Nathalia Holt

Nathalia Holt, historian and author of 'The Beast in the Clouds,' discusses the captivating and perilous 1928 expedition of Teddy Roosevelt's sons, Ted Jr. and Kermit, who sought the mythical giant panda in China. She highlights how their adventurous journey was shaped by their father's legacy and the personal challenges they faced. Key moments include their transformative encounters with local guides in Muli and the ethical shift that led them to embrace wildlife conservation after grappling with the consequences of their quest.

Join Dr. Nathalia Holt, a biologist and bestselling author, as she shares riveting tales from her book, *The Beast in the Clouds*. Discover how two Roosevelt brothers embarked on a treacherous expedition to find the elusive giant panda, an adventure fraught with bandit attacks and harsh conditions. Holt discusses how their quest not only led to the panda’s discovery but also ignited the modern conservation movement. From early misunderstandings to the complex realities of protecting pandas today, this story weaves science, history, and moral responsibilities.

Nathalia Holt, an author and historian, dives into the thrilling 1920s expedition of Theodore Roosevelt's sons, Ted and Kermit, in search of the elusive giant panda. She explores how early encounters shaped Western understanding of pandas and paints a vivid picture of the adventurous route they took through China and Tibet. Holt shares the brothers' emotional journey, from their excitement at discovering a panda to the regret that followed. Their quest not only documented new species but also highlighted shifts in conservation attitudes, making for an engaging tale of adventure and introspection.