15 Examples Of Animals Being Way Smarter Than We Give Them Credit For

For those who don’t spend much time around animals, it’s easy to assume they aren’t intelligent and only act on pure instinct.

While animals are obviously incredibly instinctual creatures, they’ve also proven that they have the ability to think, reason, and even solve certain problems. Don’t take my word for it, though. Just check out how these 15 smart critters use their brains.

1. In a 2016 study, European scientists found that with homing pigeons, either the leader will fall back into the flock and let others take over when it doesn’t know where it’s going, or the flock won’t follow the leader when they realize they’re going the wrong way.

In a 2016 study, European scientists found that with homing pigeons, either the leader will fall back into the flock and let others take over when it doesn't know where it's going, or the flock won't follow the leader when they realize they're going the wrong way.

Flickr / schizoform

2. This gorilla at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia, taught himself how to walk a tightrope.

This gorilla at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia, taught himself how to walk a tightrope.

Reddit / gugulo

3. This study tested whether New Caledonian crows could figure out how to get a drink of water from a half-filled pitcher. Not only did they find a way, but they were found to be as smart as the average five- to seven-year-old child!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flInOjXqW-A

4. Memory puzzles aren’t difficult at all for this chimpanzee.

Chimpanzee solving a memory puzzle

5. This bird’s a regular shopper now after figuring out how to get in and out of the store.

Bird learns to trigger store door motion sensor

6. This study found that chimps of all ages and sexes can learn how to play rock-paper-scissors. Their performances during sessions of the game were on par with those of four-year-old children.

This study found that chimps of all ages and sexes can learn how to play rock-paper-scissors. Their performances during sessions of the game were on par with those of four-year-old children.

Wikipedia

7. This clever bird found out that you can catch fish more easily with bread.

Genius bird uses bread as bait

8. Treats on demand are only a ring of the bell away from these kitties.

9. These researchers discovered that octopuses can recognize different people.

These researchers discovered that octopuses can recognize different people.

Wikipedia

10. This bunny knows that distraction is the key to obtaining delicious crackers.

Minny the Bunny ganks my crackers like an expert- she flings the crackers everywhere knowing she can sneak a few bites as I clean up the mess.

11. In order to avoid potential predators, newborn humpback whales and their mothers “whisper” or communicate with each other at much lower decibels than singing males.

In order to avoid potential predators, newborn humpback whales and their mothers "whisper" or communicate with each other at much lower decibels than singing males.

YouTube / Smithsonian Channel

12. Check out this pup’s balancing act…

Balance Dog

13. …this cockatoo’s musical talents…

14. …and this parrot’s problem-solving skills!

African Gray Parrot is a problem-solving genius

15. And last but not least, we have this killer whale who knows exactly how to lure in her lunch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20LYKnFryns

Aren’t animals amazing? They’re capable of so much more than we realize.

Giphy

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