ORANGUTAN

  

Orangutans don’t just use their hands and faces to communicate—they also make some pretty cool (and funny) sounds! From deep roars to silly squeaks, each noise has a special meaning.

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The Long Call: Male orangutans make a loud, booming sound called a long call that can be heard from over a mile away! They use it to tell other males, "This is my space!" and to let females know where they are. It starts deep and gets softer, like an echo through the jungle.

Kiss Squeaks: Ever heard an orangutan make a loud "smack" sound? That's the kiss squeak! They make this sound by smacking their lips or using leaves to make it louder. Orangutans use kiss squeaks when they feel annoyed or want to warn someone to stay away.

Grumbles and Raspberries: Orangutans also make grumbles, whimpers, and even raspberry noises! Babies often whimper to their moms when they want attention. Orangutans might blow raspberries (a funny "pbbbt" sound) when they're playing or feeling relaxed.

Food calls: Some orangutans make happy food calls when they find something tasty, like a big pile of fruit.   

IMAGES BY: 

1. Dimitry B

2. Mark Flanagan

3. Joshua J. Cotten