AllMovie

Are humans the only mammals that communicate with language? Nova attempts to answer that question with Nova: Signs of the Apes, Songs of the Whale. Researchers target apes in their bid for a common ground. Washoe and Koko are two examples of gorillas learning rudimentary skills. Chimpanzees and orangutans are also presented as having an ability to use sign language. In a separate habitat, dolphins and sea lions provide convincing proof that undersea animals can be taught to communicate. Nova concludes the program with a sampling of animal calls in the wild.