Radiolab Lucy
10 snips
May 17, 2024 
Janice Carter, a dedicated caretaker, shares her moving experiences with Lucy, a chimpanzee raised alongside humans. They discuss the incredible journey of Lucy learning sign language and forming emotional bonds that challenge our understanding of species limits. Janice reflects on the struggles of integrating Lucy back into the wild, raising ethical questions about human-animal relationships. The podcast also highlights the intriguing dynamics of bonobos, exploring their communication skills and emotional complexities, ultimately questioning what it means to coexist across species.
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Smuts vs. Goblin
- Barbara Smuts, a researcher with Jane Goodall, was repeatedly harassed by a chimp named Goblin.
- After escalating provocations, Smuts punched Goblin, stopping the harassment.
Lucy's Upbringing
- Lucy, a chimpanzee born to circus chimps, was raised as a human child by the Temerlins.
- As part of an experiment, Lucy was taught to eat, dress, and interact like a human.
Lucy Learns Language
- Roger Fouts taught Lucy sign language, and she learned over 250 signs.
- Lucy exhibited human-like behaviors, including creating new words and even lying.
