The Smartest Animals in the World May Surprise You

Humans are capable of learning new things, solving problems and feeling emotions — all signs of varying degrees of intelligence. As a species, we’re pretty smart — but don’t count out animals. In fact, and it should come as no surprise, that some are smarter than humans at performing certain tasks. These are the animals that stand out for their brain power.

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Squid

Physically, squid and humans couldn't be any different, but the cephalopods share features similar to the human brain. They have the ability to learn new skills, can be curious about their surroundings and have the know-how to protect themselves from danger.

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Spider in web with twinkly lights in the background

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Spiders

Despite their size, their intelligence level is high. Specifically, the way that they hunt suggests that these arachnids are capable of learning and problem-solving.

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Ants

Though they are small, they can withstand just about anything. Ants gather together to build nests, hunt for food and adjust to their environment with ease (which is why they so often move into your home in the summertime!).

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Baboons

Similar to chimpanzees and orangutans, they know how to identify stress and deal with it. If only we could all be like that.

Just don't own one. Or any other primates. Let IKEA monkey be a lesson to us all.

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Sea lions

Sea lions are logical thinkers and their art of deduction is impressive. That's better than some people you may know!

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Orangutans

These primates are capable of learning new skills, have an understanding of their surroundings which makes it easier to acclimate, and they can imitate human actions. Talk about one smart monkey!

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Pigeons

Homing pigeons have the ability to find their way home over long distances and because of that, the birds will not only return to their nest but they also remember people and places throughout the course of their life.

See more: 20 impossibly adorable baby animals to brighten your day.

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Crows

No matter how complicated a problem, crows can solve it. They also adapt to tough situations based on how they gather their food and resources.

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Goats

They are excellent problem-solvers with really good memories. Plus, you can do yoga with them. What's not to love?

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Raccoons

Raccoons are resourceful as hell, which anyone who has had their garbage torn into can attest to. They can also form complex social relationships and are adept problem-solvers.

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Dogs

Intelligence levels vary across dog breeds but, for the most part, they are trainable and learn new skills with ease. That aside, it's their emotional intelligence that may be their biggest strength — and also a big reason why humans love them so much.

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Horses

The four-legged beauties have good memories and can respond to complicated commands in a timely manner, even when under stress.

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Falcons

They are skilled hunters and predatory birds who can follow commands and remember what areas should be avoided.

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Rats

Granted, these rodents don't seem like the smartest tools in the dusty old shed, but they actually boast good long-term memories and are formidable at adapting to changing situations.

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Cats

For some, they're your best friend. For others, they do nothing but eat, sleep and act aloof. But cats are quite agile, skilled at hunting, and capable of learning new skills. They also happen to make humans healthier.

Squirrel holding peanut while eating peanut

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Squirrels

When you see a squirrel run into the street, they seem like the dumbest animals out there, but they're actually quite intelligent. Their constant darting about is more about a lack of focus than anything else. In reality, they are brilliant at gathering food and hiding it but, more importantly, remembering where it was all stored.

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Elephants

As far as elephants go, their intelligence matches the size of their big brains. They can create and process social interactions, experience empathy and can distinguish among various languages.

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Octopuses

These sea creatures are highly skilled hunters with great memories. Octopuses also know how to strategize when it comes to finding food, an important skill to know for them to stay alive.

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Whales

Whales use complex sounds to communicate with each other, are skilled problem-solvers and have the ability to effectively coordinate with one another.

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Parrots

Aside from repeating sounds and things that people say, parrots also have incredible memories. You might want to be careful about what you say around one, because who knows what they'll remember!

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Dolphins

Their advanced communication skills are extraordinary to behold, but it's also been proven that dolphins are so self-aware, they can recognize themselves in a mirror.

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Pigs

They may not be the best-smelling animals but research shows a middle-aged pig can be as smart as a human toddler — which means they are like sponges and learn new skills easily.

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Chimpanzees

They not only look like humans (we share almost 99 per cent of our DNA) but they also have the capacity to think like us too. Chimps have extraordinary memories, can manipulate their environments and accomplish certain tasks — which they might be better at than some of the people around you!

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