I believe they recognize us. My baby boy is a bit shy when I try to get him out of the aquarium, but once he's out he'll explore over my hands and try to get up my sleeves, etc. But he hates my mother, and for no reason! He just knows that she's not me, and he doesn't trust her. He's met two of my friends as well, and they've held him, but he curls up into a ball when they hold him and tries desperately to get back to my hands.