Hippos in the wild can recognise their pals' voices, according to a new study.
Hippo can tell who their friend is from their voice, study says
Scientists from the University of Saint-Etienne in France came to this conclusion about the animal’s aural talents after researching them at a nature reserve in Africa. According to the team, hippopotamuses are able to decipher who is a friend and who is a foe based on the sound of their greeting.
The researchers say that they potentially can tell others apart from just the sound of their voice.
Professor Mathevon told the BBC “This recognition ability supports the social relationships between individuals.”
The study found the most commonly used call by hippos - a “wheeze-honk” - can be heard from up to 1 kilometre away.