Giraffes are known for their long necks and quiet nature, but they’ve got a secret—they hum to each other at night! For years, scientists thought giraffes were mostly silent, only making the occasional snort or grunt. But in 2015, researchers at the University of Vienna recorded giraffes at three European zoos and discovered they make a low, humming sound after dark. The hum is around 92 hertz, too low for humans to hear easily, and it sounds a bit like a deep, soothing tune.
Why do they hum? No one’s 100% sure, but the leading theory is that it’s a way to keep in touch with the herd in the dark. Giraffes have great eyesight, but at night, when visibility drops, humming might help them stay connected without attracting predators like lions. The hum could also be a social signal, like saying “I’m here” to their buddies, or even a way to calm their calves. Some researchers think it might just be a sleepy noise, like how humans hum a tune when they’re relaxed.
Each hum lasts about 1–2 seconds, and giraffes don’t do it all the time—just a few times a night. It’s not exactly a lullaby, but it’s pretty charming for an animal that’s usually so quiet. Giraffes also make other weird noises, like a “whooshing” sound when they’re startled, but the humming is their most mysterious vocal trick. So next time you’re at the zoo, imagine those tall, spotted giants humming a nighttime melody—it’s a quirky fact that makes giraffes even more lovable. Share this with your friends and come back for more animal oddities!
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