Sam Anderson, a writer for the New York Times Magazine and animal enthusiast, journeys to Japan to visit the statue of the last Japanese wolf. He explores the profound bond between wolves and humans, reflecting on loss and memory. The narrative intertwines personal connections with cultural history and touches on the relationship between wolves and domestic dogs. Additionally, Anderson discusses the role of AI in conservation, highlighting its potential impact on wildlife protection while exploring the primal connections we share with these fascinating creatures.
Exploring historical reverence for wolves in Japan and impact of modernization on their existence.
AI collaborations like Google Cloud AI aiding in better understanding of bird movements and ecosystems for environmental conservation.
Deep dives
AI in Wildlife Conservation
Google Cloud AI is being used to identify whale songs for humpback population safety, monitor bird calls to protect environments, and map species abundance for global conservation efforts.
Encountering the Japanese Wolf
The podcast narrates an expedition to a memorial statue of the last Japanese wolf, exploring the historical reverence for wolves in Japan and the impact of modernization on their existence.
Daisuke's Story: A Journey with Gotoro
Daisuke shares a poignant account of his life involving his Chihuahua, Gotoro, revealing a heartwrenching tale of familial dynamics, abuse, resilience, and eventual separation.
The Power of AI in Wildlife Preservation
AI collaborations like Google's work with the Australian Acoustic Observatory are enabling better understanding of bird movements and ecosystems, emphasizing the crucial role of technology in environmental conservation efforts.
In a broken world, what can we gain by looking another animal in the eye? "Animal" is a six-part, round-the-world journey in search of an answer. In Episode 5, the writer Sam Anderson travels to an obscure memorial in rural Japan: the statue of the last Japanese wolf.
For photos and videos of Sam's journey to Japan, visit nytimes.com/animal.
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