Want to communicate with dolphins? Try playing them the flute

Dolphins are true experts in acoustics. They use sound production and reception to communicate, navigate and detect predators and prey. – Photo: AFP

Music is the universal language par excellence. But could it help us communicate with animals? A new Australian study reveals that dolphins are particularly receptive to the high frequencies of certain instruments, such as the flute, the piccolo and the Indian recorder.

Researchers at The Australian National University have teamed up with flutist Sally Walker to determine whether dolphins exhibit a natural curiosity for music. They conducted the experiment in December 2021 in Port Stephens, New South Wales.