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Icebreakers

Animal Sounds

Description of an Icebreaker Activity

James Neill
Last updated:
15 Nov 2004

Animal Sounds

  • Works with any group size over 10 and with large groups; the more the merrier.

  • Invite people into a circle.

  • Hand out blind-folds and help people to blind fold another.  Alternatively, ask for eyes closed.

  • Explain that each person will be hear a whisper of an animal name.  Move around the group, giving each person the name of animal (e.g., from the list below).

  • The challenge will be to find all other animals of one's own kind.  No-one can talk - only animal sounds can be made.

  • Very loud chaos ensues, then gradually order and unity emerges as animals find one another.

  • Be prepared to shepherd people from danger, but usually people are very safe with many not moving much, rather focusing on listening and calling out to others.

  • List of possible animals (aim to have 3 or more of each animal).  Note: Consider possible cultural issues if animal sacred or offensive):

    • Wolf

    • Cat

    • Pig

    • Kangaroo

    • Snake

    • Lion

    • Crow

    • Monkey

    • Frog

    • Elephant

Equipment: Blindfolds (optional)

Time: ~10-15 minutes

Brief Description:

Participants are blindfolded and assigned an animal.  The challenge is to use animal noises in order to meet up with other animals of same species.  Releases energy. Loud, fun, chaotic, then gradually order and unity.

Other Descriptions: