Citizen Zoo’s Rewilding Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Join Lucas, Elliot and Digby as they look through four incredible stories covering the return of lynx to England, giant otters in Argentina, tigers in China, and water voles in London. A global journey of rewilding, resilience, and the wild making its way back home.

In this episode, Lucas, Elliot and Digby explore four inspiring rewilding stories from around the globe. From the creation of a new rewilding landscape in southeastern France to the natural return of beavers in Portugal, nature is making a powerful comeback. We also delve into the ambitious relocation of 70 southern white rhinos to Rwanda and celebrate the return of cicadas to England’s New Forest.

Lucas, Elliot and Digby share four powerful stories from the frontlines of rewilding. First, Europe’s wolf resurgence where populations are up 58% in a decade. Then, a look at de-extinction as Colossal Biosciences claims to have recreated the dire wolf. In Italy, a village learns to live with bears, adapting to their wild neighbours. Finally, we explore why the UK halted eel exports to Russia and what it means for the future of this critically endangered and mysterious species.

This month Lucas, Elliot and Digby explore four remarkable rewilding stories from across the globe. Journey to the Danube, where ancient sturgeon are making a comeback through the LIFE-Boat 4 Sturgeon project. Soar over South Africa with VulPro as vultures reclaim the skies. Travel to New Zealand for the revival of the critically endangered kakī. Then return to London, where Citizen Zoo is gathering public opinion on the potential return of white storks. Take the Thoughts On Storks survey here.

Join Lucas, Elliot and Digby as they look into the formation of the new Great Koala National Park in Australia, human intervention controlling sea urchin numbers in the Kelp Forests of California, introducing the mighty Tauros cattle to Denmark and a celebration the incredible life, work and achievements of Jane Goodall.

In this month's episode Lucas, Elliot and Digby look at why the new IUCN official rewilding guidelines represent such a seminal moment for rewilding. Jumping over to the Jaguar Rivers Initiative across South America. Flying over to the DRC with the Lukuru foundation rehabilitating and reintroducing African grey parrots. Then back to the UK for Pine Marten reintroduction with the Devon Wildlife Trust.

Join Lucas, Elliot and Digby as they look back on an incredible 2025. Starting with memories of inspiring talks from Citizen Zoo's Rewilding Futures Conference in January. Then celebrating the year of the beaver as their numbers boom across Europe. Going on to chat about why 2025 was a huge year for marine rewilding, then last but not least, looking back at a fantastic year or projects and future plans at Citizen Zoo.

In our first episode of 2026, we’re diving into red squirrel reintroductions in Scotland, a new feasibility study exploring the return of wildcats to South West England. We take a look at a recent paper showing rising numbers of North America’s “Big Four” predators, pumas, grey wolves, grizzly bears and black bears. We’ll also be celebrating the excellent BBC Sir David Attenborough documentary Wild London, featuring our very own Ealing beavers, and sharing some very fond memories of meeting the man himself. For more stories like this in your inbox every month, subscribe to our newsletter here.

This month, Lucas, Elliot and Digby explore four more rewilding breakthroughs from around the globe. In Saudi Arabia, an ambitious project looks to restore cheetahs and ostriches using closely related subspecies. In Australia, endangered frogs are receiving innovative “sauna” treatments to fight the deadly chytrid fungus. Meanwhile, twin gorillas have been born in Virunga National Park in Central Africa, a rare and hopeful milestone. Back in the UK, a major public consultation reveals that a large majority of people support the reintroduction of lynx to Scotland.

Join Lucas, Elliot and Digby as they delve into four more incredible rewilding stories this month. Starting with the Endangered Landscapes and Seascapes Programme and their announcement of 8 new large rewilding sites across Europe. Heading then to the Galapagos and the reintroduction of the iconic Floreana giant tortoise back to its namesake island. Heading over to Wales to take a look at the Tir Natur flagship site following a huge land purchase. Finally back home to London talking about Citizen Zoo's WILD Tolworth project and the release of free roaming cattle and pigs at a public nature reserve in the city.