This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #613 - Forrest Galante
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Sep 27, 2025 Forrest Galante, a wildlife biologist and TV host known for his adventure shows, shares captivating stories from his upbringing in Zimbabwe. He discusses near-death encounters with dangerous animals, including a chilling moment with a coastal taipan. Forrest also dives into the complexities of de-extinction, the challenges of conserving species, and the bizarre subject of 'Animals on Drugs,' featuring tales like cocaine hippos. With insights into wildlife management, he highlights the importance of connecting with nature and the urgent need for conservation.
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Bush Childhood Shaped His Mission
- Forrest Galante grew up on safari-run farms in Zimbabwe surrounded by wildlife and hands-on animal encounters.
- He watched herds thin over time which motivated him to dedicate his life to protecting wild spaces.
Forced From Home During Land Reforms
- Political land reform under Robert Mugabe forced Forrest's family off their farm amid violence and threats.
- His mother evacuated the family after men surrounded their property and gave them 24 hours to leave.
Hippo Capture And Sterilization Campaign
- Forrest led operations in Colombia to trap hippos from Escobar's former zoo, using bomas and bait to capture them.
- Teams chemically sterilized juveniles and surgically sterilized adults during night-long procedures to avoid overheating.