Podcasts · Science
Just the Zoo of Us
277 episodes · 7 with AI analysis
Join us, Ellen and Christian Weatherford, while we review your favorite species of animals and rate them out of ten in the categories of effectiveness, ingenuity and aesthetics. More information can be found at justthezooofus.com 😊 Got a species you want us to review? Submit your animal friend to us at ellen@justthezooofus.com and when we review your animal we'll give you a shoutout! 😊 Cover art by Mrs. Brainbow (Taylor Gordon-Wood). Theme music by Louie Zong.
AI Intelligence · across all analyzed episodes
People · top 20
Companies · top 20
Maximum Fun×3Florida Museum of Natural History×2MoxBookshop.orgProvincial Museum of VictoriaLouisiana State UniversityBell MuseumUniversity of ArizonaField MuseumWard ScientificAmerican Museum of Natural HistoryWildlife SOSUniversity of Illinois ChicagoUniversity of WashingtonPenguin Random HouseIllinois Natural History SurveyScholasticBurke MuseumHamamziDisney World
Topics · top 10
Asian elephant conservation and population decline (98% reduction in 100 years)Wildlife trafficking and poaching preventionCommunity-based conservation and alternative livelihoodsAnimal welfare in captivity (begging elephants, circus elephants, temple elephants)Ethical wildlife tourism and refuse-to-ride campaignsElephant training methods and trauma (Pajaan/crush system)Mobile veterinary clinics and field-based animal careVolunteer programs and experiential conservationWildlife education and consumer awareness campaignsHabitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict
Analyzed Episodes
Apr 16, 2026
332: Asian Elephants w/ Kartick Satyanarayan!
Asian elephant conservation and population decline (98% reduction in 100 years)Wildlife trafficking and poaching preventionCommunity-based conservation and alternative livelihoods
View AnalysisApr 10, 2026
331: Jackrabbits
Jackrabbit physiology and speed adaptationsThermoregulation in desert mammalsPrecocial versus altricial reproduction
View AnalysisApr 2, 2026
330: Cryptids w/ the Cryptonaturalist, Jarod K. Anderson!
Cryptids and cryptozoology as metaphor and imaginationNature writing and science communicationPoetry and literary fiction blending science with whimsy
View AnalysisFeb 25, 2026
325: Triops (AKA Tadpole Shrimp)
Triops biology and morphologyCryptobiosis and diapause mechanismsLiving fossil concept and evolutionary stasis
View AnalysisFeb 5, 2026
322: The Bird Hall w/ Shannon Hackett & John Bates!
Museum collection management and specimen preservationClimate change impacts on bird morphology and migrationScience communication and public engagement strategies
View AnalysisFeb 19, 2026
324: Egg-Eating Snake w/ Lyn!
African Egg-Eating Snake (Dasipeltis) Anatomy and SpecializationSnake Jaw Mechanics and Quadrate Bone FunctionSpine Teeth (Hypopophyses) and Egg Crushing Mechanisms
View AnalysisFeb 12, 2026
323: Banana Slug
Non-Newtonian fluid dynamics and mucus structureBiomimetic surgical adhesives and medical applicationsSlug reproduction and hermaphroditic mating behaviors
View Analysis