The Economic Times

In 1971, a Maine fisherman rescued a baby seal and spoke to him every day. 7 years later, that seal began talking back in his own voice

A Maine fisherman rescued an orphaned harbor seal pup in 1971 and bottle-fed him while speaking to him every day. Years later, the seal, named Hoover, surprised researchers at the New England Aquarium by producing remarkably human-like sounds, even appearing to mimic his rescuers distinctive Maine accent. Scientists believe the seals unusual vocal ability may have been linked to early exposure to human speech and sexual maturity.