Dolphins are known as one of the smartest ocean creatures. They’re known to be able to build complex relationships, invent novel behaviors, and use both verbal and gestural signs to communicate with each other.
But the humpback dolphin named Mystique is taking the intelligence of this aquatic mammal to a whole new level. Look, nobody is immune to a nice gift. Mystique knows that very well. In fact, the adorable 29-year-old male dolphin is showering the volunteers at Barnacles Dolphin Centre on Queensland’s Tin Can Bay with luxury ocean goodies. From beautiful corals and shells to aged bottles from who knows what era, Mystique’s findings have dubbed him an avid treasure hunter. And that’s how the boy gets awarded with delicious fish. I mean, you gotta make a living somehow!
More info: Facebook | BarnaclesDolphins.com.au
Image credits: Barnaclescafedolphinfeeding
The boy has been missing all the attention from visitors since the center has closed for quarantine
Image credits: Barnaclescafedolphinfeeding
Bored Panda contacted the staff of Barnacles Cafe & Dolphin Feeding to find out more about the adorable dolphin Mystique. We were told that “Mystique is doing well, keeping the pod in line, but it’s quite clear that he is missing the attention from the public, he has been a big show-off the past few weeks.” The center has been temporarily closed since March 25 due to the quarantine.
Not only is the dolphin smart enough to come up with bribing techniques, he also knows “when he brings something in that he will get lots of praise and attention, then a fish to say thank you.” He has a “very intelligent and gentle soul, but is also slightly mischievous,” the volunteers told us.
He is the only dolphin in his pod of seven who brings gifts regularly
Image credits: Barnaclescafedolphinfeeding
Image credits: Barnaclescafedolphinfeeding
Coral, bottles, and shells are among the luxurious ocean goodies the dolphin treats workers with
Image credits: Barnaclescafedolphinfeeding
Image credits: Barnaclescafedolphinfeeding
“He brings us in all sorts of things like planks of wood, corals, old glass bottles, sea sponges, and rocks, ranging in all sorts of shapes and sizes.” The volunteers at the center are sure that Mystique will keep bringing things back for them once the crowds start to some in again. “He had always brought us gifts, but only since the lockdown closure has he been bringing in multiple gifts each morning.”
Image credits: Barnaclescafedolphinfeeding
Image credits: Barnaclescafedolphinfeeding
