Animals can produce laughter-like vocalizations during play or when tickled to help build and maintain social circuits [1].

This discovery suggests that the biological mechanism of laughter is not exclusive to humans. Understanding these sounds provides insight into how non-human species develop emotional intelligence and strengthen the bonds necessary for survival in social groups.

Neurologist Kelly Clancy said that these laughter-like sounds serve a specific purpose in the development of social circuits [1]. When animals engage in play or experience tactile stimulation such as tickling, the resulting vocalizations act as a signal to other members of their group. These interactions help animals navigate social hierarchies and foster cooperation within their communities.

Research indicates that at least five animal species have been identified as capable of laughing, cackling, or giggling [2]. While these sounds may differ in tone and frequency from human laughter, they perform a similar evolutionary function. The sounds signal a non-threatening state of play, which allows animals to practice social skills without the risk of actual conflict.

These vocalizations are often tied to the reward systems of the brain. By associating play with positive auditory feedback, animals reinforce the desire to interact with peers [1]. This process is critical for species that rely on complex social structures to raise offspring, or hunt for food.

Clancy said that the role of these sounds is primarily focused on the maintenance of these social connections [1]. The ability to communicate pleasure or playfulness helps reduce tension within a group and ensures that social bonds remain intact over time.

“Animals can produce laughter-like vocalizations during play or when tickled to help build and maintain social circuits.”

The identification of laughter-like behavior in animals shifts the understanding of emotional expression from a uniquely human trait to a broader biological tool. By linking these vocalizations to the development of social circuits, science can better map how empathy and social cohesion evolve across different species, suggesting that the fundamental building blocks of social bonding are shared across the animal kingdom.