If you’ve ever been to a dolphin show, you’ve seen that knowing grin. Dolphins are basically the valedictorians of the sea. They recognize themselves in mirrors (try that with your goldfish), use complex whistles to “talk” to each other, and even teach their kids how to use sponges as tools to protect their noses while foraging on the ocean floor.
One dolphin named Kelly at a research institute once figured out how to hide trash under a rock to get extra fish rewards. She then taught her calf to do it. That’s strategic thinking—and a little bit cheeky, honestly.
