02.06.2021 – I exist, therefore I am

There’s something eerily beautiful about the intelligence of a dolphin. It’s so relatable yet so different at the same time. The lives of these perfectly adapted marine predators are dominated by learning processes that determine each individuals success, as well as the efficiency of the entire pod. Several dolphin species have passed the mirror test, a method used to assess the self-awareness capacity of an organism, with Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) being the first non-primates where this was observed. Understanding one’s existence, as trivial as it may sound, adds a whole different perspective to life itself. Decision-making is based on an entirely different thought process and social life is given a whole new level of sophistication.

This incredible feature is especially visible during encounters with curious species of dolphins, like the fearless Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) encountered this morning but remains famously represented in the Bottlenose dolphins. We encountered a pod of Bottlenose dolphins this afternoon, who were busy harassing a basking Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) at the surface to nibble at the Pilotfish (Naucratus ductur) hiding underneath the resting reptile. The pod consisted of several mothers with calves so it was likely a nursery pod where the young animals learn their first crucial lessons from their mothers as well as acquire social skills. Self-recognition in mirror tests have been proven after only 7 months in dolphin calves, which is significantly earlier than in chimps or humans and makes these early learning processes incredibly successful.

Apart from sightings with these smart ocean dwellers, our team also managed an encounter with a Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) one of the most endangered mammal species in the world and another animal whose intelligences is unquestionable during an observation. It’s so humbling to witness these charismatic creatures in action at sea and the knowledge that they are so clever simply adds more magic to the entire experience!

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Stenella

10:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Mediterranean monk seal

15:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Loggerhead turtle