They may be the tallest land animals on Earth, but when it comes to sound, giraffes are surprisingly stealthy! From deep hums to faint snorts, these gentle giants have a quiet vocal side that’s just beginning to be understood.
Do Giraffes Make Noise?
Yes, giraffes make noise. But their sounds are so faint or low-pitched that humans often miss them entirely.
For years, scientists believed giraffes were mute because their vocal cords rarely vibrated in ways that humans could detect. Now, studies show giraffes do have vocal cords and can produce a range of sounds.
The catch? Their long trachea and limited lung pressure make it tough for them to push out the strong bursts of air needed for loud noises.
So while you might not hear them chatting up a storm like our ring-tailed lemurs, giraffes do have a voice.
What Sounds Do Giraffes Make?
Here’s a breakdown of some of the wild (and wonderfully weird) noises giraffes have been known to make:
Low humming: At night, giraffes under human care have been recorded emitting deep, vibrating hums around 92 Hz. This is the same frequency as a low cello note or distant thunder rumble.
Snorts and grunts: These are short, sharp sounds used for alerting others or reacting to their environment.
Hisses: Yep, giraffes hiss! Giraffe’s use hissing as a defensive sound they make when feeling threatened or annoyed. Hissing is also seen with other aggressive behaviors like neck swinging and stomping.
Bleats, moans, or coughs: These softer vocalizations are often exchanged between moms and calves or when giraffes are exploring unfamiliar spaces.
Most of these sounds are subtle or happen when humans aren’t nearby, which is why so many people think giraffes are completely silent. But now you know, giraffes do talk… just very quietly.
Why Are Giraffe Sounds So Quiet?
Giraffe sounds are often hard to detect and it all comes down to how their bodies are built.
For starters, a giraffe’s windpipe stretches over 10 feet long. That makes it tough for sound to travel efficiently. Add in their low lung pressure and they simply can’t push air out forcefully enough to make loud noises like other animals can. In other words, giraffes just aren’t built for big volume.
Their long necks and unique anatomy make loud calls impractical, so over time, evolution nudged them toward quieter ways of communicating.
How Do Giraffes Communicate Without Noise?
Giraffes rely heavily on body language to communicate. They use posture, neck movements and small shifts in stance to send signals to each other. A raised head, a sidestep, or a slow lean can all mean something in giraffe speak!
Mother-calf pairs take things a step further with gentle touches and soft bleats to reassure one another. This behavior helps them connect, even in wide open spaces.
How Giraffes Use Their Necks
Giraffes also build social bonds through neck-rubbing (kind of like a giraffe hug) and engage in sparring matches called “necking.”
Necking to establish dominance can get loud, with deep thuds echoing as these towering animals swing their heads like wrecking balls.
But it isn’t always aggressive. Sometimes it’s more like slow-motion wrestling, a way to test strength, size each other up and figure out who’s in charge without causing real harm.
So, while they may be quiet, giraffes are constantly “talking.” You just have to know how to read the signs!
Can You Hear a Giraffe?
Possibly. But you’ll need a quiet environment and a little luck. Most giraffe sounds are too low-pitched for human ears to catch, especially in noisy environments. But under the right conditions, you might just hear a gentle hum or snort.
When are you most likely to hear a giraffe?
- Early morning or nighttime, when it’s quiet and calm
- During feeding time, especially in familiar surroundings
- When mothers and calves are bonding or staying close
- In response to new sights or mild stressors
At Wild Florida Adventure Park, our reticulated giraffes may not make much noise, but they have plenty of personality! From their curious stares to their graceful movements, they’re always communicating in their own way.
Giraffe Sounds FAQ
Do giraffes roar like lions?
Nope! Giraffes don’t have the vocal anatomy or range to roar. Big cats can keep that title.
Can giraffes moo like cows?
Yes! Especially younger giraffes, who sometimes let out soft moos, bleats, or cough-like sounds.
When was giraffe humming first recorded?
Studies from 2015 in zoos have picked up nighttime humming that’s so low it verges on infrasound.
Do all giraffes sound the same?
Not quite. Each giraffe’s vocalizations can vary slightly based on their age, mood and personality.
Why do giraffes make sounds at all?
Mostly to stay connected. These quiet calls help giraffes strengthen bonds, especially between mothers and calves or among herd members in close proximity.
Plan Your Giraffe Encounter
You don’t need fancy recording equipment to connect with our giraffes! After your Drive-thru Safari Park adventure, swing by our giraffe platform to hand-feed these gentle giants for just $5. It’s a guest favorite and yes, a little giraffe slobber is part of the charm.
But if you're looking for something wilder, book our exclusive Giraffe Painting Experience. You’ll team up with Leroy, one of our friendliest giraffes, as he holds a paintbrush in his mouth and helps you create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. It’s creative, interactive and the kind of souvenir that’ll have people saying, “Wait… a giraffe painted that?”
