Smiles and giggles are one of the first social behaviors a baby develops. Infants start laughing as early as 12 weeks of age - before they can walk, crawl, or even eat solid foods. This is because laughter is an important aspect of humanity, it’s a way to connect with others and communicate positive emotions.
It turns out that humans are not alone. Some animals laugh to express happiness too, and it’s now a scientifically-proven fact. In a recent review study from UCLA, scientists have been able to confirm 65 species of animals who have their own kind of laughter.
Among the animals officially said to possess this unique quality were primates, monkeys, foxes, seals, rats, and dogs! Although let’s be honest, dog owners have known that their pooches smile when they’re happy for ages. Still, it’s nice that scientists are finally “catching up.”
For a full list of 65 animals, which the scientists declared capable of laughter, read the full scientific article here: Play vocalizations and human laughter: a comparative review.
Most animals make laughter-like vocalizations when they play with each other to communicate good intentions and non-aggression. Interestingly, many of these vocalizations differ a lot from human laughter and vary in volume, pitch, and length depending on the species. The giggles of chimps and other primates sound more familiar to the ear (see video below for the cutest demonstration by a baby bonobo). Primates are just closer to us evolutionarily, so their laughter is easier for us to register and comprehend.
That is not to say, however, that other mammals and even some birds are incapable of laughter. For example, both cows and parakeets show up on the study’s list of “laughing animals.” This suggests that laughter is a much older biological skill and one that we possibly share with many other animals beyond those listed in the study.
The laughs of some animals species can be quite tough to detect. To chase down the giggles of rats, for example, researchers at the Humboldt University of Berlin had to be equipped with special acoustic gear. That’s because rats laugh at an ultrasonic level, meaning that their chuckles are registered above the upper limit of human hearing. To generate rat giggles, the researchers had to tickle the rats, what a great job for animal lovers! Play the video below to view the entire process and hear cute rat giggles.
The researchers were also able to establish that rats produce similar squeaks whenever they are happy: when they receive a treat or socialize with other rats. Similar findings were also established in other animals, which seems to suggest that laughter is a widespread expression of happiness in the animal kingdom. Finally, a study that makes us all smile!
Share this happy news story with family and friends!
H/T: My Modern Met
Trivia: Can You Tell Apart These Commonly Confused Animals?
Test your knowledge about animals in this quiz featuring 16 pairs of commonly confused animal species, will you be able to guess each one?
This Baby Hippo Can't Stop Teasing a Crocodile
A young hippo wanted a playing partner. And it chose a grumpy crocodile...
Meet the Spirit Bear: The Rarest Bear in the World
Meet the incredibly revered Kermode Bear, the rarest bear on our planet.
This Super Smart Raven is Definitely No Birdbrain
We knew that ravens are smart. But this video proves that they are possibly the most intelligent birds on our planet.
These Animal Friend Stories Will Heal Any Heart...
Watch this full-length episode of unusual animal friendships to make sure you are smiling ear to ear.
Starlings Are Master Sound Imitators - Fascinating!
Did you know that the European starling is capable of mimicking practically any sound it hears with uncanny precision? That includes human voices.
These 20 Animal Facts will Blow Your Mind
Did you know that squirrels plant trees or that oysters can change their gender? These little-known animal facts will blow your mind! I was especially impressed with no.6!
These Horses Are Absolutely Gorgeous!
These eight beautiful horse breeds will canter their way straight into your heart.
Spring Is Here: 8 Spring Flowers You Can Plant Right Now
These flowers will make your garden look marvelous in the spring time.
What Is Your Cat Trying to Tell You? Cat Sounds Explained
Cats are extremely intelligent pets and the sounds they make are their way of communicating, even if we don't always understand what they mean
Amazing! These Birds Fly as High as a Commercial Plane!
Ever wondered what the highest flying birds in the world are? Well, you don't have to wonder anymore!
The Colors of Nature Are Truly Spectacular
Sometimes, those that differ from the crowd shine the brightest, as these unique brightly-colored animals prove.
12 Facts That Prove Your Dog Knows You Best
Dogs can recognize our feelings, our plans, and even our health. Discover 12 things your best friend knows about you, maybe even better than you do...
These Pictures Perfectly Capture the Magic of Fall
Enjoy this beautiful collection of fall pictures.
Here Are 12 of the Strangest Lakes on the Planet
We present to you 12 of the strangest lakes on our planet.
You’ll Never Guess the Price Tags on These Luxury Plants!
Believe it or not, each of these houseplants costs thousands of dollars. Find out why.
This Horse Breed is One of the Most Royally Graceful...
These horses truly display the traits and gracefulness that have caused man to fall in love with this animal, so long ago.
The Internet's Burning Questions About Biology, Answered
Watch biologist Thor Hanson answer some fascinating questions about biology in this video.
Nature's Marvel: The Fascinating Biology of Seahorses
The seahorse is one of the most unique creatures of our planet. Let’s find out some interesting facts about its insane biology.
15 Magical Pics Presenting Nature in Its Finest Glory
Take a look at this magnificent collection of nature pictures that will transport you to a different world.
How and Why Did Dolphins and Whales Return to the Ocean?
Like all mammals, whales were once a terrestrial animal with four legs. How and why did they become marine animals?
10 Horses That'll Astound You With Their Beauty
Man and horse have had a natural companionship for centuries. Here are 10 of the world's most beautiful horses.
The Most Adorable Otter Ever Will Teach You About Otters
This little orphaned river baby otter is so cute, you'll never want to stop watching it. But if you do, you'll learn all about otters while accompanying on his little day. Are you ready to learn about otters?
Animal Dreams: The Funny Ways Animals Sleep
In this humor-filled video, we're going to explore some animals with fascinating, silly and downright bizarre ways some animals go about the act of sleep.
Australia is the Land of the Most Bizarre Creatures!
Australia is the land of the most bizarre creatures!
Your Ultimate Guide to All Breeds of Cat!
From Balinese to a Scottish Fold - there are many breeds of cats, and you'll find them all here!
This Photographer Captures Crystals with Indelible Beauty!
Behold 17 gorgeous crystals by the talented photographer László Kupi.
Amazing Nature: Can a Lion Fend Off 20 Hyenas?
What happens when Red the lion gets attacked by a pack of hyenas?
These 20 Cute Bonsai Are a Cut Above the Average Tree
Trust the Japanese to have the most beautiful miniature trees in the world. These 20 bonsai's are so fabulous!
16 Perfect Examples of How Beautiful Earth Is
16 beautiful examples of why Earth is such a wonderful and gorgeous place to live.
These 24 Gems and Minerals Will Take Your Breath Away
Nature is such an incredible thing, and this applies just as strongly to the gems and minerals it forges. Here are 24 of the most beautiful gems and minerals.
21 Gorgeous Reasons Nature Needs No Photoshop
You'll be impressed by 21 nature pictures that prove the world is beautiful the way it is if you only know where to look.
These Are Some of the Luckiest Felines in the World Today
There are millions of animals around the world that are in need of a loving home, but these 17 cats represent heart-warming success stories. Meet them here.
These Siamese Fighting Fish Look Like Rainbows
If you thought you knew all about fish, this colorful Siamese Fighting Fish will make you think twice, and look admiringly. I'm in love with these beauties!
These Beautiful Photos Capture The Majesty of Wild Horses
Few animals can compare to the majestic and beautiful wild horse.
Transparent Animals Are Rare but They Really Do Exist
To preserve individual species, nature uses some wonderful tricks - like invisibility! Here are a collection of see-through creatures.
The Beauty That Resides Under the Sea: Award-Winning Pics
Check out the outstanding winners of the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2023.
The Intense Colors of These Animals Are Simply Astonishing
Though a lot of animals keep themselves to themselves, this collection of vibrant beasties want the world to see their colorful beauty!
14 Incredible Sights from the Mighty Andes
We have curated a stunning collection of photos that showcase one of the most remote and awe-inspiring places on Earth.
In Pictures: 2023 BirdLife Australia Photography Awards
Check out the majestic winners of the 2023 BirdLife Australia Photography Awards.
Who Needs Superheroes When We Have These Dogs?
Take a look at the extraordinary stories of five remarkable dogs who save lives and stop crimes.
These Horses All Have the Most Amazing Hair!
These horse breeds all have an amazing hair! Enjoy getting to know some of the world's most beautiful horse breeds, along with some facts.
In Pictures - International Garden Photographer of the Year
Take a look at the stunning nature photographs from the International Garden Photographer of the Year.
There Are Awesome New Dog Breeds in the World...
21 of the most adorable new canine cross breeds.
The Best Photos of the Milky Way Taken From Perfect Places
Take a look at the vivid colors of the Milky Way from the most remote and gorgeous locations in the world in this collection of photographs
World's Finest Wildlife Images Crowned for 2023: 16 Pics
Check out the outstanding winners of One Eyeland’s 2023 Wildlife Photography Awards.