List of the Smartest Animals in the World

Last updated on July 17, 2024 by Isabella Claire

Learning about the smartest animals in the world is both fascinating and educational. This reference is designed to teach vocabulary to English learners, focusing on the intelligence of various animals from around the globe. Whether you’re interested in forming bonds with these brainy animals or simply curious about their intelligence, this reference will provide valuable insights and increase your vocabulary.

List of the Smartest Animals

List of the Smartest Animals
List of the Smartest Animals – Created by 7ESL
  • Chimpanzees
  • Dolphins
  • Whales
  • Elephants
  • Ravens and crows
  • Parrots
  • Dogs
  • Pigs
  • Octopuses
  • Squirrels
  • Cats
  • Horses
  • Sea lions
  • Raccoons
  • Goats
  • Otters

*Many more animals are intelligent in their own way, but these have the highest rates of empathy, instinct, and communication skills!

Smart Animals with Facts

Chimpanzees

  • Chimps are very social animals. They tend to have a “best friend” in which the two enjoy grooming each other. Female chimps look out for other females’ babies.
  • They are excellent at using tools. The structure of their hands help with motor skills, but they are also intelligent enough to be resourceful when making tools.
  • Chimps are the animals most closely related to humans. They share 95% of our DNA.

Dolphins

  • Bottlenose dolphins are the smartest and most delightful creatures in the sea. Swimming with dolphins is a popular activity. Dolphins take notice of humans and are sometimes just as fascinated with us as we are with them.
  • Dolphins use unique whistles to communicate with one another. They’re able to let other dolphins know their exact location and condition just by whistling!
  • A dolphin’s brain has unique neurons that are also found in the brains of humans and chimpanzees. These neurons enhance social and emotional behaviors.

Octopi

  • The octopus has amazing adaptability. They camouflage themselves to express anger, lie in wait to catch prey, or to blend in when predators are near.
  • Octopi are also good at solving food puzzles! In captivity, they have learned to unscrew the lids of jars to reach food.
  • They can squeeze into just about any small space due to their flexible, squishy bodies. They do this when they need to hide from predators or lay eggs.

Parrots

  • One African grey parrot was known to have the IQ of a 5-year-old. They can quickly learn to use tools to grind cockle shells, providing them with a nutritious snack.
  • Parrots unfortunately aren’t smart enough to know what they’re saying when they talk. However, the very act of mimicking their owners is amazing on its own. They don’t have vocal cords. Instead, they make sounds using their throat and the air that flows through it.
  • Parrots bond with their human companions or other parrots if they’re in the wild. Mates often stick together for life!

Dogs

  • If you’ve ever owned a dog, their intelligence is obvious. Dogs can surprise us in many ways with their good memory, emotional intelligence, and ability to obey commands.
  • Because their sense of smell is several times better than humans’, this is why dogs assist in rescue missions and join the police force.
  • Dogs are life-savers in more ways than one. Service dogs are trained to help the blind, deaf, and people with PTSD go about their daily lives.

Raccoons

  • They are able to remember solutions to problems for up to three years, which is longer than most primates.
  • Raccoons are able to open latches, turn doorknobs, and even untie knots to gain access to food or shelter.
  • They are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities.

Otters

  • They are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for up to 8 minutes underwater.
  • They have excellent memory and can remember the location of food sources and other important landmarks.
  • Otters have large brains compared to their body size, which is thought to be a sign of intelligence.

Sea lions

  • Sea lions are able to recognize themselves in mirrors, which is a sign of self-awareness.
  • They are quick learners and can be trained to perform a variety of tricks and behaviors, similar to dogs.
  • They are able to adapt to changing environmental conditions and can learn to avoid predators and other threats.
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