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From talking whales to signing simians: the best videos From talking whales to signing simians: the best videos
(about 1 hour later)
The call of Noc the beluga, recorded by scientists at the National Marine Mammal Foundation in San Diego, has captivated listeners. The whale was apparently imitating the speech patterns of its handlers.The call of Noc the beluga, recorded by scientists at the National Marine Mammal Foundation in San Diego, has captivated listeners. The whale was apparently imitating the speech patterns of its handlers.
Let's take a look at other animals who have demonstrated their ability to copy human sounds.Let's take a look at other animals who have demonstrated their ability to copy human sounds.
Hoover was the name of a celebrated sea lion at the New England Aquarium. Hoover was the name of a celebrated sea lion at the New England Aquarium. [video]
Prince, the 'talking dog' became a minor celebrity after an appearance on British TV programme That's Life. Prince, the 'talking dog' became a minor celebrity after an appearance on British TV programme That's Life. [video]
More talented still are highly intelligent African grey parrots, who can articulate a range of words. More talented still are highly intelligent African grey parrots, who can articulate a range of words. [video]
Mynah birds are renowned for their ability to imitate speech. Mynah birds are renowned for their ability to imitate speech. [video]
Imitation is one thing, understanding another, of course. Perhaps the most famous "talking animal" was Nim Chimpsky, the chimpanzee that learned, not to talk, but to use American Sign Language. His ability to communication was said to match that of a human toddler. Imitation is one thing, understanding another, of course. Perhaps the most famous "talking animal" was Nim Chimpsky, the chimpanzee that learned, not to talk, but to use American Sign Language. His ability to communication was said to match that of a human toddler. [video]
What are your experiences of animals that sound like humans? How much – if anything – do you think they understand of what they are saying?What are your experiences of animals that sound like humans? How much – if anything – do you think they understand of what they are saying?