UCLA Study Finds 65 Animal Species Laugh

We often associate laughter with joy and happiness, but have you ever wondered if animals share this delightful experience? Well, it turns out they do! A recent study conducted by researchers at UCLA has discovered that at least 65 species of animals exhibit “play vocalizations,” or what we humans would recognize as laughter.

From well-known laughers like apes and rats to more surprising species such as cows, dogs, foxes, seals, mongooses, and even three bird species, animals are expressing their joy and playfulness through laughter. While some bird species can mimic human laughter, it’s important to note that this isn’t the same as producing their own play vocalizations.

Sasha Winkler, a primatologist and UCLA anthropology graduate student, and Greg Bryant, a UCLA professor of communication, published their fascinating findings in the journal Bioacoustics. They categorized various play vocalization sounds based on factors such as noise, tone, volume, pitch, duration, and rhythm.

While it can be challenging to document laughter in the wild, especially for animals with quieter vocalizations, some captivating examples have been captured on video. Just imagine foxes giggling like little children on helium or a bonobo chimp chuckling playfully – it’s enough to make anyone smile!

Interestingly, not all animal laughter is as audible as foxes or chimps. Researchers from Humboldt University of Berlin discovered that rats laugh when tickled, but their vocalizations are ultrasonic, meaning they’re difficult to hear without special equipment.

The study of laughter in animals provides valuable insights into our own evolutionary behavior. According to Bryant, laughter was once considered a uniquely human phenomenon, but this research shows it’s closely connected to behaviors shared with species millions of years apart. Winkler adds that laughter serves as a way of inviting others to join in the fun, suggesting that it is an evolutionarily old vocal play signal.

So, next time you’re out in nature or spending time with your pets, pay close attention to the sounds they make. You might just catch a glimpse of their playful laughter! Let’s celebrate the joy and laughter that animals bring to our lives and use this newfound knowledge to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll even get to hear a cow laugh for real!

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