Researchers are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to study how animals communicate, but experts warn that the technology’s potential should not be overstated. While AI can help analyze patterns in animal sounds, it is not yet capable of fully decoding their languages or enabling meaningful conversations with non-human species. Stephanie King, co-leader of the Shark Bay Dolphin Research project, notes that AI can be a useful tool, but the focus should be on understanding the complexity of animal communication rather than on creating an "animal interpreter." She criticizes the tendency of media and some researchers to sensationalize AI's role, leading to exaggerated claims and misleading public expectations. Dolphins, for example, use a variety of sounds—whistles, clicks, and buzzes—for communication, navigation, and hunting. However, scientists still don’t fully understand what these sounds mean. Dolphins also perceive sound differently from humans, processing it more quickly and detecting pitches beyond the human hearing range. This makes it difficult to interpret their communication using AI models, which are based on human perception and language patterns. Joyce Poole, an expert on African savanna elephants, shares similar concerns. She argues that trying to "communicate" with animals in a human-like way is more of a gimmick than a serious scientific goal. Instead, she believes the focus should be on understanding how elephants communicate, which could foster greater respect for these animals and their habitats. Poole emphasizes that making their communication systems more understandable to humans is a more valuable pursuit than inserting humans into their natural dialogues. César Rodríguez-Garavito, director of the More Than Human Life (Moth) program at NYU, sees promise in using AI to give animals a voice in decisions that affect their lives. He points out that some countries are already exploring ways to include non-human perspectives in legal and environmental policies. However, he also warns about the risks of AI misuse, such as manipulating or harming animals, and stresses the need for ethical guidelines. The Moth program has proposed the Pepp framework (Prepare, Engage, Prevent, and Protect) as a set of ethical standards for using AI in animal communication, but its implementation remains uncertain without international agreements on AI use. Despite the potential of AI, many researchers caution that the field is still in its early stages. They warn that the hype around AI may be outpacing the science, leading to unrealistic expectations. Luke Rendell, a marine mammal researcher, notes that the study of animal communication has historically attracted unscrupulous individuals, and irresponsible claims could harm the credibility of the field. King, too, emphasizes that understanding animal behavior requires careful, long-term fieldwork rather than relying on AI shortcuts. She argues that the details of animal behavior matter and cannot be rushed, even with the efficiency that AI might offer. Ultimately, while AI may offer new tools for studying animal communication, the focus should remain on listening to and caring for animals rather than waiting for technology to bridge the gap between species. Researchers stress that meaningful progress comes from patience, observation, and respect for the complexity of animal life.