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Comment on The Shy Baboon by Sylvia Stevenson

I would be interested to find out more about this troop of baboons that had never been exposed to humans-- and how it was that there was a fishing hut near their lake?

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Comment on The Shy Baboon by omar

This reminds me of a time I was backcountry hiking in Yellowstone. It was getting late so I was running around looking for our elusive designated campsite (2h1 if anyone knows what I'm talking about) and suddenly as I follow a wide bend around a large hill I see a large bison about a hundred yards away. He stopped munching and turns his head to me; I instantly stop running. We stare at each other and assess our intentions. I felt myself thinking "I mean you no harm". A moment later he goes back to his snack and I continue my journey. They are probably harmless if unprovoked but I still believe that I communicated with a wild beast that day.

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Comment on The Shy Baboon by claudia

I've really enjoyed this animal series, but this last podcast was a bit of a stretch. Of course I do not disagree that the scientist had a bonding experience with these animals, but I have had similar experiences with my own house cats. I think what this story does more than anything is show the human need of bonding and creating connections with the subjects that are being studied. It is the same with anthrologists studying different groups of people--they change themselves to fit into the same social parameters in order to be accepted to the group and thus the researcher can feel like he or she can see how the group truly interacts. There is no proof that the baboons moved over for her, there is no other reason why she would find killing and eating an animal appetizing other that her own deep desire to belong. This podcast just proves nothing more than we only see what our hearts hope to see.

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The Shy Baboon

By Radiolab

February 08, 2010

BabsUnderTree
We’ve been talking about animals the last few podcasts, particularly how difficult it is to find a shared space across species lines. In this podcast, we talk to Barbara Smuts, a professor at the University of Michigan. And Barbara tells us a story about her experiences trying to find that elusive space. This tale takes us back to the 1970s, when Barbara was trying to gain the trust of a troop of baboons in a remote area of Kenya.

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Photo courtesy of Barbara Smuts.

Comments [5] | Posted in: Podcasts | Shorts

Help Radiolab…and Get This Tote Bag!

By Radiolab

February 03, 2010

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With a design chosen by overwhelming popular demand, we are proud to offer the Radiolab tote bag! Designed by Scotland-based listener and designer Jez Burrows, this cool icon on a black canvas bag can be your proud little reminder that you helped make Radiolab possible.

We’re happy to send it to you as a thank you for a gift of $75 to WNYC. Make a gift online here.

Thank you!

Comments [15] | Posted in: Uncategorized

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

By Radiolab

January 29, 2010

Hey Folks, got some news: Jad will be hosting a book launch party for The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot. Rebecca’s book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks’ journey from anonymous tobacco farmer to eponymous cancer cell line, the “HeLa” cell – arguably, the most famous cell line in all of history. (In fact, it is such a good yarn that we got Rebecca to help us tell it in an upcoming Radiolab episode, so keep an eye out).

So, if you happen to be in New York City this coming Monday, come out, meet Jad, and hear Rebecca tell some of this crazy story. (Rumor has it there will be live HeLa cells, and perhaps some members of Henrietta Lacks’ family, in attendance.)

When: Monday, February 1st, from 7-8pm.
Where: McNally Jackson Books, 52 Prince St, New York, NY.

Comments [5] | Posted in: Events

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