Really! Animals do talk!

A DigitalNZ Story by Zokoroa

Can animals listen to and talk with us? These photos illustrate great conversations can be had with animals who are wonderful listeners.

animals, communication, languages, body languages, zoo animals, pets, domestic animals

Can animals listen to and talk with us? Storybooks, TV shows and movies tell us - yes! Those amongst us who are akin to horse whisperers would agree. These photos illustrate great conversations can be had with animals - at least from their perspective!

Image: A Dairy cow in a paddock of grass.

Thought I'd drop by to say 'hi'. I see you're looking at your screen again.

A Dairy cow in a paddock of grass.

mychillybin

Image: Giraffes

Howdy. You look a long way down.

iNaturalist NZ — Mātaki Taiao

Image: Giraffes

Yes, we are the tallest mammals

iNaturalist NZ — Mātaki Taiao

Image: Giraffes

Look closely - each of us has different patterns of spots

Auckland Libraries

Image: Goat

Come closer so I can whisper a secret.

mychillybin

Image: Arapawa Goats Three

Once upon a time there were three billy goat gruffs.

(I was one of them! - Shhh!)

Arapawa Goats Three

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: Goat

Fun fact - Did you know there are over 200 different breeds of goats?

iNaturalist NZ — Mātaki Taiao

Image: Emperor penguins

Keep a straight line - left, right, left...

Emperor penguins

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: Weka with fledgling chick- Kenepuru Head, Marlborough Sounds

Let's do the Hokey pokey - You put your left foot in; you take your left foot out....

Weka with fledgling chick- Kenepuru Head, Marlborough Sounds

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: Penguin, King

I love Zumba dancing!

Puke Ariki

Image: Ewing's Tree Frog

Let's play leapfrog!

Ewing's Tree Frog

iNaturalist NZ — Mātaki Taiao

Image: Archey's Frog

Get ready! Get set! Jump!

iNaturalist NZ — Mātaki Taiao

Image: Australian green tree frog (Hyla aurea)

Hold tight on the landing!

Australian green tree frog (Hyla aurea)

Nga Manu Nature Reserve

Image: Cow looking from behind a tree

Hey, come and see what is happening over there.

Cow looking from behind a tree

mychillybin

Image: Young cow in pen

Hee hee! Caught you sneaking apples from that tree.

Young cow in pen

mychillybin

Image: apple

Yes - I saw you!

iNaturalist NZ — Mātaki Taiao

Image: New Zealand Sea Lion

I can roar the loudest!

New Zealand Sea Lion

iNaturalist NZ — Mātaki Taiao

Image: Bull Elephant seal challenging

My roar is louder!

Bull Elephant seal challenging

Antarctica New Zealand

Image: Elephant Seals

Can you beat both of us!

Antarctica New Zealand

Image: Little Owl/German Owl (Athene noctua)

OMG! Harry Potter has an opening for more owls.

Little Owl/German Owl (Athene noctua)

Nga Manu Nature Reserve

Image: Ross chickens

What do you think, Charlie? Shall we audition?

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: Haast's Eagle

Maybe I could be Ravenclaw!

iNaturalist NZ — Mātaki Taiao

Image: Snake

I could be Slytherin the snake!

Puke Ariki

You can also see these digitalNZ stories:

Image: Expressions on goats' faces

In this story, you can discover what goats are thinking and feeling.

Expressions on goats' faces

DigitalNZ

Image: Inquisitive kea meets tourist in Arthur's Pass

See what inquisitive kea get up to!

Inquisitive kea meets tourist in Arthur's Pass

DigitalNZ

Image: Our 10 tips for how animals keep fit

And find out from animals their top 10 tips for keeping fit!

Our 10 tips for how animals keep fit

DigitalNZ

Image: Teddy bear adventures

Plus, see what teddy bears love doing!

Teddy bear adventures

DigitalNZ