Global News Podcast The Happy Pod: How baby showers saved a rare bird
Aug 9, 2025
Ella Hubber from the BBC Science Unit discusses the inspiring efforts of Purnima Devi Barman, who rallied her community to save India's rare adjutant stork through innovative baby showers. The conversation also covers a ship's chef who navigated challenges during a pandemic lockdown at sea, finding strength within. Additionally, listeners learn about the joy of Cycling Without Age, which provides transformative bike rides for seniors, and the clever creativity of dancing cockatoos that bring joy and connection.
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Baby Showers For Storks
- Purnima Devi Barman organised baby showers and community events to protect greater adjutant stork nests.
- Women sang, wore papier-mâché stork hats, and learned to stop cutting the nesting trees.
Population Recovery Through Community Action
- Community-led protection multiplied greater adjutant nesting sites and helped remove the bird from the endangered list.
- Local people shifted from cutting nests to planting trees and caring for wetlands.
Women Gained Income And Purpose
- The Hagila Army gave women social purpose and pathways to earn money through weaving stork-motif goods.
- Purnima bought looms so women could sell bags and clothes and gain financial independence.
