to your garden. We'll also delve into the world of raptors, both common and rare, that inhabit the Greater Charlotte region, and witness the mesmerizing spectacle of spring and fall bird migrations. But that's not all! We'll also introduce you to the magical world of plants that attract butterflies and so much more. Join us in unlocking the hidden treasures within your very own backyard and nurturing a deeper connection with the natural w…","last_synced_at":"2026-08-02T12:20:28.343915+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-backyard-naturalists-4262914"},"episode":{"title":"Conservation, Zoos, and Changing the World","slug":"conservation-zoos-and-changing-the-world","published_at":"2026-01-24T11:30:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-backyard-naturalists-4262914/conservation-zoos-and-changing-the-world","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-backyard-naturalists-4262914","url":"https://thebackyardnaturalists.libsyn.com/conservation-zoos-and-changing-the-world","audio_url":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thebackyardnaturalists/BYN_S5E15_-_Drew_Cronin_Mixdown_1.mp3?dest-id=3015305","summary":"Zoos have come a long way—and in this episode of The Backyard Naturalists Podcast , Debbie and Laurie kick off their first recording of 2026 by exploring just how different modern zoos are from those many of us remember as kids. From concrete enclosures to expansive, naturalistic habitats, today's zoos play a vital role not only in animal care, but in global conservation. Joining the conversation is Drew Cronin , Director of Conservation Education and Science at the North Carolina Zoo , who offers an eye-opening look at how zoos now serve as powerful hubs for research, education, and worldwide conservation action. Drew shares insights from nearly two decades of work across North America, Africa, and beyond, highlighting innovative projects like the SMART Partnership , a groundbreaking conservation technology platform now used in more than 1,500 protected areas worldwide. From protecting amphibians in North Carolina to supporting national park systems in Africa and Indigenous wildlife monitoring in Canada, this episode is packed with \"whoa moments\" that show how conservation success depends on empowering people, funding protection efforts, and rethinking our relationship with wildlife. If you think zoos are just about animals behind glass, this conversation may completely change your perspective. Episode highlights include: How modern zoos support global conservation, not just local exhibits Why habitat protection is as much about people as it is about wildlife The challenge of funding and capacity in worldwide conservation efforts A behind-the-scenes look at innovative technology shaping the future of protected areas 🎧 A must-listen for anyone curious about conservation, wildlife, and how one zoo can help change the world.","meta_description":"Zoos have come a long way—and in this episode of The Backyard Naturalists Podcast , Debbie and Laurie kick off their first recording of 2026 by exploring…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":1219,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-backyard-naturalists-4262914/episodes/conservation-zoos-and-changing-the-world/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-backyard-naturalists-4262914/conservation-zoos-and-changing-the-world.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}