Saving Life in the Dark: Danté Fenolio on Conservation, Innovation, and Creepy Crawly Miracles
Mon Feb 02 2026
On this episode of Robin’s Nest, Robin sits down with Danté Fenolio, Ph.D., world-renowned conservationist and Vice President of the Center for Conservation & Research at San Antonio Zoo. With over 30 years protecting some of the planet’s rarest and “creepy crawly” species, Danté shares his journey from breeding amphibians as a child to pioneering first-ever captive breeding programs for species like the Crater Lake Newt and Dougherty Plain Cave Crayfish.
He also discusses innovative conservation approaches, including portable shipping-container labs and community partnerships in the Peruvian Amazon through Project Selva. A finalist for the Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize, Danté reflects on the lessons learned from decades of fieldwork, photography and science-driven solutions for endangered species worldwide.
From deep caves to rainforest canopies, this episode celebrates curiosity, ingenuity and the hope that even the smallest creatures can thrive again.
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On this episode of Robin’s Nest, Robin sits down with Danté Fenolio, Ph.D., world-renowned conservationist and Vice President of the Center for Conservation & Research at San Antonio Zoo. With over 30 years protecting some of the planet’s rarest and “creepy crawly” species, Danté shares his journey from breeding amphibians as a child to pioneering first-ever captive breeding programs for species like the Crater Lake Newt and Dougherty Plain Cave Crayfish. He also discusses innovative conservation approaches, including portable shipping-container labs and community partnerships in the Peruvian Amazon through Project Selva. A finalist for the Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize, Danté reflects on the lessons learned from decades of fieldwork, photography and science-driven solutions for endangered species worldwide. From deep caves to rainforest canopies, this episode celebrates curiosity, ingenuity and the hope that even the smallest creatures can thrive again.