6 animals that actually laugh, giggle, and chuckle like us

1. Chimpanzees

During play fights, tickling, or roughhousing, chimpanzees make breathy, panting sounds that closely resemble human laughter. These vocalisations help keep play from turning aggressive and signal enjoyment and are often seen as evolutionary precursors to human laughter. So yes, even though chimpanzees don’t exactly fight wars, Planet of the Apes wasn’t entirely wrong!

Bonobos are an endangered species, found only in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

2. Bonobos

Another ape that cracks up in the wild is the bonobo, known for their cooperative and peaceful behaviour. They produce soft giggles and high-pitched chuckles during social play. These laugh-like sounds help strengthen social bonds, reinforce friendly interactions, and signal trust and excitement among group members.

3. Gorillas

Remember how in King Kong, the beast laughed like a maniac while throwing away Naomi Watts’s character? Well, that scene might have drawn inspiration from real life because gorillas often produce rhythmic panting sounds during wrestling, chasing, or play fighting. This form of “laughter” communicates fun and enjoyment, especially among juveniles, and helps maintain harmony within the troop.

Dolphins make an “open-mouth” facial expression during play that acts as a social signal, similar to a human smile or laugh (Image: Unsplash)

4. Dolphins

Anyone who has played with a dolphin can confirm that these bundles of joy are very interactive. They emit rapid squeaks, whistles, and playful vocalisations during social interactions and games. Researchers describe these sounds as laugh-like, reflecting the dolphins’ intelligence and their complex emotional and social lives.

5. Kea Parrots

Kea parrots of New Zealand are extremely curious and intelligent birds, with their wits often compared to those of a 4-year-old human child.  They can use their beaks and feet just like hands, and they have a unique play call that sounds similar to our laughter. When one kea makes this sound, it often triggers other keas to join in, turning the noise into a social cue that encourages playful group interactions.

6. Rats

Remember how Stuart Little used to crack up? Well, rats in real life also produce high-pitched ultrasonic chirps when they play or are gently tickled. Humans usually cannot hear these squeaks without special equipment, but researchers consider them a form of laughter. These vocalisations are linked to joy, excitement, and social play. Rats that make more of these chirps are often more playful and social, showing that even small rodents have rich emotional lives.