Episode 72: Trumpets, Rumbles & Squeaks – Elephant Communication

<p>We’ve all heard an elephant trumpet, but what does a rumble or a squeak sound like? Where in the body are these sounds produced, and what do they mean?</p><p>In this week’s episode, we explore the fascinating world of elephant communication. From audible vocalizations to infrasonic and seismic communication beyond human hearing, we discuss the many ways elephants share information with one another.</p><p>We also explore how captivity may influence communication. How do elephants who have spent years—or even decades—in isolation learn to “talk elephant” when they finally get the chance to live with other elephants? Is communication instinctive, learned, or a combination of both?</p><p>Actually, our conversation starts with a surprising, and rather funny, misunderstanding over the word “torch”, proving that communication can be complicated even when humans are speaking the same language.</p><p>PS: No slugs were harmed during or after this recording. 💚</p><p><strong>Links</strong>:</p><p>❤️ Become a <a href="https://globalelephants.org/recurring-donations-2/"><u>Pathfinder</u></a> and support our work starting at USD10 a month.</p><p>❤️Stay connected on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/globalsanctuaryforelephants"> <u>Facebook</u></a>,<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sanctuary4elephants/"> <u>Instagram</u></a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/GlobalElephants"><u>X</u></a>, <a href="https://www.threads.com/@sanctuary4elephants"><u>Threads </u></a>&amp; <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalElephants"><u>YouTube</u></a>. </p><p><br>The episode transcript can be found <a href="https://globalelephants.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/EP72-GRP-transcript.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">here</a>.<br></p><p><strong>Email: </strong>We’d love to hear from you <a href="mailto:podcast@globaelephants.org"><u>podcast@globalelephants.org</u></a></p><p><strong>Who we are:</strong> Global Sanctuary for Elephants exists to create vast, safe spaces for captive elephants, where they are able to heal physically and emotionally. There are elephants around the world in need of sanctuary, but too few places exist to be able to care for even a fraction of the elephants. International support is necessary to build sanctuaries for elephants in need of rescue and rehabilitation. Our pilot project is Elephant Sanctuary Brazil where former zoo and circus elephants from across South America live their best lives.</p><p><strong>Website</strong>:<a href="https://globaleleph