Apr 30, 2025

10 most intelligent animals on the planet

TOI Lifestyle Desk

Brainy animals

From solving puzzles to using tools, these animals display remarkable intelligence. Let’s discover 10 species that challenge the boundaries of what we usually expect from non-human minds.

Getty Images

Chimpanzee

Chimpanzees use tools, learn sign language, and display complex emotions and social structures.

Getty Images

Dolphin

Dolphins are known for self-awareness, communication skills, and high emotional intelligence.

Getty Images

Elephant

Elephants have excellent memory, mourn their dead, and use tools in the wild.

Getty Images

African grey parrot

This parrot can mimic human speech and understand the meanings behind words and numbers.

Getty Images

Orca (killer whale)

Orcas use teamwork to hunt and pass hunting strategies through generations.

Getty Images

You may also like

​10 animals that can survive without a b...
8 brain and puzzle games to play to shar...

Pig

Pigs are quick learners, solve mazes, and have long-term memory almost as good as dogs.

Getty Images

Octopus

Octopuses escape enclosures, solve puzzles, and show impressive short-term and long-term memory.

Getty Images

Crow

Crows make tools, remember faces, and even hold grudges against humans who wrong them.

Getty Images

Dog

Dogs understand human gestures, emotions, and learn hundreds of words and commands.

Getty Images

Rat

Rats are capable of complex decision-making and show empathy toward fellow rats.

Getty Images

Thanks For Reading!

Next: ​10 animals that can survive without a brain​