How intelligent are whales and dolphins? (2024)

Orcas also work cooperatively when hunting; those in Norway, for example, work together to herd schools of herring into tight balls. Swimming round and under their prey, flashing their white patches to scare the fish and create a fish bait ball, the orcas then spin around and slap the balled fish with their tails, stunning them for easy catching.

Finally, there are some unique examples of social learning and knowledge transfer demonstrated clearly by individual dolphins. The first is Billie. A dolphin who became trapped in a sea lock in the 1980s, she was rescued and rehabilitated in captivity before being released back into the wild just three weeks later. Scientists were amazed to see that, upon her return to the seas, she started tail-walking, a trick taught in marine parks for rewards that she must have observed, even though during those three weeks she was not trained herself. To have picked up the skill so rapidly is one thing… but Billie was soon teaching her wild companions to do the same, just for fun!

Then there is Kelly. A dolphin who sadly lives in a research centre in the US, she has been trained to keep her tank clean. Every time she brings a piece of litter to her trainer, she is rewarded with a fish. So she’s built upon the idea. Now, when she finds a piece of paper, she wedges it under a stone, and tears off individual pieces, which she brings to the surface one at a time. Thus, a single piece of litter earns her several fish. She’s also noticed that gulls come to her tank, hungry for fish. So she uses one of her fish as bait, catches the unwary birds, and presents them to her trainers for even more food. She has not only created these remarkable strategies by herself, but she’s even passed them on to her calf. A remarkable example of social learning, and great intelligence.

How intelligent are whales and dolphins? (2024)

FAQs

How intelligent are whales and dolphins? ›

They are notoriously talented mimics and quick learners; they demonstrate self-awareness, problem-solving, and empathy, innovation, teaching skills, grief, joy and playfulness.

What is the average IQ of a dolphin? ›

The typical IQ of dolphins and some apes: 40–50 range. Higher than millions of human beings .

Are whales more intelligent than dogs? ›

Measuring animal intelligence is hard but, based on both physical and behavioural evidence, yes whales are smarter than dogs. Dogs are man's best friend and anyone with a furry friend of their own will likely defend the intelligence of their companion.

Are whales self-aware? ›

Yet, despite the vast differences in cortical organization cetaceans and humans (as well as great apes) share a number of complex cognitive abilities, such as self-recognition.

What is the #1 smartest animal? ›

Chimpanzees can learn sign language to communicate with humans. Topping our list of smartest animals is another great primate, the chimpanzee. The impressive intellectual abilities of this animal have long fascinated humans.

What animal has the highest IQ? ›

1:Chimpanzees

Both chimpanzees and orangutans are renowned for their wide range of tool use and exceptional problem-solving abilities. In tests of intelligence, the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp discovered that bonobos were superior to chimpanzees in puzzle solving skills.

What is the smartest animal in the ocean? ›

Scientists have learnt that dolphins are amazing communicators and although they may look different, they are actually a lot like us. Dolphins love to interact with one another.

Who has the highest IQ in the world? ›

As of 2024, the Highest IQ ever recorded is of YoungHoon Kim from South Korea whose IQ is 276. Intelligence is a complex trait that is difficult to define, let alone measure accurately. IQ tests are one of the most common methods used to assess intelligence, but they are not without their limitations.

Are dolphins smarter than dogs? ›

With research showing the famous language-trained apes like Kanzi the Bonobo top out at vocabularies of less than half those of Chaser, and the dolphin language prodigies from the Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory only managing about 40 words, dogs come out top when it comes to learning the meaning of individual ...

Do dolphins like humans? ›

In several surprising instances, dolphins have also shown loving emotions towards humans. The most fascinating of these examples is that of Margaret Howe and the bottlenose dolphin Peter. In the 1970s, Howe was conducting research with Peter in an attempt to teach the dolphin to communicate in English.

Do whales like humans? ›

Historical research paints a much different picture, but today, modern research shows us that whales are and always have been typically a friendly species. Today when whales are spotted, their relationships with humans are now amicable, social, and inquisitive.

Do whales like being touched? ›

Swimming with whales or touching them disrupts their natural behavior. This can cause large amounts of stress in certain whales, potentially putting the diver in danger. Some whales experience less stress or are more used to humans.

Which whale is the most intelligent? ›

Whales and dolphins — both members of the cetacean family — are among the brainiest beings. Scientists have now identified differences among them that are tied to relative brain size.

Can whales feel affection? ›

Several types of whales have the same kind of brain cells as humans and great apes: spindle cells. These cells are credited with allowing us to experience a wide range of emotions, including love, and have a sense of intuition about others, enabling deep social connections.

Are killer whales smarter than dolphins? ›

Because of their decisive cunning, orcas are among the most effective predators in the oceans. Asked to name an intelligent animal, many people will immediately think of chimpanzees or bottlenose dolphins. But orcas may have them both beat.

What IQ do orcas have? ›

A killer whale's brain can weigh as much as 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms), with some evidence to suggest that their IQ is equivalent to that of a 15- or 16-year-old human, according to Orca Torch.

Are whales interested in humans? ›

Historical research paints a much different picture, but today, modern research shows us that whales are and always have been typically a friendly species. Today when whales are spotted, their relationships with humans are now amicable, social, and inquisitive.

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