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The Most Intelligent Animals on Earth
Science ranks them by problem-solving, memory, and social complexity — and the results will surprise you.
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The Most Intelligent Animals On Earth 
15. The PigeonPigeons navigate complex mazes, recognize faces and pass the mirror self-recognition test. 
14. The SquirrelSquirrels use deception - fake-burying acorns to outsmart food thieves. 
13. The RaccoonRaccoons can recall solutions to complex puzzles up to three years later. 
12. The RatRats show empathy and sacrifice their own treats to free trapped companions. 
11. The Border CollieBorder collies understand 1,000+ words and solve problems by observing humans. 
10. The PigPigs outscore dogs and chimps on video game joystick tasks measuring cognition. 
9. The CrowCrows craft multi-step tools from raw materials - a feat rare outside primates. 
8. The African Grey ParrotAlex the African grey mastered colours, shapes and the concept of zero. 
7. The OrcaOrcas teach unique hunting techniques to calves - a hallmark of true culture. 
6. The ElephantElephants mourn their dead, cooperate altruistically and recognise 100+ individuals. 
5. The OctopusOctopuses open jars, plan escapes and each arm can problem-solve independently. 
4. The GorillaGorillas learn sign language, use tools and display empathy, grief and humour. 
3. The OrangutanOrangutans craft umbrellas from leaves and plan tomorrow's journey the night before. 
2. The Bottlenose DolphinDolphins name themselves with unique whistles and recognise themselves in mirrors. 
1. The ChimpanzeeChimps outperform humans on short-term memory tests and use 300+ tools in the wild.
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©Openverse / Meneer Zjeroen + Allie_Caulfield · Some images in this slideshow may have been enhanced or generated using AI.