5 Exotic Animals That Are Smarter Than You Think

03/24/09  Print This Post Print This Post    4 Comments      Written by Ian MacKenzie
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For far too long, humans have considered themselves superiour to the animals. But new proof is emerging that animals, particularly exotic ones like those featured below, possess mental abilities far exceeding those originally believed.

1. Dolphins blowing bubble rings

Filmed at Seaworld, these dolphins effortlessly blow bubble rings and play with them in their tanks.

2. Elephant painting other elephants

These surprisingly beautiful representations of other elephants are so good, the artist gets his own gallery showing.

3. Monkey peforming martial arts

You better wish you don’t meet this monkey in a dark alley.

4. Giraffe refrains from biting annoying tourist

This giraffe demonstrates incredible self control. If a tourist called me a “zebra” I don’t know if I could’ve held myself back.

5. Spiders behaviour on drugs

I know, spiders are technically insects…or wait…arachnids. But this documentary showcases some… unique… behaviour not previously observed in the wild.


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About the Author

Matador ID: ianmack

Ian MacKenzie is the founder and editor of Brave New Traveler. He is currently editing the One Week Job documentary. Aside from writing, he spends his time exploring the fundamental nature of existence and wishing he did more backpacking.

4 Comments... join the discussion!

  • danna replied on March 24, 2009

    where can i buy the elephants art?

    - thanks for another fun & interesting collection ian!

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  • Christine replied on March 24, 2009

    I agree with Danna–the elephant’s art is better than a lot of paintings I’ve seen in the SFMOMA!

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  • Bryan replied on March 25, 2009

    Ian,
    Humpbacks also use bubbles, but for hunting: they swim in circles, blowing bubbles such that it creates a circular barrier to trap fish. They then take turns swimming up through the bubble net (often resulting in a breach: very entertaining). Dolphins aren’t big enough to pull this off (though they do ’shoal’ the fish together by swimming around them), but generally get in on the frenzy with the whales when this occurs.
    Cheers,
    Bryan

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  • Rebecca replied on March 25, 2009

    Very cool. I like the elephant painting. They are very smart creatures.

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