Earth Species Project and NatureLM says listening to animals is the next creative frontier

AI is decoding animal communication—and reshaping our relationship with nature

Forget about robots wiping out humanity—we need to talk about the animals.

Chances are, they’re probably talking about us.

And given our track record, I’m sure they have a lot to say.

We are now closer than ever to understanding what animals are saying, because the Earth Species Project (ESP), a California-based non-profit, recently secured $17 million in funding to accelerate their AI research into decoding animal communication.

At the heart of their research is NatureLM, an audio-language model specifically designed to analyze animal sounds. Think of it like ChatGPT, but instead of being trained on text from the internet, NatureLM processes and interprets audio data, including animal vocalizations. It can classify thousands of species, from birds to whales to frogs. This work has the potential to fundamentally change how we see ourselves in relation to the natural world.

ESP President and co-founder Aza Raskin explains:

Humans are at an incredible moment with AI, in which everything that can be translated will be.

Just as the telescope taught us that Earth is not the centre of the universe, our hope is that this research will teach us that humanity is not the centre of life on Earth.

We envision a renewed relationship with nature that allows the diversity of all life to thrive.

This isn’t just about translating animal “words” into human language. ESP’s research dives into the patterns and context behind these communications, exploring social behaviours, emotional expressions, and even problem-solving abilities. Imagine not only hearing what a whale is "saying," but understanding why it’s saying it and what that means for its survival.

A general benefit of this research is that it could revolutionize how we approach conservation. If we can recognize stress signals in whales or interpret the mating calls of endangered species, we can design better interventions to protect them. That is, if we want to. Used in this way, AI becomes more than a tool—it can be a bridge between humans and the natural world, fostering deeper understanding and cooperation.

My grain of thought

Decoding animal communication offers new possibilities for creators. What does it mean to give animals a voice? Could this spark an entirely new genre of art—one shaped by empathy, coexistence, and connection with nature? How could this reshape the stories we tell about animals in film, television, or children’s books? Imagine storytelling that’s less about cute, talking animals in hats and more about scientifically grounded narratives that reflect their actual perspectives. Or how about a nature documentary where animals “speak” in scientifically accurate ways, complete with a VR experience that immerses us in the sounds and perspectives of a rainforest?

But with this new capability would come entirely new responsibilities.

How do we avoid projecting human traits onto animals while respecting their unique voices? Could this spark a new era of ethical storytelling—one that seeks to represent non-human subjects with integrity and authenticity?

What’s profound for me is that ESP’s work also broadens the potential of AI. Instead of just being used to automate tasks or generate art—it unlocks entirely new realms of understanding. It also offers new opportunities for creatives to collaborate with scientists and technologists, blending what we can imagine with entirely new real-world input to inspire us.

As someone who’s dedicated a lot of time and energy thinking about AI, this groundbreaking area of inquiry challenges me to consider not just what AI can do, but also, how does it reflect our place on Earth? That’s a tough question, which some may say is long overdue.

What would happen if we listen deeply, learn humbly, and reconsider how we coexist with the other living beings who share our planet?

With all the fears of AI disrupting life as we know it, projects like ESP’s NatureLM suggest that that AI could also be used to bridge divides, foster empathy, and generate more understanding and connection.