In this episode of Explore, we dive deep with Canadian whale biologist <a href="https://canadiangeographic.ca/articles/exploring-the-inner-lives-of-sperm-whales-with-shane-gero/">Shane Gero</a>, who shares his journey from a landlocked childhood in Ottawa to becoming a leading researcher in whale communication and conservation. Gero discusses how his early fascination with whales began, his fieldwork in Dominica and the intricate social structures of sperm whales. The conversation then delves into <a href="https://www.projectceti.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAw5W-BhAhEiwApv4goONQDI2Wx2EXj5Hq5QKxyprMNprgUJy5RlZA6kiHB1d8aUe27ykh9RoCUC0QAvD_BwE">Project CETI</a>, which aims to <a href="https://canadiangeographic.ca/articles/out-of-our-depth-speaking-to-the-whales/">decode the complex language of sperm whales</a> using machine learning while exploring the cultural identity expressed through the whales’ unique codas (a series of clicks). In this conversation, Gero emphasizes the complex cognition of these animals and their emotional lives, sharing personal experiences of witnessing whale births and the significance of interspecies communication. Incidentally, the pod of whales who he witnessed give birth are named after author and RCGS Fellow Margaret Atwood and her novel, Oryx and Crake.Gero highlights the challenges sperm whales face due to human activities and the need for both individual and systematic changes to protect them. He expresses hope for the future, rooted in the connection between humans and nature, and reflects on his personal journey in understanding these magnificent creatures.As well as being a Scientist-In-Residence at Ottawa’s Carleton University, Gero is also the founder of The Dominica Sperm Whale Project, a long-term research program focused on the sperm whale families living in the Eastern Caribbean. He is also the Biology Lead for Project CETI, applying advanced machine learning and robotics to decipher sperm whale communication.This interview is exactly the kind of unique Canadian storytelling that is supported by your donations to the annual Canadian Geographic Polar Plunge taking place on Sunday, March 9, 2025.To help Canadian Geographic tell Canada's story and support critical programming, please consider donating at <a href="https://donate.rcgs.org/event/polar-plunge-2025/home">Polar Plunge 2025</a>.

Podurama

Home

Trending

Personal

Your Podcasts

New Episodes

My Files

Favourite Episodes

Tags (Folders)

Recently Played

Bookmarks

Followed Playlists

Exploring the depths of sperm whale communication

Explore: A Canadian Geographic podcast

AI Chapters

AI Insights

Reviews