Imagine hearing a killer whale say “hello” or “goodbye”; it might seem like something taken from a science fiction movie, but this phenomenon is scientifically-backed. A 2018 study showed that orcas are intelligent creatures with the ability to mimic human language with uncanny accuracy. In the recordings by a 14-year-old female orca called Wikie, the public seems to be aghast yet simultaneously drawn in by an otherworldly sense.
Killer whale’s remarkable ability to mimic human sounds revealed
Scientists of Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Chile have brought to light their research investigation on the elasticity of killer whales in mimicking other unknown sounds. Published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the study featured Wikie – a resident inside a controlled environment, well suited for carrying out this piece of research.
Initially, Wikie was taught to replicate three familiar sounds made by her calf. Later, she was introduced to five new orca sounds she had never heard before. In the final phase, Wikie was exposed to six human sounds, including “hello,” “Amy,” “ah ha,” “one, two,” and “bye-bye.” Remarkably, Wikie succeeded in mimicking these human sounds—some on her first try—leaving the researchers astounded. “We wanted to see if we could make them replicate sounds outside their natural repertoire. ‘Hello’ is not something a killer whale would typically say,” explained Josep Call, a co-author of the study and professor at the University of St. Andrews.
Wikie’s eerie vocal mimicry captivates and unsettles listeners with her chilling ‘hello’
Wikie’s vocal mimicry is simultaneously fascinating and spooky. Her version of “hello” was especially chilling, with some listeners describing the sound as “demonic” or “the Devil speaking through a ghost box.” One listener even said, “Was that really an orca, or a supernatural presence?” Yet, many were moved by Wikie’s vocal abilities, with one person saying, “It’s tear-jerking—the fact that we live in such a beautiful world full of amazing creatures.”
How Wikie’s ability to mimic human sounds could explain orca pod dialects
Orcas have long been recognized for their specific pod dialects, which scientists believe are acquired through vocal imitation. Wikie’s ability to mimic human words proves that vocal mimicry could be the basis of the dialects observed in the wild. “This might be a key part of how dialects are formed in the wild. It’s certainly plausible,” said Call.
The study also highlighted the remarkable vocal adaptability of orcas, despite their anatomical differences from humans. Orca whales lack vocal cords, which are similar to those in humans. However, they can still produce sounds that are close to human speech. “Despite their different anatomy, orcas can make sounds that are close to what humans can produce,” Call added.
However, it’s worth noting that Wikie doesn’t understand what the words she mimics mean. “We have no evidence that Wikie knows what ‘hello’ means,” Call clarified.
Public reaction to Wikie’s mimicry sparks debate on orca intelligence and communication
The public has received Wikie’s recordings with equal parts fascination and discomfort. It is either because of the unbelievable capabilities of nature or the uncomfortable mimicry involved. The research has opened wider discussions about the cognitive abilities and communication potential of killer whales.
Future plans for research on wild orca populations and acquisition as well as sharing sounds in the wild might inform us better about the cultural transmission of the dialect as well as the social dynamics of the pods. The mimicry of Wikie shows us about the mysteries within the animal kingdom and encourages us to remember how complex marine mammals can be in communication. This research adds knowledge and further increases one’s interest in orcas’ potential at speech-like vocalization and other untapped intelligence that is possessed by these majestic creatures.
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