This Wildlife Biologist Lives In A Van To Study Animals | @biologistinabus

Merel is a wildlife biologist and full-time vanlifer behind Biologist in a Bus. In this episode, she shares stories from 20 days spent observing wild bears in northern Spain, helping reintroduce rescued monkeys in Morocco, tracking hedgehogs through cities, and studying bats and other nocturnal mammals across Europe.We talk about what a wildlife biologist actually does, how she earns a living on the road, why she chose vanlife, and the surprising ways animals and humans are connected.You'll also learn:• How to spot more wildlife while traveling• Common mistakes vanlifers make around animals and nature• Why diseases play an important role in ecosystems• What it's like to work with bears, monkeys, snakes, bats, and hedgehogs• How vanlifers can help protect wildlife wherever they travelIf you love vanlife, wildlife, nature, and adventure, you're going to enjoy this one.—00:00 Introduction to Wildlife Biology and Van Life02:45 The Journey to Becoming a Biologist05:17 Understanding Zoonoses and One Health07:52 The Diverse Work of a Wildlife Biologist09:47 Project-Based Work and Seasonal Patterns11:49 Volunteering and Learning from Colleagues14:08 Insights from Working with Monkeys18:00 Living in Morocco and the Barbary Macaque Project20:03 The Fascination with Hedgehogs23:38 Phobias and Unexpected Fears25:21 Experiencing Life Among Bears28:23 Exploring Somiedo National Park30:51 The Quest for Bears in the Pyrenees33:59 Living the Van Life as a Biologist37:36 Unique Experiences with Wildlife43:03 Wildlife Conservation and Van Life45:44 Tips for Spotting Wildlife52:24 Contributing to Nature Preservation—Connect with Merel:Webite: www.biologistinabus.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/biologistinabusTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@biologist.in.a.bus—Guest Credibility:Merel is a wildlife biologist, conservationist, and full-time vanlifer behind Biologist in a Bus. She holds degrees in Ecology (BSc), Biology (MSc), and Zoonoses & One Health (MSc), and has worked with wildlife across Europe and Africa.—🎧 New episodes: real conversations with vanlifers building meaningful lives on the road—🌍 Join The Vanlife Network:https://skool.com/vanlife