Britain’s Got Talons? Animal impressionist Geneviève Côté teaches new skills

The professional ‘noise maker’ from Canada demonstrates to visitors young and old how to make several different animal sounds, a key building block in child speech and cognitive development. Geneviève barks like a sea lion, squawks like a penguin and hoots like an owl during her performances at the Surrey resort on Thursday, 27 June 2024. She impersonates four different animal noises and is joined on stage by zookeepers who provide fascinating facts and insights about all the animals.

Animals communicate using various signals, including visual (auditory, or sound-based), chemical (involving pheromones) and tactile (touch-based) cues. Communication signals help animals to do things such as find mates, defend their territory and care for their young.

And just like our animal counterparts, humans rely on communication signals and this is especially important for children. That’s why children love making animal noises, and why kids’ books are filled with roars, hisses, moos and quacks.

Imitating animal sounds plays an important role in early speech and language development and can help to enhance children’s cognitive skills[1]. Parents can support their children by using animal sounds, whether in play or reading a book. And when children hear those animal noises in real life, in nature or at a zoo, it can help them develop a deeper understanding of the world.

Britain’s Got Talent 2024 star, Geneviève Côté commented, “Animal noises have always been such a big part of my life. They have not only been a part of my performance, but they have brought me and people around me joy. I loved learning from the animals at Chessington World of Adventures, broadening my skills and helping parents and kids learn to make animal noises too.”

Ramesh Ganeson, Divisional Director of Chessington World of Adventures said, “We’re thrilled to welcome Geneviève to Chessington World of Adventures for this one-of-a-kind special performance. We're always looking for new and creative ways to teach guests about our 1,000 animals and education is a key part of everything we do here at the zoo. Geneviève’s amazing animal impressions are the perfect way to combine fun and education to inspire the next generation of animal-lovers."

For more information and to book tickets, visit chessington.com.