This Seal Learned How to Sing 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'
The seal, named Zola, is one of three young seals that scientists at the Scottish Oceans Institute at the University of St. Andrews are teaching to copy human sounds.
Researchers in Scotland have taught a seal to sing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”
The seal, named Zola, is one of three young seals that scientists at the Scottish Oceans Institute at the University of St. Andrews are teaching to copy human sounds as part of ongoing research into speech disorders.
“Copies were not perfect but given that these are not typical seal sounds it is pretty impressive,” said lead researcher Dr. Amanda Stansbury. “Our study really demonstrates how flexible seal vocalizations are.”
Professor Vincent Janik, director of the institute, said the research provides a better understanding of the evolution of vocal learning.
“Finding other mammals that use their vocal tract in the same way as us to modify sounds informs us on how vocal skills are influenced by genetics and learning and can ultimately help to develop new methods to study speech disorders,” said Janik.
RELATED STORIES
Trending on Inside Edition
Mom of 2-Year-Old Attacked by Coyote in Huntington Beach Plans to Sue City Over Toddler's Injuries
Animals
Woman Paralyzed by Classmate in 1997 Paducah School Shooting Speaks Out as Convicted Gunman Seeks Parole
Crime
Urn Containing Human Remains Found on South Carolina Shore, an Increasing Problem for the Coroners Office
Human Interest
Missing Georgia Mother Found Dead in the Woods Naked and With Charring on her Stomach
Crime
Route 91 Harvest Festival Massacre Survivor Is Still on the Road to Recovery 5 Years After Being Shot 3 Times
INSIDE EDITION InDepth