Animals never fail to amaze us with their unique and thoughtful ways of adapting to this world. Different environments evoke different needs challenging them to find creative solutions.
Using their thoughtful tactics, animals prove daily to be intelligent creatures. Like squirrels acting to hide their food to trick others. Or parrots who solve puzzles.
But some really do stand out with their good memory and amazing problem-solving skills. Let’s see which ones are on this list.
1. Racoon
There’s just something so cute about their tiny legs and bushy tails, don’t you agree?
Surprisingly, these mammals tend to be quite large, varying in 30 to 36 inches in length. They usually weigh about 22 pounds or less, but some males go even to 44 pounds.
Their great problem-solving skills make these creatures really smart.
This helps them easily adapt to different living conditions, whether in towns and cities, or in forests.
Some studies show that they have remarkable memory and can remember certain information for over three years. That’s why I wouldn’t mess with them, because these creatures can hold a grudge.
2. Squirrel
They vary in many species, each cuter than the other.
Squirrels can be found almost everywhere, from gardens, to parks and forests. These creatures always seem like they are on a mission.
We all know that they are hard workers, and everything they do, they do it thoughtfully. Their little tricks are necessary for their survival.
For instance, squirrels often pretend to bury food in one place, while actually hiding it in another. This way they protect the food from being stolen. Pretty clever, right?
3. Parrot
Varying in shapes and sizes, these are among the most favorite pets.
Their speaking abilities and repetition of funny phrases makes them in charge of the fun. But they can do much more than that.
Parrots have high problem-solving skills. Many learn to count, subtract, or solve puzzles. It must be fun being around them.
Their ability to show and understand emotions makes them special too. This causes them to deeply connect and bond with their owners.
4. Chimpanzee
Whether you want to admit it or not, chimpanzees are our closest relatives with whom we share a lot of similarities.
These social creatures enjoy living in groups, where their intelligence plays a big role.
They communicate in various different ways and have the ability to express different emotions, such as empathy.
When they find themselves in tricky situations, chimps aim to find a solution.
5. Dolphin
The first animal that probably came to your mind was the dolphin. But, do you wonder why these creatures are so intelligent?
Their amazing communication skills and problem solving abilities make them real Einsteins.
Learning new tasks and tricks? No problem for them! They can learn commands, vocalize other animals’ noises, solve puzzles and even learn to count.
No wonder these are considered one of the world’s most intelligent animals.
6. Bees
We all know how important these hard working creatures are to our planet.
But do you know how intelligent bees really are?
They have great long-term memory, can remember locations, and even distinguish different human faces. Bees are even likely to experience dreaming.
From frustration and fear to even playfulness, bees are capable of showing various emotions.
7. Elephant
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “An elephant never forgets.”
This giant’s remarkable long-term memory helps find certain locations, water or even routes. They can remember information for years!
Even after long periods of separation, elephants can even remember individual elephants.
They are among only a few animal species that can pass the so-called mirror test.
When given a mirror, they recognise and observe themselves. This shows that these creatures are indeed self-aware.
8. Dog
Cuddly and loving, their intelligence never fails to amaze me.
We all know that dogs can learn tricks. It’s fun to see your pup jump, bark or dance on command. But these creatures can do so much more.
Dogs are also excellent as service pets. What contributes to this is not only their obedience, but also their ability to emotional healing. These animals can even sense illnesses.
Their trainability also makes them great help for the police, military or firefighters. They enjoy their role of saving lives.
9. Raven
Everyone knows this bird as scary and dangerous. But they are more than that. These birds are actually very smart.
Their intelligence helps them adapt and easily navigate in different situations.
They have no trouble recalling certain locations or even events due to their good memory.
Do you know that ravens hide certain objects that they find valuable, and then use them later when in need to?
10. Horses
Truly special creatures known for their ability to connect and strongly bond with their owners – the horses!
This lies in their ability to recognize human emotions to which they react and reflect.
Their skill to learn from observation helped many perform tasks such as opening stable doors or uniting knots.
No wonder these are used in many shows and competitions as they are easily trainable animals.
11. Orangutan
Orangutans are often regarded as some of the smartest animals on the planet, rivaling even chimpanzees in their intellectual capabilities.
These incredible apes are known for their tool-making skills, which include crafting sticks to extract insects or creating leaf umbrellas to shield themselves from rain.
They display remarkable problem-solving abilities and can learn by observing and mimicking human behavior.
Orangutans have even been observed using tools in the wild to obtain food or navigate tricky environments. Their intelligence, coupled with their gentle demeanor, makes them fascinating creatures worthy of admiration.
12. Octopus
The octopus is a marine marvel when it comes to intelligence. Known as the escape artist of the sea, it can solve complex problems, open jars, and even mimic other animals to avoid predators.
With its remarkable ability to use tools, like coconut shells for shelter, the octopus demonstrates creativity and adaptability.
Its problem-solving skills are often showcased in captivity, where these clever cephalopods have been known to escape tanks and outsmart their keepers.
This level of intelligence is unparalleled in the aquatic world, making the octopus one of the most fascinating creatures alive.