As noted by Medical News Today, Cosmos, Discover magazine, ABC Science, New Scientist, National Geographic and Georgetown University (among others), West Australian dolphins in Shark Bay are among the only marine mammals in the world known to use tools, and dolphins in Shark Bay that use sponges spent more time using tools than any species except humans.
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‘It turns out the brainiacs of the marine world can also be tool-using workaholics, spending more time hunting with tools than any non-human animal.’ — Janet Mann, professor of biology and psychology, who has been studying the Shark Bay dolphin population for more than 21 years.
So Western Australia has both the smartest and the hardest-working marine mammals in the world? Not surprised. We are, after all, the Conservative stronghold of Australia, specialising in both smarts & hard work 😉
–thanks to nephew B in NC
The Tizona Group 
December 26, 2008, 1:43 pm at 1:43 pm
It was always dolphins’ natural intelligence that makes it more worthwhile to channel them to find out the important stuff.
Not to mention, they’re incredibly reliable. Not so good to have around if you want to go swimming with sharks though.
December 26, 2008, 1:49 pm at 1:49 pm
There’s also this, which says a lot about the intelligence quota in WA.
December 26, 2008, 3:33 pm at 3:33 pm
I had forgotten all about Dolphin Channeling, Ash! Must remember next time I’m down at the beach to ask them where my spare key for the back shed is – been driving me nuts today.
December 26, 2008, 4:11 pm at 4:11 pm
How can you forget about Dolphin Channeling Spot?! It’s one of our greatest natural resources!
Yeah, when you’re at the beach, give it a go. I’m sure they’ll at least give you a few ideas on where to look, even if they don’t know the exact location.
December 26, 2008, 5:35 pm at 5:35 pm
Sure the ocean dolphins are alright, but have you ever channelled the river dolphins? They’re like the hippies of the dolphin world, always complaining about shit but never doing anything, just paddling about the Swan and pinching all the fish…
December 27, 2008, 2:36 am at 2:36 am
[…] Vote Western Australia: Even our dolphins are hella smart! […]