Using AI to ‘talk to animals’ might make us feel clever – but what, if anything, does it do for them?

Researchers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to decode animal communication, from dolphin whistles to elephant rumbles. While the prospect of an 'animal translator' generates significant media buzz and funding, experts like Stephanie King and Joyce Poole warn that the current narrative is often misguided and sensationalist. They argue that AI-driven research risks prioritizing human-centric goals over genuine biological understanding. Furthermore, there are significant ethical concerns regarding the potential for technology to be used to harass or manipulate wildlife for human entertainment. While some, like César Rodríguez-Garavito, see potential for AI to give animals a voice in legal and environmental policy, researchers emphasize that technology cannot replace the patient, long-term field observation required to truly comprehend non-human communication. Ultimately, scientists caution that the 'move fast and break things' ethos of Silicon Valley is incompatible with the delicate, complex reality of animal social systems.