20.10.2006-1.7.2007 

Whether in showing fear, aggression or affection, animals communicate with their whole body. They go about this in an uncomplicated and effective way because their life often depends upon them being understood correctly. No mating behaviour (and the response thereto) – no offspring; no warning sign – death and downfall. For this reason, animals pull on all of the communication resources they have at their disposal.

While skin and fur both play a part in that communication, body posture and movement speak whole volumes, not to mention sounds and smells. The range of signals is as wide as it is surprising, albeit for us as humans. Did you perhaps know that the Sumatra rhinoceros uses its horn and its tongue to bind knots in reeds to leave its marks? Or that the arctic sperm whale speaks, or rather sings, a different dialect than members of its same species in Antarctica?

We humans are not indifferent to animals. From the passionate worshiping of pussy cats via our instinctive revulsion towards snakes and spiders, to the clutching fear of fierce fighting dogs, the way we interact with animals is filled with emotion, but also of judgement and misunderstandings. How can we interpret animal signals, or is it at all possible for us?

It is said of Blessed John of La Verna, of Tarzan and of the shamans that they were and are able to speak animal languages. While common mortals at best have only an approximate understanding of the incredible diversity of animal languages, in this exhibition we’re going to give you that opportunity.

Our exhibition, titled ‘Animal talk’, provides an insight into communication between animals and between animals and humans. The exhibition presents a wide field of phenomena, from the impressive to the bizarre. It shows how communication is an essential part of life, for humans as well as animals. Indeed, the various forms of communication, its varied expressions and exotic forms are in fact as colourful as life itself.

So take a deeper look into our «Animal talk» exhibition and become familiar with animal languages. But don’t expect to become someone who whispers to horses; there’s not much chance of that…