What happens when a moment with nature changes everything?
Wildest Moments is our new anniversary podcast series, celebrating the surprising, emotional, and transformative encounters people have had with wildlife.
Hosted by Ben Fogle and in partnership with Mountain Warehouse, each episode features a heartfelt conversation with a guest whose remarkable story reveals just how powerful connecting with nature can be - from the awe-inspiring to the life-changing.
Alongside these stories, our experts bring scientific insight and conservation perspective, revealing how moments like these fit into the bigger story of protecting and restoring wildlife around the world.
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.
The Vet and the Actress
When Dr Bruce Fogle (above, right) 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.
The next episode of Wildest Moments will be available on this page to listen to, from 18 June.
Click the collapsible links below to hear more episodes:
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 opening 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 London Zoo zookeeper Gemma Metcalf (pictured, right), 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.
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 our 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.
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 Whipsnade Zoo 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.
Creating Wild Moments for 200 years
For over 200 years, we’ve inspired closer connections between people and wildlife, encouraging millions to care about the natural world. Wildest Moments is a celebration of these connections: the encounters that remind us who we are, and our place in the living world.
Out now
Five exciting episodes are now available to stream above and on all major podcast platforms.
A new episode will arrive on the third Thursday of every month until the end of 2026 - follow us on Spotify to receive a notification each time an episode goes live.
Whether you’re a lifelong wildlife lover or someone discovering the magic of the natural world for the first time, Wildest Moments invites you to listen, feel inspired, and make your own wild connections.
Watch the trailer
Wildest Moments is a ZSL podcast, produced by Peanut & Crumb in partnership with Mountain Warehouse.
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.