Pipsyä on suurin jälkeen. Välirisardusen ja tässä edes on saada 10. August. Singbow. Singbow is our four-year-old female. Very different than Yunchuan. She is a very curious panda and a playful panda to boot. So we can't wait to open up our conservation doors and welcome the public to come get to know of these two beautiful vibrant pandas. Gosh, I think I relate to a slow morning and wanting a midday nap. You indeed both. Do they have any cheeky habits? If Yunchuan happens to see his diet arriving near his habitat and he doesn't see the wildlife care specialists get to the food right away, he'll make a small little sound just to let them know like, "Hey, I see the food." And you know what? I would really like to have it now. But I think it's adorable. Also for Singbow, she's been known to not only explore her habits but also to discipline from her panda buddies out in China in the past. So I just think they're just amazing. They have tons and tons of personality. And how have they been settling in? They have their own special new enclosure. Exactly right. We want to make sure it highlights their natural tendencies or natural ecosystems. So when guests enter our panda ridge habitat they will be immersed in that beautiful southwestern area of China. The other day I was just watching Yunchuan splashing around in his pool. And it was really funny to me because he would run to his pool, walk that fuzzy butt right into the water and then hop back out and go to his bamboo, munchen some bamboo and get right back to the water again. So I think they're really enjoying this fresh, sandy eagle lifestyle. And why do you think the pandas are so popular? I've been talking about this a lot. At times I've noticed it's hard sometimes for the public or human beings to connect with an animal that's not a mammal. There's certain attributes of mammals that we can respond to. And especially when you think of the word "neat-me" so by that I mean an adult creature or animal human being showcasing more juvenile features. So in this case it would be the large ears, the big eyes. That's what really gravitates towards people. They want to protect it. Wildlife communicates. We just have to learn how to listen. On a serious note, how will having these pandas in sandy eagle zoo help with global conservation efforts? What is getting me most excited? I've been doing this for about 28 years. Started the zoo when I was 16. The amount of support in the passion is really inspiring for me that the world is getting united for wildlife. I think it offers some inspiration for the world to have a little brightness in their day. Are you hoping that the pandas might breed and you can have a family of pandas? I mean who doesn't want to see a baby panda? But yes, a breeding is part of the idea and the hope and the aspirations that we have. And their public debut is on the 8th of the 8th month, which is the day that I'm speaking to you. Was that intentional? Because I know the 8 is quite a lucky number to some people in China. I haven't heard any of that, but that's good to know as well. I mean, it feels pretty lucky to me. And I can say it is a beautiful day. And it feels right. It's a very appropriate number, I think. What I am most excited about is to see the faces of children see a giant panda. I get to communicate with a variety of different children from all over the world. But for me, it doesn't matter if you're the emperor of the world or a kid from the barrio. This is going to be for everyone. I want the public to understand that they are part of all of this. I see people every day coming here and getting a mo-- I'm getting a lot of what I'm thinking about it. Just seeing them get connected to wildlife from all over the world. The opportunities that people have to thrive and to experience this. And to unite makes it an important scenario. It's why we do what we do. We want people to rally and to make that positive change in the world. Marco went from the San Diego Zoo Alliance. The president of Botswana gave everyone in the country the afternoon off work on Friday. So they could celebrate a remarkable achievement. The country's first gold medal at the Olympics. Super sprinter, Let's Lead the Bohus win in the men's 200 meters on Thursday was a moment to cherish for the entire nation. But he also made history for all of Africa as the first runner from the continent to win the Olympic men's 200 title. He dedicated his victory to his mother, who died in May. It means a lot to me. It means a lot to African continent. And for the team that was behind me, when we heard about my mom's passing, I was grateful for them because personally, I thought my career was over. But the team made sure I take each and every day how it comes. And make sure that I will come here with a healthier body and a healthier mind. People across Botswana celebrated on Thursday night with dancing and music. One in Athletics journalist, Kallista Kalanso, spoke to Isaac Fanon the morning after the race. I think I slept half the night after being in Shaz and had the whole day waiting for that race. I mean, what a performance by Taborhau. Where did this come from, do you think? Look, this was something extraordinary. It was something that most people didn't expect it to go the way it went. But to him, he was doing this for his mother. He has always been saying that he wished his mother was there with him during the final or the entire Olympics. They wanted to go there and bring happiness to his people by coming to Botswana. His mother has obviously been a huge part of his life. For him, how has the reaction been like in Botswana? I know the president has just announced some good news for you. You won't be working this afternoon, is that correct? We wouldn't be working this afternoon. The nation has been celebrating since last night. People have been dancing in the streets. People have been fighting all night. The celebrations are going to continue until his arrival. That is planned for next week. We expect the celebrations to spread across the country, expecting to go on that tour of the country, and the world medal. There is something that a lot of pain has gone into for many years. It has been an intentional program that we wanted to show out there. Botswana has always been known as a 400-meter country. But we wanted to come out with something special. And the best way that something special will happen has been through the war. He has been dominating since his days as an under 20, up to now SSS in the athlete. So we can only expect the best.
best for me and not only for himself but also as an inspiration to other young athletes that are coming up in this country and the continent is a whole. You know, springing has always been something that was foreign to Africa. We were always being known for long distance but now here we are. We have joined this springing world and we are not living anything to chance. We are going for everything that is out there. Caliste de Colanso. Follow your dreams if you have support and follow them if you don't the words of one young woman in Iraq who defined tradition to open a café by herself with the hope of creating a safe space for women. Joan Jamil opened Joan's café in the southern city of Basra earlier this year, spurred on by a mission to succeed and a love of coffee. Stephanie Prentice has been speaking to her. It's morning in southern Iraq and a cozy café in Basra is making coffee for the pre-work rush, all seen in a slick Instagram video. Here vintage tea cups from England are on display in an old wooden cabinet, designer-like bulbs, dangle from the ceiling and delicate glazed pastries line the counter. But things weren't always so sweet for the café's owner, Joan Jamil. Her dream of a safe space for women to meet didn't come easily. In a city dominated by cafes for young men and chisha culture, cafes she says women don't feel comfortable walking into, let alone attempting to open as a business. It's good vibes but not comfortable for women because of our culture. In the south of Iraq there is traditional culture. In the middle of Iraq and Baghdad or north of Iraq, no, it's very normal. If any girl wants to open a café, it's normal. But in the south, no, I'm the first one. In the south area, not just Basra. Despite the traditional views all around her, Joan was determined and went to speak to her family about her idea. It's very, very, very difficult from my parent, from my dad. But one person supports me, it's my sister. She told me, "Go for it." And let's see what's happened. When I open it and I challenge myself, challenge my family, challenge my dad, challenge my community, old, old community. After that, after when they come and see my café, it's simple and there's good vibes and all the vintage vibes. It's something you're on south of Iraq. So they support me. Now the comfy space is busy day and night. The cookies, cakes and sweets are all sorts from businesses run by women in the area. And on Instagram, Joan has more than 10,000 followers watching her daily stories about her new life. On the ground, she says women treat the café like a second home. And now she wants a second home. I like to open in Nasriya, also south of Iraq. And there is no café, no woman there. Dream, big dream, so big and make it happen. Make it happen and you will find the supports and make it happen, make your dream happen. If you don't have any supports, because you must support yourself. Joan, Jameel, ending that report from Stephanie Prentice and you can find Joan on Instagram at jones.cafe. Last week we asked you to tell us about a time someone had been kind to you and we received this story from Shannon in Vancouver Island about meeting a kind stranger while travelling around Ireland. About 20 years ago, I was in my very early 20s and was travelling all by myself for the first time. While I was there, I relied a lot on the kindness of strangers. I was there for about three and a half months and by the time it was time for my flight home, I was definitely out of money. Luckily for me, my mom said she could transfer some money into my account. So I caught the train into Dublin and held the cab to get me and my luggage to my hostel. Knowing I was at a cash, I asked him to stop at a ATM on the way. Unfortunately, the money hadn't arrived in my account yet. I just about panicked. So I got back in the cab and I almost en-tears as I explained to the gentleman driving what the situation was. I told him I needed to ride to the airport in the mornings and that if he was willing to pick me up again then I was sure the money would be in my account. Luckily for me, he was very understanding and agreed. So next morning he picked me up, he stopped at the cash point again and thank God this time the money was there and I was able to pay for both of the trips and add a tip for him. When I thanked him profusely for his active kindness, he told me he had a daughter and hope that she were ever in a similar situation that someone would do the same for her. So I'll just give a huge shout out to any and all cab drivers who have taken pity and shown such kindness to hapless tourists such as myself. You are all beautiful people who make the world a much better place. Shannon from Vancouver Island and if you have an active kindness you think would make us all smile from a taxi driver or indeed anyone else, do send us an email or a voice note to
[email protected]. Coming up in the podcast, being a mom is a very powerful thing. Let's just give us the support that we need. For the first time Olympic and Paralympic athletes have dedicated facilities for breastfeeding and charcare. It's estimated there are nearly 5 billion smartphones in the world and that around 60% of the global population have one. You might be using yours right now to listen to this podcast. But does that constant access to social media, cameras, emails and calls really make us happy? Well, the people behind a scheme in the Netherlands called the Offline Club think we'd all be more content if we ditched our phones occasionally in favour of making real life connections. They hold regular events at Cafies in Amsterdam and our intrepid correspondent Anna Holligan went along to find out more. Welcome. So glad to have you here. So you can hand in your phone with me. The woman at the door, Navine, takes my phone and places it in what looks like a hotel mini fridge. It looks like it doesn't fit. Maybe I'll… No, no, no. I will make it fit. Inside it's hip cafe. People are getting settled on sofas, they're sipping on kombucha, fresh fruit smoothies, pulling out books and no pads. My name is Ilya, I'm one of the co-founders of the Offline Club. We really don't want people at all to even have to think about their phones. It's been scientifically proven that even when you have the phone turned off in the same room as you are, you experience subconscious stress. I am a foreign correspondent and I'm a mother. I feel like it's going to make me more anxious not being able to know if I'm needed somewhere. I think in the first 10 minutes it might be uncomfortable because we're so dependent on our phones. Once you have done this a couple times, you realize that things can wait. Alright, so here goes. The three hour events broken up into four chunks. Later on we're all going to talk to one another. That's fine. I'm going to talk to people. But first we are encouraged to just sit quietly. Confolously. Just looking around and everyone looks quite chilled. Everyone seems to be completely and mindfully immersed in the moment. I think I need to really work on this digital decompression. After an hour, it's time to get up and speak to the other people in the cafe. We're strangers and yet you're here sharing swinging sofa. I don't think this would happen in many places. Yeah, I really like this super bright yellow sofa that's swinging. I just thought this is the space for me. I really believe that it's important to take some time off of my screen and I think it's way more meaningful when you share this experience with somebody else. It's a beautiful setting. Do you feel like a frustration that you can put it online and get the dopamine hit of all of those likes it would generate? I really feel relief of not having to do it knowing that I can't. What we've discovered so far is that there's really a need for connection in today's world. So we didn't expect people to also really come for the social part to meet people in a very low-key, easy way without social pressure. I think a lot of us are craving authentic connections with people. I work in social media, that's how I started. It's really toxic. I've seen just the addiction rise and the need to be on the phone, it scares me a little bit. At the end of the event, I'm surprised to see not everyone's dashing to retrieve their phone. You were one of the first to cue and get your phone back. What does this moment feel like? - Feels like to be honest, because I'm gonna be. back to my phone addiction. I wouldn't call it addiction but a usage of phone. But yeah, I'm gonna learn all the ideas they were given to kind of limit my phone usage. Why were you so eager to get it back? Oh no, I think I was not actually. You put your phone back on to get directions but also to share contact details with each other. That's a connection. In the real world. Yeah, we did it. Yeah, I didn't expect it. Honestly, like to happen is like this but I am happy. I didn't expect to either but I've really enjoyed my time at the offline club and I'm maybe even just a bit reluctant to be returning to the updates and interruptions of the real world. Hmm, Anna, Holig and reporting there and you can hear more about the offline club and other ways to cut your smartphone use on people fixing the world wherever you get your BBC podcasts. And if you've ever tried or succeeded in ditching your phone, there is no how it went. And now for a couple of other stories we've spotted this week. A zoo here in the UK is celebrating the birth of what it describes as one of the rarest animals on Earth. Parasjon onagers, which are related to donkeys, only survive in the wild in two small protected areas of Iran with fewer than 600 of the creatures remaining. Conservationists at Chester Zoo say the birth of what they call the "leggy youngster" who's been named Jasper could help safeguard the species from extinction. They say his mum Azita is doing a fantastic job while Jasper is said to be full of energy and enjoys playfully kicking up sand as he races around his habitat. And a parrot has been honoured by Guinness World Records for a feat of memory, correctly naming a series of items within three minutes. Apollo's owners say they hope to highlight the natural intelligence of animals as Charlotte Simpson reports. "You're in a plaque. You're now a world record bird." Four-year-old Apollo and African Grey parrot from Florida secured the record after successfully identifying 12 items, including. "What's this called?" "Book." "What's this called?" "Plant." "What's this called?" "Rock." Apollo achieved the feat back in 2023 but only received his plaque recently, which his proud owners shared with his 2.8 million followers on TikTok. Dalton and Victoria said they trained Apollo together by giving him examples of correct and incorrect responses, helped along by promises of his favourite snack, pistachios. Apollo the parrot, who certainly no bird brain. Now, back to Paris 2024, and for the first time in history, Olympic and Paralympic athletes who are breastfeeding or caring for small children have access to dedicated facilities. In the past children haven't been allowed in the athletes village. But as Nishat Ladder reports, the drive for change has come from mothers who've competed at past Olympics. "I cried a lot on the bus ride to the Olympic village and I was just watching videos and looking at pictures of her and then I got there and I just cannot sleep without her." American Marathon runner Ali Fiend Tullyamuk competed at the Tokyo Olympics in the midst of the pandemic, where the marathon site was in the north of Japan. She was mostly able to be with her husband and her 6 month old baby Zoe, who she was breastfeeding, except on the first night in the athletes village in Tokyo, where children were banned. "I slept away from my baby for the very first time. I was so engorged at night at like 1am. I was pumping. Like I called them and she's crying, she's losing her mind because she doesn't understand why her mom is not there. I am just so happy that it's now changed to where they actually have facilities for them. That is pretty incredible." The issue of when to stop breastfeeding was one that Kenya born Tullyamuk had to wrestle with. "I always planned that I was going to breastfeed for 3 or 4 months, then I'm going to stop and then that will still give me about 2 and a half months before the Olympics. But then once my daughter arrived, I realized that stopping breastfeeding was not in the cards for me." Such experiences prompted the International Olympic Committee and Paris 2024 to offer a crash in the athletes village with space and privacy for breastfeeding mothers to pump and store their milk. There are also nappy changing and play areas. Emma Terho, a former winter Olympian, is chair of the IOC Athletes Commission. "We want to encourage this possibility for a female athlete to continue their career. We wanted to make sure that there is space where they can be in quiet and in privacy still being able to focus on probably the highlight of their career." The group and mother, which advocates for sporting mums, was set up by middle-distance runner Alissa Montano, who famously in 2014 ran while heavily pregnant. "I felt that we haven't seen what it looks like to be a woman in my career to visibly see her being pregnant, having her babies and continue her career. So I'm just going to do it. That's why I ran 8 months pregnant at USA Nationals." Traveling to races while breastfeeding was also a challenge, something Tullyamuk encountered at the Tokyo Games. "The race was moved up an hour to 6 a.m. because of the heat. I ran out of time to pump. And then I got to the starting line. You know, we had tens for Tim USA. There was no place for me to like, breastfeed and all pump. Nobody was thinking about the fact that they might be athletes who are breastfeeding and what do they need." Montano, the welcoming the Paris Initiative, says Moun needs to be done. "What I'd like to also see is at all of the venues at their safe and respectable lactation accommodations provided with like electricity to be able to pump your breast milk and know that there is a safe space for you to store your breast milk. The big barrier is also financially. You can have a nursery but you need to have like a caregiver on the other side and you have to be able to pay for that." "Fotullyamuk is simple. All mothers deserve the full Olympic experience." "Being a mom is a very powerful thing. Let's just give us the support that we need." US Marathon runner Alifine Tuleamuk ending that report by Nisha Ladder. And just before we go, you may remember on an earlier episode of the HappyPod we talked about some of the couples competing at the Olympics in Paris. Well, the romance of the city, it is after all the city of love, seems to have had quite an effect on one pair. After China's Wang Ya Chong, one gold in the Badminton Mixed Doubles, her boyfriend and fellow Olympian Liu Chen greeted her with the bouquet of red and pink roses. Before delighting the crowd by getting down on Wondee and proposing, Wang wiped away happy tears as she said yes and showed the ring to the cheering fans and later called it "very surprising." And of course, if you have an unusual marriage proposal story, we'd love to hear from you. And that's it from the HappyPod for now. If you have any stories you want to share that will make us all smile, our address is global podcast at bbc.su.uk. This edition was mixed by Annie Smith, the producers were Holly Gibbs, Shavon Leighy and Rachel Balckley, the editor is Karen Martin. I'm Valerie Sanderson, until next time, bye bye. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music]
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