New Study Found That Elephants Call Each Other by Unique Names

In an astonishing revelation, a recent study has found that elephants communicate with each other using unique names. 

This discovery positions elephants as the first non-human animals known to invent and use individual names that do not involve imitation. 

While dolphins and parrots have been observed mimicking the sounds of others from their species, elephants take this a step further, demonstrating a sophisticated form of social interaction previously thought to be exclusive to humans.

The groundbreaking study, published on Monday, was conducted by a team of international researchers who used an artificial intelligence algorithm to analyze the calls of two wild herds of African savanna elephants in Kenya. 

The research, led by behavioral ecologist Michael Pardo from Colorado State University, revealed that elephants not only use specific vocalizations for each individual but also recognize and respond to these calls, even when heard out of context.

The research team sifted through elephant “rumbles” recorded at Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve and Amboseli National Park over several decades, from 1986 to 2022. 

By employing a machine-learning algorithm, they identified 469 distinct calls, which included 101 elephants issuing a call and 117 receiving one. 

The study found that elephants make a wide range of sounds, from loud trumpeting to rumbles so low they cannot be heard by the human ear.

Interestingly, the use of names was more prevalent over long distances and typically involved adults addressing young elephants. 

This pattern suggests that it could take years for elephants to learn this particular talent. 

Adults were also more likely to use names than calves, indicating that this skill is honed over time. 

The most common call identified in the study was “a harmonically rich, low-frequency sound.”

To confirm their findings, researchers played recordings of elephants' calls to the intended recipients. 

The elephants responded positively and energetically when they heard their names called by a friend or family member. In contrast, they were far less enthusiastic when played the names of others. 

This clear distinction in reactions underscores the elephants' ability to recognize and respond to individual names.

Unlike parrots and dolphins, which often imitate the calls of others, elephants use unique, non-imitative sounds to label individuals. 

This suggests that elephants and humans are the only known species to invent “arbitrary” names for each other. 

George Wittemyer, the senior author of the study, noted that this ability indicates a level of abstract thought in elephants, showcasing their complex cognitive abilities.

The researchers have called for further investigation into the evolutionary origins of this remarkable talent. 

Elephants’ ancestors diverged from primates and cetaceans around 90 million years ago, suggesting that this sophisticated form of communication has deep evolutionary roots.

Despite the vast differences between humans and elephants, there are striking similarities in our social structures. 

Both species have extended family units with rich social lives, underpinned by highly developed brains. 

Frank Pope, CEO of Save the Elephants, remarked that the use of names is likely just the beginning of what we will uncover about these magnificent creatures.

This discovery not only deepens our understanding of elephant communication but also highlights the intricate social dynamics of one of the most intelligent species on our planet. 

As research continues, we can expect more revelations about the rich and complex lives of elephants, further bridging the gap between human and animal intelligence.