Gorillas Have Invented a Unique Vocalization to Get Zookeepers' Attention
In a fascinating discovery, western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) at Zoo Atlanta have been caught summoning their keepers using a strange cough-sneeze hybrid.
Only two other species have displayed this ability to create new vocalizations to attract our attention: zoo-housed chimpanzees and orangutans. Now, we can add gorillas to that list.
Below, 24-year-old female gorilla Sukari demonstrates this gorilla equivalent to a human 'ahem' which researchers have called a 'snough'.
As many of us know, Koko put a spotlight on gorilla intelligence in the '80s and '90s with her incredible ability to communicate with humans using sign language. She was trained and worked diligently at...