Welcome to Talons of Hope — Our New Podcast from MBZ Raptor Conservation Fund
We’re thrilled to introduce Talons of Hope, the brand-new podcast initiative by the Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund (MBZRCF). Hosted by Dr Munir Virani, this series takes you on a global journey into the world of raptor conservation—sharing stories, science, and the people striving to keep birds of prey soaring
Where to Listen
Find Talons of Hope on our website under the Resources → Podcasts section:
🔗 mbzraptorfund.org/resources/podcasts
You can also stream it everywhere you get your podcasts—Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and more
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Recent Episodes You Shouldn’t Miss
• “Valerie Sankok: A Warrior’s Mission to Save the Mara’s Vultures” (July 22, 2025)
Follow Valerie Sankok, a Maasai-led raptor liaison, as she responds to wildlife poisoning, works with local herders, and protects endangered vultures across Kenya’s Maasai Mara
• “From Arctic Cliffs to Global Change: Michael Henderson’s Quest to Save Polar Raptors” (July 8, 2025)
Explore the remote Arctic tundra alongside Gyrfalcon experts uncovering how climate change is reshaping polar raptor ecology—and what conservation science can do about it
• “Rescue on the Brink: Gareth Tate and the Fight to Save Africa’s Vultures” (June 24, 2025)
Learn how conservationists raced to rescue critically endangered vultures after a mass poisoning incident in Kruger National Park—bringing dozens back from the brink of extinction
• “From Mindanao to Leyte: Dr. Jayson Ibanez and the Flight to Save the Philippine Eagle” (June 10, 2025)
Delve into the culture-based conservation approach that is restoring the Philippine Eagle to its ancestral forests via groundbreaking translocation efforts supported by MBZRCF
• “Talons of Hope Introduction” (May 30, 2025)
This launch episode sets the stage for the series, sharing our mission and vision on World Environment Day—and inviting listeners to join the journey
Why Listen?
Each episode offers a deeply human and scientific look at conservation stories from Kenya to Alaska and the Philippines. It’s about more than birds—it’s about ecosystems, cultures, leadership, and the hope that one person—or one community—can change the outcome.
How to get involved:
• Listen now on our website or your favorite podcast platform
• Follow Talons of Hope on Instagram: @talons_of_hope_
• Email us at info@mbzraptorfund.org and let us know what you think: which stories resonate with you, what topics you’d like us to cover next, and who inspires you. Your feedback helps shape the future of this series.
Thank you for supporting this exciting new initiative from MBZRCF! Together, we can amplify voices for raptor conservation and bold solutions for a healthier planet.