7 Smartest Animals After Humans, Some Can Even Speak Our Language

These incredible primates share about 98% of our DNA, making them our closest living relatives. Chimpanzees indicate problem-solving skills, tool use, and complex social behaviors. They can learn to communicate using sign language and even understand human words.

Like chimpanzees, orangutans are highly intelligent and display advanced cognitive abilities. They have been observed using tools to collect food and build nests. Additionally, orangutans can learn from each other, showing a capacity for cultural transmission. Some trained orangutans have been able to communicate using sign language and understand human commands.

Known for their playful nature, dolphins are also incredibly intelligent animals. They have a highly developed communication system. Dolphins can also understand and respond to human gestures and commands. Dolphins are known to display problem-solving skills and exhibit self-awareness.

Apes, including gorillas and bonobos, are famous for their intelligence. They have the ability to use tools, solve problems, and even demonstrate self-awareness. Like chimpanzees and orangutans, some apes have been trained in sign language and have shown an understanding of human language.

These gentle giants are not only known for their size but also for their intelligence. Elephants indicate excellent social behaviors and have a highly developed memory. They can identify themselves in a mirror, which is a sign of self-awareness, and can even mimic human speech sounds.

While rats may not be the first animal that comes to mind when thinking of intelligence, they are actually quite smart. Rats are competent at learning complex tasks and are highly adaptable to new environments. They have been trained to perform various tasks in laboratories. Rats can even be taught to navigate mazes. Rats are also skillful at remembering human voices and responding to their names.

Known as man's best friend, dogs have long been identified for their intelligence and ability to understand human language. They can learn commands and follow instructions, making them valuable partners and working animals. Dogs have also been trained to perform a wide range of tasks, from guiding the visually damaged to catching drugs and explosives.