This footage was filmed and produced 18 January 2024.

In a unique scientific endeavor, researchers at Schonbrunn Zoo, led by Katharina Prager, a doctoral student at the Austrian Academy of Sciences, are delving into the acoustic communication of cheetahs. The project, under the guidance of Angela Stoger-Horwath, aims to unravel the mystery behind why cheetahs, unlike their larger feline counterparts, emit high-frequency chirping calls resembling birdsong.

Cheetahs, known for their inability to roar, possess a diverse repertoire of sounds. The 'chirps' observed during communication with familiar conspecifics have become a subject of fascination. Zoo director Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck notes, "These sounds are very similar to birdsong and can therefore also cause confusion for people."

The research, extending to various Austrian zoos, will prominently focus on South Africa, where the team plans to play the recorded 'chirps' to wild animals, including lions. The aim is to understand the purpose behind these high-frequency calls, hypothesizing that they might serve as acoustic camouflage to avoid attracting attention from stronger predators or prey.