Play Time
Have you ever looked at a dolphin figurine and noticed that even in a statue, the dolphins always seem to be happy and playing? Just like people, dolphins play games for fun and to teach their young. Studies have been done on these games to study dolphin habits. Stan Kuczaj and Lauren Highfill are two among many researchers who study dolphin play and behavior. In one encounter, they found two adult dolphins, and a young dolphin tossing around a plastic bag like they were playing catch. What was more interesting though, its the bag was tossed more softly at the young dolphin, and right in front of him, to make it easier. Years of research have been conducted to search for patterns and purpose to games like these.
It has been concluded that dolphins’ games show extreme creativity and cooperation. They seem to follow the same patterns as human childhood games do. They are designed to develop social connections and group cooperation as well as sharpen intellectual and communication skills. These studies have been compared to studies on humans to draw connections between us and other animals. It truly is interesting and remarkable to find those connections. Next time you are out in the ocean, and are visited by a playful and friendly dolphin, carefully engaging with him may not be such a bad idea. After all, play time is important.