Killer whale that can say 'hello' amuses BBC hosts

BBC Breakfast presenters Dan Walker and Louise Minchin were left in fits of giggles today as they listened to a whale being taught to mimic human speech. The hosts laughed with each other on this morning's programme as they heard how Wikie, a 16-year-old female orca has learnt to count to three. There was much amusement at the sounds of the numbers, which emerge through her blowhole as parrot-like squawks, shrill whistles or raspberries. Wikie is also said to have learnt how to say English words such as'hello' and'bye bye' and'Amy' – her trainer's name. Minchin said: 'Every time you hear it, you just can't help yourself can you?' Walker added: 'I don't know what it is about that noise, but it just does me every time.'