Student Article

Elephants may be doing something we thought only humans could — using names!

Elephants might be calling each other by name

New research shows that wild African elephants might use names to identify each other, just like humans. Scientists studied 469 calls, or “rumbles,” from elephants in Kenya’s Amboseli, Samburu, and Buffalo Springs parks.

Scientists used tech to decode elephant talk

The rumbles were often low, deep sounds that were different for each elephant. Researchers used computer algorithms to figure out which calls might be names and who they were for. They then played these calls to the elephants. When an elephant heard its own name, it responded with more energy, moved toward the speaker faster, and made more sounds.

Elephants know when they're being called

This shows elephants know and understand when they are being called by name, even if the sound is out of context. Adults used names more often than calves, especially when speaking over long distances or when talking to their young.

Elephants are even smarter than we thought

Elephants are already known for using many forms of communication like touch, scent, and sound. They can share details about emotions, age, and behavior. This new finding shows elephants might also be capable of abstract thinking — the ability to connect a sound to the idea of another elephant.

© Helen Pilcher / Our Media