Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Whistling Orangutan Amazes Scientists



According to an article on ZooToo, an Orangutan at the Washington Zoo has a unique talent - the ability to whistle. While chimpanzees and orangutans have been trained to whistle in the past, Bonnie's ability is highly uncommon as she learned on her own without rewards from human trainers.

Why is it so unique? The ape would have to know how to use her lips and control her breath to make a sound.

Born in captivity and raised by humans, Bonnie the orangutan has always been in close contact with her more evolved cousins; researchers think Bonnie picked up her famous skill from hearing a zookeeper whistle.