It sounds like a Doctor Doolittle moment, as captive Orcas (so-called Killer whales) have reportedly been trained to imitate human speech, making their sounds via their blow-holes (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/jan/31/orcas-killer-whales-can-imitate-human-speech-research-reveals). The research may be useful in revealing how these sociable whales can use sound in their interactions with members of their own species (including coordinated hunting by packs of these aquatic mammals) but the actual words (e.g. 'hello' and 'bye-bye') probably have no more meaning to the animal than performing a begging posture to obtain a food reward. Don't expect any killer whale to say "Sorry, I thought you were a seal", before it chomps on you, anytime soon!
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Wednesday 31 January 2018
Orca Talker?
It sounds like a Doctor Doolittle moment, as captive Orcas (so-called Killer whales) have reportedly been trained to imitate human speech, making their sounds via their blow-holes (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/jan/31/orcas-killer-whales-can-imitate-human-speech-research-reveals). The research may be useful in revealing how these sociable whales can use sound in their interactions with members of their own species (including coordinated hunting by packs of these aquatic mammals) but the actual words (e.g. 'hello' and 'bye-bye') probably have no more meaning to the animal than performing a begging posture to obtain a food reward. Don't expect any killer whale to say "Sorry, I thought you were a seal", before it chomps on you, anytime soon!
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