Captive Killer Whales Learn to Speak Dolphin

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.takepart.com/article/2014/10/09/killer-whale-learns-speak-dolphin?cmpid=tpdaily-eml-2014-10-09


Researchers say orcas that can mimic other species will have a better chance of surviving in the wild, but activists cast doubt on the claim.


(Photo: Andrew Winning/Reuters)

October 09, 2014 By David Kirby

David Kirby has been a professional journalist for 25 years. His third book, Death at Seaworld, was published in 2012.

Are killer whales multilingual?

A new study from the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute has found that captive orcas kept with bottlenose dolphins adopt the signature clicks and whistles of their tank mates. But some scientists question claims made in the paper that this knowledge can benefit endangered orca populations in the wild.

The study, which will appear in the next issue of Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, reported that captive killer whales exhibit similar vocal “repertoires” as bottlenose dolphins after spending time with them, suggesting considerable “vocal plasticity” and a desire for “vocal conformity” in their social environment.

In other words, they just want to fit in.

FULL story at link.