LISTEN: The science of wildlife hits a fresh new note

Whether biologist or park ranger, ecologist or conservationists, most wildlife professionals are driven by passion for their work and the natural world. While this passion is most often expressed in sweaty field clothing or late nights in the laboratory, a love for conservation can also inspire music.  

This episode brings together members of The Wildlife Society, Emily Thoroski, and Merlin Shoesmith, to show how science and art can collide.

Emily shares how she works with children in her school workshops to co-write songs about nature. Merlin brings a lifetime of wildlife experience, including an incredible story about facing over a dozen grizzlies in Yellowstone. Together, they explore the balance between the scientist’s need to explain everything and the songwriter’s goal to say just enough.

Their song “The Eyes of the Wolf,” reimagines Aldo Leopold’s famous insight about predators and ecological balance, turning a key conservation lesson into music.

“Our Wild Lives” is The Wildlife Society’s weekly podcast, sharing compelling stories from wildlife professionals doing critical work around the world. Your hosts, Katie Perkins and Ed Arnett, of The Wildlife Society, bring you thought-provoking conversations with leading experts and emerging voices.

New episodes are released weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Please email comms@wildlife.org with feedback or future episode suggestions.