Chimpanzee Sounds

What sound does a chimpanzee make?

The chimpanzee's signature call is the 'pant-hoot' — a sound that starts with soft hoots, builds through loud panting breaths, and ends in an excited scream or roar. Chimps pant-hoot to announce good food, greet friends, and let everyone know where they are in the forest.

Chimps also scream during squabbles, grunt softly while grooming, and drum on tree trunks with their hands and feet to send booming messages through the forest. Each chimp's pant-hoot is unique enough for friends to recognize.

About the Chimpanzee

Chimpanzees are our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom, sharing about 98% of our genetic blueprint. These highly intelligent primates are native to the forests of Central and West Africa. Chimpanzees live in complex social groups and display a wide range of emotions and behaviors similar to humans. They are known for their use of tools, such as using sticks to fish for termites or rocks to crack open nuts. Chimps are also capable of self-awareness, recognizing themselves in mirrors, a trait shared by only a few animal species.

Chimpanzee questions

What sound does a chimpanzee make?

Chimpanzees pant-hoot — a rising series of hoots and breaths ending in a scream. They also grunt, scream, and drum on trees to communicate.

Why do chimpanzees hoot?

Pant-hoots announce exciting news like a tree full of ripe fruit, help scattered group members find each other, and show excitement during reunions.