The Conservation Station cover art

The Conservation Station

The Conservation Station

Written by: Dr Garrett E Eriksen
Listen for free

About this listen

Journey into the heart of wildlife conservation with The Conservation Station, an immersive podcast broadcasting from South Africa's renowned Cango Wildlife Ranch, home to the pioneering Cheetah Preservation Foundation.

Join host Dr Garrett E Eriksen as he brings you face-to-face with the passionate individuals shaping the future of our planet — from dedicated animal curators and field researchers to the inspiring participants of our Wild Animal Volunteers program whose lives have been transformed by close encounters with extraordinary wildlife.

Each episode unlocks the mysteries behind modern conservation, featuring intimate conversations with experts tackling climate change, endangered species protection, and innovative environmental solutions. Get unprecedented access to behind-the-scenes stories from one of Africa's leading wildlife facilities, discover volunteer opportunities that could change your life, and explore how local actions create global impact.

Whether you're a conservation enthusiast, aspiring wildlife professional, or simply curious about the natural world, The Conservation Station connects you with the people, animals, and ideas at the forefront of environmental preservation. Join our worldwide community of nature advocates making a difference — one story at a time.


Contact us at: podcast@cango.co.za

Support us at: www.cangowildlife.com

© 2025 The Conservation Station
Biological Sciences Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Hidden Beneath the Waves: The Truth About Our Ocean Crisis with Dr Judy Mann-Lang from the Two Oceans Aquarium
    Apr 1 2025

    Our oceans are at a tipping point, facing threats that impact all life on Earth. In this engaging conversation, marine conservation strategist Dr Judy Mann-Lang from Two Oceans Aquarium sits down with Dr Garrett Eriksen on The Conservation Station and reveals the vital importance of marine biodiversity and explores major ocean threats like overfishing, climate change, and pollution. Discover why community involvement, emotional connections, and impactful education are crucial for effective conservation. Judy also shares valuable insights from the recent WAZA conference and celebrates the inspiring recovery of South Africa’s iconic "74 fish," proving that hope remains for our oceans.

    Hidden Beneath the Waves: The Truth About Our Ocean Crisis with Dr Judy Mann-Lang from the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation | The Conservation Station - Episode 03

    Key Takeaways:

    • Marine biodiversity is essential for healthy ocean ecosystems.
    • Oceans provide oxygen, regulate climate, and supply food.
    • Overfishing, climate change, and pollution pose significant threats.
    • Emotional connections enhance conservation education effectiveness.
    • Community involvement is critical to successful conservation.
    • Marine protected areas significantly contribute to conservation success.
    • Practical lifestyle changes can positively impact ocean health.
    • The "74 fish" recovery demonstrates nature’s resilience and hope for the future.

    Read more about the "74" here: https://www.aquarium.co.za/animals/seventy-four

    🔗 Learn more about Two Oceans Aquarium & get involved: www.aquarium.co.za

    📩 Email Dr Judy Mann-Lang: judy@aquariumfoundation.org.za

    📷 Follow Two Oceans Aquarium on Instagram: @2oceansaquarium

    💙 Support ocean conservation by volunteering, donating, or simply sharing this episode!

    #MarineBiodiversity #OceanConservation #SustainableSeafood #ClimateChange #CommunityInvolvement #Education #ConservationStrategies #MarineProtectedAreas #EnvironmentalAwareness #CangoWildlifeRanch #TwoOceansAquarium #SustainableFuture

    Contact Us

    🎧 Tune in to hear how education and action go hand in hand in preserving our planet!

    📩 Get in touch: podcast@cango.co.za
    🌍 Learn more: www.conservationstation.co.za
    🐆 Support our Partners: www.cangowildlife.com
    📹 Find us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@CangoWildlifeRanchOudtshoorn

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Knee-Deep in Carcasses: Why We Need Vultures with Kerri Wolter from VulPro
    Mar 3 2025

    Vultures are often misunderstood, but these remarkable birds play an essential role in maintaining ecosystem health. In this episode of The Conservation Station, Dr Garrett Eriksen sits down with Kerri Wolter, the founder and director of VulPro, South Africa’s leading vulture conservation organisation. Vultures may not be conventionally "cute," but as we’ll uncover in this episode, they are intelligent, social, and incredibly important. By the end, you might just see these birds in a whole new light!

    Knee-Deep in Carcasses: Why We Need Vultures – With Kerri Wolter from VulPro | The Conservation Station - Episode 02

    Key Takeaways:

    • The critical role vultures play in preventing the spread of disease.
    • How media and pop culture have fuelled negative perceptions of vultures.
    • The biggest threats to vulture populations, including poisoning, habitat destruction, and power line collisions.
    • Why education and public outreach are vital to changing attitudes toward these birds.
    • The inspiring story of Percy, the Cape vulture, and how he changed Kerri’s life and sparked the creation of VulPro.
    • How you can get involved in vulture conservation and make a difference.
    • Kerri also shares exciting news about her nomination for the prestigious 2025 Indianapolis Prize, often called the Nobel Prize of Conservation!

    🔗 Learn more about VulPro & get involved: www.vulpro.com
    📩 Email VulPro: admin@vulpro.com
    📷 Follow VulPro on Instagram: @vulpro_sa

    💚 Support vulture conservation by volunteering, donating, or simply sharing this episode!

    #Vultures #Conservation #Wildlife #Ecosystem #Education #VulPro #KerriWolter #EnvironmentalAwareness #AnimalBehaviour #CangoWildlifeRanch #SustainableFuture

    Contact Us

    🎧 Tune in to hear how education and action go hand in hand in preserving our planet!

    📩 Get in touch: podcast@cango.co.za
    🌍 Learn more: www.conservationstation.co.za
    🐆 Support our Partners: www.cangowildlife.com
    📹 Find us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@CangoWildlifeRanchOudtshoorn

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • What is Conservation? The Truth About Saving Nature with Mike Denison from WESSA
    Feb 3 2025

    In this inaugural episode of The Conservation Station podcast, Dr Garrett E Eriksen and Mike Denison from WESSA delve into the critical topic of conservation. They discuss the definitions and importance of conservation, the role of WESSA in South Africa, and the challenges faced in animal conservation, particularly focusing on pangolins. The conversation also highlights the need for corporate responsibility in environmental practices and how individuals can get involved in conservation efforts. The episode emphasises the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of community engagement in fostering sustainable practices.

    What is Conservation? The Truth About Saving Nature with Mike Denison from WESSA | The Conservation Station - Episode 01

    Key Takeaways:

    • Conservation is essential for the sustainability of natural resources
    • WESSA plays a pivotal role in South African conservation efforts
    • Education is key to raising awareness about conservation
    • Animal conservation, especially for pangolins, is a pressing issue
    • Corporate responsibility is crucial in addressing environmental impacts
    • Community engagement enhances the effectiveness of conservation initiatives
    • Individuals can contribute to conservation through local projects
    • Sustainable practices are necessary for a healthy ecosystem
    • The interconnectedness of ecosystems affects human quality of life
    • Awareness and education can drive behavioural change in conservation

    📩 Contact Mike: mike.denison@wessa.co.za

    🔗 Learn More: www.wessa.org.za

    ☕ Support WESSA: https://outlierscoffee.co.za

    #TheConservationStation #ConservationPodcast #Pangolin #WildlifeConservation #ClimateAction #Sustainability #ProtectWildlife #EcoEducation #CangoWildlifeRanch #SouthAfrica #WESSA #Podcast

    Contact Us

    🎧 Tune in to hear how education and action go hand in hand in preserving our planet!

    📩 Get in touch: podcast@cango.co.za
    🌍 Learn more: www.conservationstation.co.za
    🐆 Support our Partners: www.cangowildlife.com
    📹 Find us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@CangoWildlifeRanchOudtshoorn

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 3 mins
No reviews yet