When you walk through the paddocks at Farmfari, you’ll quickly notice something remarkable — animals are constantly talking. Not always with sounds, but through body language, energy, and presence. To the untrained eye, it might just look like a flick of an ear or a soft sigh, but these are part of an intricate language that connects animals to one another — and to us.
By learning how to listen, we can deepen our bond with them, meet their needs more compassionately, and even learn more about ourselves.
Why Animal Communication Matters
Understanding animal communication isn’t just fascinating — it’s essential to their wellbeing. At Farmfari, many of our animals come from backgrounds of neglect or mistreatment. Learning to “speak their language” helps us recognise when they feel safe, when they’re uncertain, or when they’re simply joyful.
Read about how rescued cows learn to trust again — a process built entirely on patient listening and gentle communication.
The RSPCA Knowledgebase provides resources on recognising common animal behaviours and body language.
Common Ways Animals Communicate
🐴 Horses and Body Language
Horses speak volumes with their ears, eyes, and posture. A pinned ear signals discomfort, while soft blinking and licking lips show relaxation. At Farmfari, watching Ellie slowly soften her body language was how we knew she felt safe for the first time.
🐮 Cows and Emotional Expression
Cows often express emotions through vocal tones and subtle gestures. A low, gentle moo can mean contentment, while a tense stance signals caution. Wally, one of our most affectionate cows, often greets carers with a curious, happy rumble — his unique “hello.”
🐷 Pigs and Playfulness
Pigs oink, grunt, and squeal in ways that reflect their excitement or displeasure. More than that, they communicate with nudges, rolls, and even their tails. Watching pigs flop into the mud is one of the clearest signs of pure joy you’ll ever see.
🪶 Guinea Fowl and Alert Calls
Our guinea fowl may be small, but their voices carry weight in the sanctuary. They use different calls to signal curiosity, alarm, or the simple joy of discovering something new. These feathered friends teach us about community watchfulness and care.
Quiz: Can You Speak “Animal”?
See if you can guess what these signals mean:
- A horse lowers its head and licks its lips.
- A pig wags its tail while lying in the sun.
- A cow approaches slowly, then nudges your arm.
- Guinea fowl start calling loudly near the hedges.
👉 Answers:
- Relaxation and trust.
- Contentment and happiness.
- Curiosity and seeking connection.
- Alert! They’ve noticed something unusual.
How many did you get right? Share this quiz with a friend to test their animal communication skills!
Fine Tuning Your Listening Skills
Animals are always speaking — we just have to learn how to listen. By paying attention to body language, sounds, and energy, we deepen our relationships with them and honour their unique voices.
At Farmfari, this language of trust and compassion is at the heart of everything we do.
Visit our Connection Experiences to practice listening to the animals yourself, and meet our incredible herd on a tour.
