Smartest Animals On Planet and Their Incredible Tricks

🧠 Smartest Animals and Their Incredible Tricks

When we think about intelligence, we often think of humans. But the animal kingdom is full of brilliant minds with abilities that are both shocking and heartwarming. From dolphins using tools to parrots solving puzzles, this blog dives deep into the smartest animals on Earth and their mind-blowing tricks!

🐬 1. Dolphins – Ocean's Clever Swimmers

Dolphins are widely recognized for their intelligence and social behavior. They can recognize themselves in mirrors (a sign of self-awareness), solve problems, and even learn tricks from humans.

• They use sponges as tools to protect their noses while foraging on the ocean floor.
• Dolphins communicate using complex series of clicks and whistles.
• They play games, help injured friends, and can follow human hand signals during performances.

🔗 Read more about dolphin intelligence on National Geographic

🦜 2. African Grey Parrots – The Talking Geniuses

The African grey parrot is one of the most intelligent birds in the world. Unlike many animals, it can learn and use human language meaningfully.

The late parrot Alex could count, identify shapes, colors, and even express emotions. Parrots like Alex demonstrated abstract reasoning similar to a 5-year-old child.

🔗 Read the story of Alex on Smithsonian Magazine

🦍 3. Chimpanzees – Our Closest Relatives

Chimpanzees share 98.7% of their DNA with humans, and their actions often reflect this closeness. They make tools, use sticks to gather termites, and even learn sign language in captivity.

Some chimps can play computer games and solve memory tasks better than humans. They also display emotions like laughter, empathy, and jealousy.

🔗 See what BBC says about chimpanzee intelligence

🦑 4. Octopuses – Masters of Escape

With nine brains and the ability to camouflage instantly, octopuses are marine marvels. They’re known for escaping enclosures, opening jars, and navigating mazes.

Some have even been caught climbing out of their tanks, crossing floors, and sneaking into nearby tanks to steal food.

🔗 Explore octopus intelligence on National Geographic

🐘 5. Elephants – Gentle Giants with Giant Brains

Elephants have extraordinary memory and empathy. They grieve over lost loved ones, remember water sources after years, and use tools like branches to swat flies.

• They’ve been observed painting with their trunks.
• They help other elephants in distress.
• They can follow human commands and mimic behavior.

🔗 Learn more about elephant awareness on Smithsonian Magazine

🦅 6. Crows – Feathered Problem-Solvers

Crows can solve complex puzzles, use tools, and even plan ahead. One crow bent a wire into a hook to fish food out of a container—completely untrained!

They also remember human faces and can hold grudges or give warnings to others. In urban areas, crows drop nuts on roads and wait for cars to crack them open. Genius, right? 🤯

🔗 Explore how birds like crows are brainy on BBC Future

🐕 7. Border Collies – The Smartest Dog Breed

When it comes to dogs, Border Collies top the list for intelligence. They can understand over 200 words and learn new commands faster than most breeds.

One famous collie, named Chaser, learned more than 1,000 words and could differentiate between nouns and verbs. 🐶

🔗 Read about Chaser on Smithsonian Magazine

🐻 8. Bears – Underrated Problem-Solvers

Though not often mentioned, bears are intelligent. They can open car doors, unscrew lids, and learn patterns quickly. In the wild, they sometimes use rocks to smash shells or ice.

Captive bears have learned how to unlock cages and even mimic human movements to get food rewards.

🦊 9. Pigs – Farmyard Intellectuals

Pigs can operate joysticks, recognize their reflection, and even learn tricks faster than dogs. They also form strong social bonds and love to play.

Some experiments show pigs can use mirrors to locate hidden food, showing spatial reasoning skills.

🧠 So… What Makes an Animal "Smart"?

Animal intelligence is measured by various factors such as:

• Tool use
• Memory and recognition
• Communication skills
• Self-awareness
• Learning from humans

Every species has evolved different ways to survive and thrive. Intelligence in animals is not just about doing tricks—it's about adaptability, creativity, and sometimes… empathy. ❤️

🔚 Final Thoughts

The animal kingdom is full of surprises. Some of the smartest creatures are right under our noses — or swimming beneath the waves. From parrots who talk, to dolphins who solve puzzles, to crows that plan ahead — their tricks are not just entertaining, but proof of extraordinary minds.

Which animal surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!

Sources: National Geographic, BBC Earth, Smithsonian Magazine