Biologist Joyce Poole and Colorado State University researchers have discovered that female African elephants may use personalized vocal labels to communicate with specific individuals within their family groups.

A study analyzing recordings of elephant calls in Kenya shows that elephants respond more strongly to calls apparently addressed to them, indicating the ability to associate specific sounds with individuals and social relationships.

This finding suggests a level of arbitrary communication similar to human naming, highlighting the elephants' advanced cognitive skills and communication systems.

Using individual-specific vocal labels is rare but not unprecedented in the animal kingdom, with dolphins and parrots also showing this ability.

The study, published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, underscores the importance of social bonds among elephants and raises awareness for elephant conservation and protection.

Despite these advancements, communicating with elephants on a deeper level remains challenging due to the complexity of their vocalizations.