Go go!

A koala’s call is a low, loud growl that sounds like “goo-goo.” They may look cute, but male koalas especially make this call during the breeding season to attract females. Unlike the cute calls of some other animals, koalas are known for having surprisingly powerful voices.

Sha

Snakes don’t meow because, unlike cats, they don’t have vocal cords. Generally, when an enemy approaches or when they feel threatened, they make a hissing sound—“shaa”—as a warning. This sound is produced by opening their mouths wide and forcefully exhaling, and it’s a distinctive sign of snakes. It’s not a vocalization like those of other animals, so be aware of the difference.

Moo

Giraffes are generally known for not vocalizing much, but in fact they can produce a low “moo.” This sound is similar to a cow’s moo and is sometimes used for communication with other giraffes or when calling their young. Unlike with many other animals, chances to hear a giraffe’s call are rare, so this may come as a surprise to many people.

Paooon

An elephant’s cry is often represented as “paoon.” They make this sound to communicate, to call to their herd, or to signal danger. Given their massive bodies, their vocalizations are also very loud and powerful. If you have a chance to hear an elephant’s call at a zoo or in the wild, be sure to listen closely.

Grrr

In Japanese, a lion’s call is commonly expressed as “gaoo.” In reality, lions make a loud, low sound called a “roar,” which can carry for more than 8 kilometers. They use it on the savannah to assert their territory and to communicate with other members of their pride.

Woof

Zebras may look like horses, but they’re actually animals whose calls can sometimes sound like a dog’s “woof-woof.” While Japanese people may be more familiar with a horse’s “hihiin” (neigh), in reality zebras often make a “wan-wan” sound and have distinctive vocalizations. These calls are used for communication with their herd and help them locate one another on the savannah or warn of danger.

Hmm

The sound raccoon dogs make isn’t widely known, but they’re characterized by low vocalizations like “uun” or “kuun.” Because raccoon dogs are nocturnal, you don’t often get the chance to hear them, but they emit a low “uun” as a sign of territoriality or alertness. Knowing these calls might help you tell when a raccoon dog is nearby in the wild.