Conversations
Sarah's Most Memorable Guests — Gisela Kaplan
Jan 9, 2025
Gisela Kaplan, a renowned field biologist and animal behaviourist, shares her fascinating journey from sociology to studying Australian birds. She reveals the emotional connections formed during wildlife rehabilitation, especially with magpies and kookaburras. The discussion highlights the intelligence of birds, including their communication skills through body language. Kaplan also uncovers the social lives of Australian birds, focusing on their complex relationships and extended adolescent phases, offering a fresh perspective on their emotional depth and behaviors.
52:00
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Quick takeaways
- Gisela Kaplan emphasizes the intelligence and emotional depth of Australian birds, challenging misconceptions that regard them as simple creatures lacking complexity.
- Her journey from sociology to wildlife rehabilitation illustrates a profound commitment to understanding avian behavior and fostering deep emotional bonds with birds.
Deep dives
The Cleverness of Birds
Birds, particularly magpies, exhibit remarkable intelligence and social behaviors that often go unnoticed. Gazella Kaplan, a field biologist, shares a personal story about a magpie she cared for, which learned to call out for a dog to help it fend off a cat. This behavior illustrates not only the bird's ability to learn but also its understanding of interspecies dynamics, as it sought protection in a clever way. Kaplan emphasizes the importance of recognizing birds as sentient beings with emotions and intelligence, challenging the outdated belief that they are merely automatons.
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