As diverse and varied as animal sounds are in everyday, artistic, and scientific contexts, the history of these encounters is still poorly researched. While human-animal relationships have become an interdisciplinary subject and the visual representation of animals in zoos and cinemas, as well as animals in images, has received increased attention for some time, the vocalizations of animals remain a research desideratum in both Animal Studies and Sound Studies. Meanwhile, there are chirps, barks, and roars at the intersections of knowledge, media technology, and music history. Animal sounds not only reproduce but also disturb or shake the foundations of anthropological beliefs. Are birdsong and the communication of monkeys or dolphins evolutionary precursors to music and language? Such questions permeate the discourse.