10 Animals That Actually Laugh

“Laugh and the world laughs with you,” wrote Ella Wheeler Wilcox. That world is wider than you might think. Laughter, once considered a uniquely human trait, turns out to be widespread across the animal kingdom. Recent studies, including a 2020 publication in the journal Bioacoustics, have identified laughter-like behaviors in as many as 65 species. Far from being the sole proprietors of joy, humans may actually share their giggles with a plethora of furry, feathered, and even finned companions.

1. Dolphin

Our first comedians of the animal kingdom are the dolphins, renowned for their intelligence and social behavior. Dolphins use unique vocalizations during play fights, which researchers believe signify pleasure and non-threatening intentions. Imagine a sea-spraying bout of tag in the waves, punctuated with the whistling laughter of dolphins. You may laugh too if you’re nearby, swept up in their joyous, carefree banter.

2. Kea Parrot

Source: GrrlScientist/Youtube

Kea parrots, the extroverted mountaineers of New Zealand, are known for their playful and intelligent demeanor. These parrots often engage in aerial acrobatics and toss objects to each other. Their laughter, a delightful warble, seems to be contagious within their community. One parrot’s merriment can quickly spark a group-wide giggle fest!

3. Chimpanzee

Source: BBC/Youtube

Primates, our closest relatives, are no strangers to laughter. Chimpanzees often laugh while playing or tickling each other, using it as a social bonding mechanism. Imagine a chimpanzee’s laughter—more like a panting sound, but filled with jovial intentions. This helps to ease tension, promotes cohesion within the group, and makes social interactions more enjoyable.

4. Elephant

Elephants, known for their complex social structures and intelligence, also partake in the act of laughing. Especially during play, elephants produce sounds akin to a human giggle. Their trumpeting trills echo through the air, perhaps reminding us of the joyous innocence of laughter.

5. Australian Magpie

Australian magpies, skillful songbirds from down under, communicate with each other during play in a manner akin to laughter. It’s as if these avian comedians are sharing the best punchlines mid-flight, filling the air with their melodious laughter.

Source: Viral Week/Youtube

6. Dog

Man’s best friend isn’t missing out on the fun, either. Dogs, believed by many owners to possess a sense of humor, laugh in a unique form—rhythmic panting. This laughter initiates spontaneous play and reduces stress among dogs, showing the calming power of laughter.

7. Rat

Source: National Geographic/Youtube

Even the humble rat has a laugh of its own. Researchers found that rats emit a chirping sound during play or when being tickled, resembling our own laughter. Next time you see a pair of rats wrestling playfully, listen closely—you might just hear their tiny, joyous giggles.

8. Gorilla

Gorillas demonstrate their advanced sense of humor not only through laughter during play but also by making jokes using sign language. They remind us of the universal language of laughter, transcending species boundaries.

9. Bonobo

Bonobos, known for their peaceful and cooperative social structures, possess a distinct laughter—a hoarse, throaty chuckle. Much like humans, their laughter accompanies play and tickling, proving that joy and laughter are deeply rooted in nature.

10. Degu

Last, but not least, the social rodent, the Degu. These creatures vocalize during play or contentment, resembling our own laughter. Just like us, they might even chuckle in their sleep. These small but sociable rodents prove that laughter doesn’t have to be loud or even audible to humans, to serve its purpose of fostering social bonds and expressing joy.

As fascinating as it is that these animals can laugh, the primary reason why they do so lies in social bonding. Many of these animals live in social groups where trust, camaraderie, and teamwork are key for survival. So, whether it’s dolphins letting their buddies know they’re just fooling around, or gorillas lightening the mood with their sign language humor, laughter plays a crucial role in building and maintaining these relationships. Indeed, whether it’s a chortling kea parrot, a giggling elephant calf, or a chuckling bonobo, these animals remind us of the universal language of laughter and joy, proving that nature truly does have the best sense of humor.

So, the next time you take your dog out for a walk or watch the birds flit around in your backyard, take a moment to appreciate the laughter and joy they bring to the world. And don’t just stop there, tell a friend or family member about it, share a social media post, or write a letter to your local council expressing the importance of protecting these laughter-filled creatures and their habitats. After all, what would our world be without the shared laughter of its inhabitants?

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