The World's Most Musical Animals

BIRD WITH A BEAT

Disco the parakeet can tweet out hot raps as good as any MC. With a little help from his owner, this budgie memorizes amusing pop-culture phrases and then mixes them together. Disco's self-expression also includes bells, animal sounds and a bit of "beak" boxing. 

TRUNK TRICKS

She may live at the Smithsonian National Zoo, but Shanthi is still feeling the jungle boogie. Zoo workers noticed that their elephant loved making noises by bumping and blowing things with her trunk, so they decided to give her a harmonica. The pachyderm took to the instrument instantly, filling her exhibit with sweet blues tunes. 

PRIMAL MONKEY MUSIC

Orangutans achieved an animal first, crafting their own instruments for the sake of communication. In times of trouble, the primates will strip the leaves off a stick and press it against their mouths to alter their kissing call. This unique noise is used to warn other orangutans about potential predators. (Live Science)

MOOD MUSIC

Workers at the Sea Life Aquarium in Belgium decided to appeal to the basic instinct of one of their zebra sharks named Zorro. The facility played Barry White for the predator to get him in the mood to mate with a female in his enclosure. Zorro has a reputation of being a ladies' shark, so hopefully the music will help seal the deal.  (Telegraph)

BEAGLE BLUES

Sick of seeing Nora get all the attention, Runty the Beagle decided to saunter up to the piano as well. But this old dog has a new trick. He mixed in some crooning with his music making. No word on his upcoming tour schedule yet. (Discovery)

GORILLA GROOVES

Koko the gorilla has amazed millions of people with her skills and kindness, including her love for kittens and ability to use American Sign Language. She wowed everyone again when she started playing a recorder. Studies even revealed that she was regulating her breathing to make certain sounds. This is the first time this behavior has been seen in a primate, but scientists believe it speaks to traits all gorillas have. (NPR)

CROAKS OF LOVE

Red-eyed tree frogs create a barbershop quartet of sorts for breeding purposes. When males are ready to mate, first one will let out a musical croak then the others will join in. Males uses this special unison croak to attract ladies to their area. Even frogs appreciate a nice serenade. (WAZA)

DOG OF THE DANCE

When Kristen Bell is happy to see you, you know you've made it big. Carrie the dog got here through her love of cha-cha-ing her paws around the dance floor. Carrie gained Internet fame by channeling her inner merengue dancer and letting herself go to the salsa beat. 

PLAY US OFF

What would a list of music-loving animals be without a little keyboard cat. This YouTube sensation spread the word that animals and instruments make an awesome mix. He also gave us a ditty that is next to impossible to get out of our heads. It looks like this keyboard connoisseur has outlived his 15 minutes and is here to stay fur-ever.