Posted December 12, 2012 by Annie Leal
Learning a new language is hard (I have a French grade from high school to prove that), but can you imagine learning the language of a different species? These talented animals are better at speaking to us than we are at speaking with them. Check them out:
1. The Elephant Who Can Speak Korean
By placing his trunk in his mouth, Koshik is able to say the Korean words for “hello,” “sit down,” “no,” “lie down,” and “good.” Let’s see if I can give it a go: Ann-yeong-ha-se-yo (hello). Nope, Koshik sounds better!
2. Alex the Parrot
In his short 31 years of life, Alex learned 150 words in English as well as how to use them! Dr. Irene Pepperberg, the scientist who studied him, said that “Alex doesn’t just imitate human speech, as other parrots do—Alex can think.”
3. Mishka the Talking Husky
The “L” word is hard for any couple to say, but Mishka had no problem breaking the language barrier to tell his family how he really feels about them. How cute!
4. Tiggy the Talking Cat
Tiggy is one cat who isn’t afraid to open up and share her feelings. We love you, too, Tiggy!
5. Koko the Gorilla
At just 1 year old, Koko was using American Sign Language. Forty years later, she is able to understand more than 1,000 signs based on that language as well as approximately 2,000 words of spoken English. She even invents new phrases to describe things that she has not been taught, for example “finger-bracelet” to mean ring. Oh, and look! Koko loves kittens just as much as peta2 does:
6. Kanzi the Bonobo
I’ve screwed up more than a couple of meals in my lifetime, but not Kanzi! Not only can he cook a meal over fire, he’s also an impressive conversationalist. Using a keyboard with specially designed graphic symbols called “lexigrams” along with some knowledge of American Sign Language that he learned from watching videos of Koko, Kanzi can communicate with humans. His favorite dish is cherries with orange soda. I might have to give it a try, Kanzi!
Many of these animals spent their lives in captivity as the subject of experiments. peta2 does not approve of or condone this. While we are super-impressed by the abilities of animals as well as by their intelligence, which has driven them to learn our language (even though humans still communicate with animals by using weapons such as whips and bullhooks), we believe that no matter what their intelligence, all animals deserve to be free.
peta2 Street Team Coordinator + lover of vegan food, cats, animal rights, Dawson's Creek, and Harry Potter.
Too long to explain here, it's long enough for a novel.
Well let's just say life ain't always beautiful but it's a beautiful ride. I love all my pets and would do anything for them. I have one dog, two cats, a ferret and my babygirl shaymin,(the cutest hedgehog alive) I'm into all different kinds of music. I'm a singer myself and love art.
Father loves to farm, be self sustainable, loves to read, he's a antiques/vintage auctioneer, art student, and looks like mr. Rogers. My mother is a Montessori teacher and is amazing with children, all about local organic foods, loves gardening, cooking etc. my sister who is nine years older than me was into indie music and introduced me to all sorts of things at a young age. This all rubbed of on me and from that base I grew into similar things. I'm an INFJ
I love animals about as much as rock, heavy metal, tea, and coffee. Hoping to make a difference and help animals through PETA!!!
I'm tall, a geek, nacho - obsessed, I love sewing and Cath Kidston, also I'm vegetarian (wannabe vegan.)
Jersey girl now I'm all country.
I want to get into marketing but not have to rely on people which have different morals and worldviews than I do to hire me. While I'm figuring this out, I want to show everyone what I believe in and spur them into action against injustices.
Life On A Tour Bus
I am Angela. When I am not helping animals I am listening to music, reading, or playing video games. My spirit animal is a fox and I love nature. What else is there to know? Want to know anything about me, need advice or anything message me :)
152 days ago
0
It would be soooo cool if we could learn to talk with them through their languages. Elephants have their own communication and I’d love to study it more!
159 days ago
0
Awwww Koko with the kittens was the cutest.
162 days ago
0
Adorable!