We all know the classic sounds of common animals—thanks in no small part to that iconic Fisher-Price “Farmer Says” toy (you remember the one, right?).
But when it comes to more exotic creatures, their calls remain a bit of a mystery.
Take hippos, for example. Can you honestly say you know what they sound like off the top of your head?
Well, thanks to the Saint Louis Zoo, that mystery has been solved.
In a now-viral TikTok video, three female Nile hippos—Mashavu, Kiboko, and Tombi—let out a noise that viewers have hilariously described as a mix between a “whoopee cushion” and a “murder kazoo.”
Listen for yourself:
@stlzoo Ever heard a hippo? 🔊 The three female Nile hippos here at the Zoo make lots of different noises. They wheeze, honk, grunt and squeal to communicate with their group – known as a bloat – both above and below water! The sounds can be heard for more than a half a mile in the wild. #hippo #hippopotamus #animals #animal #animalsounds #zoo
Watch on TikTok
Pretty spot-on description, right? According to the video’s caption, hippos have quite the vocal range. They can roar, grunt, squeal, and even communicate underwater! The New York Times also notes that hippos use a distinctive “wheeze honk” to announce their presence—now that’s how you make an entrance.
And hippos aren’t the only animals with unexpectedly bizarre sounds. Ever heard…
🔹 A chirping cheetah?
Cheetahs use this high-pitched call when they’re distressed, searching for their cubs, or even just in everyday situations, according to Earth.com.
🔹 A screaming armadillo?
The Cincinnati Zoo explains that hairy armadillos let out an ear-piercing scream when they feel threatened. Honestly, relatable.
🔹 A laughing fox?
Some researchers believe foxes only make their signature “hehe” sound to get human attention. If that’s the case—mission accomplished.
It’s always fun discovering something new about the fascinating creatures we share this planet with. Who knows what weird and wonderful animal sounds we’ll uncover next?