Living

2-Day-Old Baby Reindeer Makes the Cutest Honking Noises

arena photography
arena

There's a very specific kind of internet moment where your brain goes, what am I even looking at right now, and then suddenly you're emotionally invested. This is one of those.

A tiny, 2-day-old reindeer calf is currently running around a farm making the strangest, sweetest little honking sounds, and it's somehow both confusing and completely adorable at the same time.

@exoticanimaltrainer

Ever heard a 2 day old reindeer honks? #reindeer#reindeercalf#caribou#babyreindeer#zoomies

original sound - Cat

TikTok user @exoticanimaltrainer captured a clip showing the newborn reindeer wobbling around on legs that seem about three sizes too long, making these unexpected honking noises.

The caption reads: "A remarkable sound has been captured: the honks of a mere two-day-old reindeer calf. This incredibly young creature, barely out of the nest, is already making its presence known with surprising vocalizations. The sounds, described as honks, offer a unique glimpse into the early life and development of these arctic animals."

Related: Australian Shepherd Meets Emu Chicks and Immediately Tries To Teach Them How To Be Dogs

Viewers, understandably, had a lot of thoughts trying to figure out what they were even hearing at first:

• "He's 90% leg, 10% honk."

• "I thought it was a dog, then a baby cow, then I was not sure… then [I] saw the description, A BABY REINDEER?!? SO CUTE."

• "I could not figure out if that was a dog, some weird wolf, or like [a] chupacabra."

• "Just gleepin and glorpin and I was like ‘What tf is wrong with that dog??' "

• "Baby reindeer are so gangly and adorable."

• "Awww, omg, so cute walks away with a suspiciously baby reindeer-shaped lump in my coat."

• "How can he honk? Reindeers have antlers, not horns."

Honestly, the confusion is part of the charm. The sounds don't quite match what your brain expects, and paired with those long, wobbly legs, the whole thing feels a little unreal in the best way.

There's also something about how new this baby is. Two days old and already out here honking like it has opinions.

I didn't think a reindeer would sound like this, but now I can't imagine them sounding any other way.

Fun Facts About Baby Reindeer

@wildlife_rescuers

Baby reindeer, known as calves, make a distinctive quacking sound shortly after birth. This unique vocalization helps them communicate with their mothers and is essential for staying connected in the vast, open landscapes they inhabit. The quacking sound allows the mother to recognize her calf's voice among a herd, ensuring they stay together and the calf receives the care and protection it needs. Video by @sanatiilahiye Feel free to explore the gallery of this page, where you can express your support, admiration, and indulge in more amazing wildlife photography. #animals#cuteanimals#animallovers#reindeers#cutereindeer#reindeersound#babyreindeer#cutebabyreindeer#reindeercalf

original sound - Wildlife_Rescuers

Baby reindeer, also known as calves, are surprisingly capable right from the start, even if they look a little… unfinished at first.

• Baby reindeer can stand and walk within hours of being born, which explains the wobbly but determined movement in the video.

• They rely on those long legs early on to keep up with the herd and avoid predators.

• Both male and female reindeer grow antlers, which is unusual compared to most deer species.

• Their vocalizations can vary, especially when they're very young, and can include grunts, bleats, and yes… apparently honk-like sounds.

• Reindeer are native to Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, where early mobility is essential for survival.

So while the honking might sound a little unexpected, it's just one more reminder that baby animals are often way weirder, and way cuter, than we expect.

And now, apparently, I need to know what every baby animal sounds like immediately.

SIGN UP to get "pawsitivity" delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published May 3, 2026 at 9:55 AM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER