Why Some Elephants Can Make Sounds While Others Cannot 0 14

However, neither vocal cords nor trunks play a decisive role here.

Researchers from the University of Vienna and their colleagues conducted extensive observations, using thermal cameras to record elephants and matching the videos with the sounds they produced. As a result, it was found that elephants make sounds using their lips. By tightening their lips, they forcefully push air out, which causes vibration and creates a high-pitched ringing sound. We can also do this, but our sound will be less powerful.

The scientists emphasize that not all elephants are capable of squeaking, suggesting that this skill is learned from one another. For example, African elephants do not make such sounds at all—possibly because they have never heard that it is possible.