ZSL's Wildest Moments

ZSL

Wildest Moments is a podcast from international conservation charity ZSL exploring the moments with nature that change everything.

Hosted by Ben Fogle, this wildlife and conservation podcast features powerful, emotional stories of encounters with animals and the natural world - from awe-inspiring experiences to life-changing moments.

Each episode combines a personal conversation with a special guest with expert insight from ZSL conservationists and scientists - revealing how our connection to wildlife plays a vital role in protecting and restoring nature.

Launched in ZSL's 200th anniversary year, Wildest Moments celebrates over two centuries of inspiring closer connections between people and wildlife.

Featuring global voices from across conservation and culture, the series launches on 19 March with three episodes, with new episodes released monthly on every third Thursday until the end of 2026.

A Peanut & Crumb production for ZSL in partnership with Mountain Warehouse.

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8 episodes
Updated July 16

Episodes8

Newest first

July 16 · 29 min
The Lion Queen and the Pride
For actress and Disney's The Lion King alumni Merryl Ansah, stepping into the role of Nala meant embodying one of the most iconic screen lions in history, but she'd never seen one in real life – until the night she spent at London Zoo. In this episode of Wildest Moments, host Ben Fogle speaks with Merryl about the powerful moment she came face to face with the felines for the first time, and how she took that experience back with her to the stage. Joining the conversation is ZSL presenter Sonya Anson, whose work brings wildlife stories to life for visitors every day at London's iconic conservation zoo. Together, they explore the power of storytelling and performance to educate, inspire and deepen our understanding of the natural world. 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
June 18 · 33 min
The Tiger Shark Under The Night Sky
Under starlit skies and glowing bioluminescence, Megan McCubbin found herself face to face with one of the ocean's most misunderstood predators - sharks. In this episode of Wildest Moments, host Ben Fogle speaks with the conservationist and TV presenter about an unforgettable night in the Bahamas, where she helped tag a juvenile tiger shark for research. It was a moment that was as exhilarating as it was humbling - and one that cemented her passion for shark conservation. Joining the conversation is Dr David Curnick, who leads the Ocean Predators Lab at ZSL. Together, they explore the vital role sharks play in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems, challenge common misconceptions, and reflect on why these powerful animals deserve our respect - not our fear. From the awe of close encounters to the science behind ocean conservation, this episode is a powerful reminder that understanding leads to appreciation - and that protecting sharks is essential to protecting our seas. 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.
May 21 · 35 min
The Vet and the Actress
When Dr Bruce Fogle arrived in London from Canada for a short placement as a veterinarian at ZSL, he had no idea his life was about to take an unexpected turn - all because of a dog named Honey. In this episode of Wildest Moments, host Ben Fogle speaks with his father, renowned veterinarian and author Dr Bruce Fogle, about how the golden retriever led him to his wife, actress Julia Foster. Decades later, history repeated itself when Ben met his own wife, Marina, after their dogs struck up a friendship in the park – it's a remarkable story of two generations brought together through animals. Joining the conversation is ZSL's Head of Wildlife Health Services, Dr Amanda Guthrie. Together they reveal the incredible varied life of a zoo vet – caring for everything from tiny snails to giant elephants – and discuss the vital role zoos have and continue to play in protecting both wildlife and human health around the world. From family history to global conservation, this episode is a celebration of the extraordinary bond between people and animals - and the unexpected ways those connections can shape our lives. 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.
April 16 · 31 min
The Doctor and the Gorilla
When Professor Chris van Tulleken was invited to London Zoo early in his career to help diagnose a poorly gorilla named Kesho, he expected to analyse a sample in a lab. What followed was a case he would never forget. In this episode of Wildest Moments, host Ben Fogle speaks with the doctor, scientist and broadcaster about the moment he came face-to-face with the western lowland gorilla - and the joint investigation that uncovered a rare chromosomal condition. Joining the conversation is ZSL Animal Manager Dan Simmonds, who cared for Kesho at the time as a zookeeper. Together, they explore the importance of collaboration across medical disciplines - from veterinary science to human medicine - in understanding and protecting the health of all species. It's a powerful story about curiosity, connection, and how the health of people, animals and ecosystems is deeply intertwined. 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
March 19 · 29 min
The Hummingbird That Changed Everything
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.
March 19 · 30 min
The Lions in the Warzone
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.
March 19 · 29 min
The Horse in the Rising Tide
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.
February 26 · 1 min
Wildest Moments - coming soon!
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.