The voice may sound unsettling to some, but some of the lines are very familiar. More intriguingly, scientists hypothesize that this capacity might account for the development of various dialects among orca pods. The crucial question still stands, though: Can the orca comprehend her?
Meet Wikie
Wikie, a killer whale that lives at the Marineland Aquarium in Antibes, France, is the subject of the investigation. Wikie’s ability to mimic her trainer’s speech with little to no practice—sometimes even on her first try—is what sets her apart.
Orcas and Their Imitation Abilities
One well-established characteristic of orcas is mimicry.
