You must have seen Kung Fu Panda. But guess what – Pandas don’t talk like Jack Black. So what sounds does a giant panda exactly make?
Do giant pandas bleat like other animals?
Quick Answer – YES. Pandas, both male and female, bleat. The sound has been described as a “husky rapid vibrato”.
The giant panda’s bleat actually means different things- a mating call, a call for attention, or a call to cubs.
This is one of those situations where we say “Context is Key.”
Let’s discuss in detail what do giant pandas bleat sound like and why they do it.
What Do Giant Pandas Bleat Sound Like?
Pandas actually have been known to bleat also exactly like goats and sheep. And here is the thing: they don’t even try to make it unique to their species.
Panda bleating sounds almost exactly the way that sheep bleating does.
If you heard this panda bleating out in your yard and you came out, then would you be shocked?
Why Do Giant Pandas Bleat?
Both male and female Pandas bleat but they each do it individually for different reasons. It is also important to note that not all pandas can bleat, and this is especially the baby Pandas.
Let’s talk about the two main reasons why:
To Call Attention
For the male panda, the reason for his bleating could be to deliver a non-aggressive greeting to a female. It’s like the male giant Panda is saying, “Hello, how are you over there?”
The male giant Panda can also bleat when he wants food or something from his caregivers.
This means that when it comes to male Pandas, bleating must be taken into context.
For Mating Call
In some situations, a male giant panda bleating is most likely mating calls when a female is around. When they both make bleating sounds, that is a sign of mutual interest.
Female Pandas have only been known to bleat when they are approaching oestrus and when they are looking for their cubs.
It’s kind of like bleating is the love language of the Panda.
When a female Panda is in heat and she bleats, you are likely to hear a response from her male friend. They are making plans.
How Do Giant Pandas Bleat?
Giant Pandas bleat almost exactly like sheep do. The major difference is that they can make a whole range of other animal sounds including honking and chirping.
Bleating seems to be a very significant sound for the furry giants though. It can be very entertaining to watch them walk around going ‘ne-eeh-eeh-eeh’.
While they bleat the giant Panda will walk around as if he is pacing and waiting or looking for something. They have not been known to be aggressive when they bleat like that except maybe towards each other.
In the wild, a female Panda could be bleating up in a tree and then come down to mate with the alpha male before going back up into the tree.
Where Do Giant Pandas Bleat?
Giant Pandas bleat both in the wild and in captivity. Their bleating sounds and their significance is still being studied, however, it is safe to say that it is primarily mating behavior.
The male Giant panda may bleat repeatedly and randomly once he is aware of a female in the vicinity, but the female Giant Panda only begins to bleat as her estrus approaches.
What Other Sounds Do Pandas Make?
- Chirping
- Barking
- Huffing
- Growling
- Honking
- Squeaking
- Squealing
Final Thoughts
In this article, we learned that giant pandas can also bleat.
Bleating is a common thing with them which means they are either talking or looking for a mate.
Baby pandas characteristically squeak. However, they cannot bleat like their adult counterparts. After a few months, a baby panda can also honk and squeal.
Pandas can also make honking sounds when they are stressed or as a sign of discomfort.
If you find this article helpful, share it with your friends!
