Animals Can’t Testify - A Podcast with Mike Brewer

We are thrilled to announce that we are launching Animals Can’t Testify, the podcast that speaks up for the animal kingdom and brings attention to the critical issue of wildlife crime.

Hosted by Mike Brewer, a seasoned former detective with thirty years of service in the British Police, Animals Can’t Testify dives deep into the world of wildlife crime. Since retiring in 2015, Mike has traveled extensively, working alongside law enforcement agencies across Africa, Asia, and Central America. His experiences have given him unique insights into the devastating effects of illegal wildlife trade on our precious biodiversity.

Throughout the podcast, Mike is joined by a range of guests who are actively engaged in combating wildlife crime. These include experts in wildlife conservation, forensic evidence collection, and the illegal trafficking of animals. Together, they explore the complex issues surrounding wildlife crime and highlight the efforts of the heroes on the front lines—the rangers.

Wildlife crime is a serious problem with far-reaching impacts. It threatens a wide variety of species, from the majestic elephants to the humble abalone. The stakes are high: for instance, a kilo of rhino horn is more valuable than gold, driving criminal enterprises to exploit and harm these magnificent creatures. Our podcast aims to raise awareness and inspire action to address these urgent issues.

Animals Can’t Testify offers an in-depth look into the dark side of wildlife trade, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of the challenges and efforts involved in combating this global problem. Episodes are released every second Thursday, with some featuring video content, giving you a closer look at our compelling guests and their stories.

During the first episode, Mike dives into the world of wildlife crime convergence with Michelle Anagnostou, a PhD candidate at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. Tune in as she shares some of her most interesting findings and anecdotes throughout her research in this field. 

During our conversation, we not only discuss the intricate connections between wildlife crime and other forms of organised criminal activities but also the underlying social issues such as poverty that perpetuate these crimes.