Which Mammal Has No Vocal Cords?

Discover the Surprising Silence of One of Nature's Tallest Creatures

The Silent Giant: Giraffes and Vocal Cords

When we think about animal sounds, we might imagine lions roaring, birds singing, or dogs barking—but what about giraffes? Surprisingly, giraffes are one of the few mammals that don’t have vocal cords.

This fascinating fact has led many to believe that giraffes are completely mute. For a long time, scientists assumed giraffes simply didn’t vocalize because they lacked the anatomical tools to do so. However, recent studies have revealed a more nuanced truth.

Do Giraffes Make Any Sound at All?

Even though they don’t have vocal cords, giraffes are not entirely silent. Researchers have discovered that giraffes can produce low-frequency humming sounds, especially at night. These sounds are often below the range of human hearing—what’s known as infrasound—and may serve as a quiet form of communication between individuals.

This humming behavior is still being studied, but it suggests that giraffes might use subtle auditory signals to maintain social bonds or signal their presence, especially when visibility is low.

Why Don’t Giraffes Need Vocal Cords?

Giraffes are generally quiet and peaceful animals that rely more on body language and visual cues than on vocalizations. Their height gives them excellent visibility over large distances, which may reduce the need for loud calls or warnings.

Additionally, giraffes are prey animals, and being quiet may actually help them avoid attracting predators.

Nature’s Quiet Communicators

So, while giraffes may not "speak" in the traditional sense, their silent ways are part of what makes them so unique. They remind us that communication in the animal kingdom comes in many forms—and sometimes, the quietest creatures have the most to say.