Environmental Outlook: Intelligence Under the Sea | The Diane Rehm Show from WAMU and NPR

Environmental Outlook: Intelligence Under the Sea The Diane Rehm Show from WAMU and NPR

We've come a long way. I began working on my degree in zoology in 1969. At that time ethology, the study of animal behavior, was in its infancy. There were very few women in the biological sciences. Jane Goodall had recently been sent to Gombe by Dr. Louis B. Leakey to study chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The male scientists of that time were appalled that a young, untrained woman was sent to "do a man's job" and she was doing the unthinkable, in fact something blasphemous - she was NAMING the "objects" of her study. The breakthroughs she made both during her time in Gombe and afterwards have served to change the face of science and how we view the other animals with whom we share this planet. This is no better illustrated than by this incredible interview from The Diane Rehm show. Four women scientists, specialists in the study of cetaceans (dolphins and whales) talk about these marine mammals, touching on behavior, interaction within the species, as well as strong statements against keeping these amazing intelligent beings in captivity. Listen to the show.