Lyrebirds are known to mimic a wide range of sounds including chainsaws and car horns, but it’s unusual for them to imitate humans. That’s why it’s intriguing when Echo the resident lyrebird from Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia lets out the screeching sound of a baby’s cry.
The zookeepers are wondering about how Echo mastered this eerie wailing sound. The unit supervisor of birds, Leanne Golebiowski, said that the lyrebird has been trying to mimic the sound since last year.
“I can only assume that he picked it up from our guests. Obviously he has been working on his craft during lockdown. But this concerns me, as I thought the zoo was a happy place for families to visit!” Golebiowski said.
Echo can also mimic the zoo’s fire alarm and its “evacuate now” announcement.
Video: Taronga Zoo