Radiolab for Kids

The Shadow Creature: Rats Who Save Human Lives


Listen Later

Rats have a bad reputation. They’ve been called evil, terrifying and wicked. The lowliest and most abominable of creatures. Songbud Alan felt the same way until he heard of one rat from Tanzania named Magawa. We meet Pendo, Magawa’s human friend and trainer, who wanted to train Magawa for a battlefield of sorts. A battle to save human lives. 

You see, some countries have explosive landmines placed there during war. When the war is over, the landmines remain, meaning people continue to live in danger, afraid they might step on one. Pendo hoped to train Magawa to use his rat superpowers to sniff out the dangerous landmines and rescue these communities.

Special thanks to everyone at APOPO, especially Pendo Masgu, Said Mshana and Lily Shalom. Thanks also to Kathleen Corradi, Cedric Simmons of ALA Environmental Services, and Olivia Bensimon and Jake Offenhartz of the Street Leather zine for inspiring the Rat Story Hotline. Biggest thanks to Alana and Jen, board members of foster rescue organization Helping All Little Things, for helping us record with nine rats in our studio.  

Terrestrials was created by Lulu Miller with WNYC Studios. This episode was produced by Ana González, Mira Burt-Wintonick, Alan Goffinski, Joe Plourde, Lulu Miller, and Sarah Sandbach, with help from Tanya Chawla. Fact checking by Anna Pujol-Mazzini. 

Our advisors this season are Ana Luz Porzecanski, Anil Lewis, Dominique Shabazz, and Liza Demby.

Support for Terrestrials also comes from the Simons Foundation, the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, and the John Templeton Foundation.

HEY GROWN-UPS!
Love the show? Leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review on your podcast app—it helps curious listeners find us!

We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts about Terrestrials with us.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for bite-sized essays, activities, and ways to connect with the show.
Follow us on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for behind-the-scenes extras and more.
Listen to original music from Terrestrials on Spotify, Apple Music, or our music page.

Got a badgering question for the team? Email us at [email protected] or submit a voice memo with your name, age, and your question using this form!

Terrestrials is made possible in part by listeners like you. Support the show by joining Radiolab’s membership program, The Lab—and we’ll send you a special thank-you gift from our team!

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Radiolab for KidsBy WNYC

  • 4.4
  • 4.4
  • 4.4
  • 4.4
  • 4.4

4.4

950 ratings


More shows like Radiolab for Kids

View all
Radiolab by WNYC Studios

Radiolab

43,817 Listeners

This American Life by This American Life

This American Life

90,804 Listeners

The Moth by The Moth

The Moth

27,222 Listeners

Brains On! Science podcast for kids by American Public Media

Brains On! Science podcast for kids

13,161 Listeners

Story Pirates by Story Pirates

Story Pirates

16,150 Listeners

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids by Vermont Public

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

4,800 Listeners

Wow in the World by Tinkercast | Wondery

Wow in the World

29,112 Listeners

Circle Round by WBUR

Circle Round

14,888 Listeners

The Big Fib by GZM Shows

The Big Fib

4,634 Listeners

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family by American Public Media

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family

13,254 Listeners

Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest by Pinna

Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest

6,031 Listeners

Forever Ago by American Public Media

Forever Ago

5,685 Listeners

Dolly Parton's America by WNYC Studios & OSM Audio

Dolly Parton's America

16,344 Listeners

Greeking Out from National Geographic Kids by National Geographic Kids

Greeking Out from National Geographic Kids

16,688 Listeners

The Other Latif by WNYC Studios

The Other Latif

465 Listeners

Moment of Um by American Public Media

Moment of Um

1,405 Listeners

Smologies with Alie Ward by Alie Ward

Smologies with Alie Ward

212 Listeners