Random Juggling Otters And Other Species That Have Oddly Human Hobbies (12 items)

• 

  (#10) Parrot

  • Psittaciformes

  Everybody knows that parrots can talk, but some can also sing. Groucho, a 23-year-old yellow-naped Amazon parrot who performs at Disney World's Animal Kingdom, is a crowd-pleasing bird who can really carry a tune. Groucho knows seven songs by heart, and his trainers allow him to choose which ones he'll sing during each performance.

  Singing parrots have also appeared on Fox News, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, America's Got Talent, and more. Those are some pretty big accomplishments for such little birds!
• 

  (#2) Beluga

  • Delphinapterus leucas

  Beluga whales can weigh up to 2,000 pounds, so you might not expect their favorite hobby to be as delicate as bubble blowing. Actually, they're masters of the art. The whales blow huge bursts of air through their blowholes when surprised, create streams of bubbles when traveling in pairs, and even make bubble rings. 

  What motivates their bubbly behavior? There are a few different theories. An extensive study by biologist Michael Noonan and his students on this phenomenon suggests that it might be due to boredom. The belugas that Noonan studied were residents of the Marineland Park near Toronto. No matter how much effort any zoo or aquarium puts into stimulating its animals, life in captivity just isn't the same as life in the wild. This theory is backed up by the fact that when belugas are busy with something else - for example, mating season - bubble blowing decreases.

  But the study also suggested that perhaps belugas blow bubbles for the same reasons that humans sing, dance, draw, or write: to express engagement with the world. 
• 

  (#7) Cat

  • Felis catus

  The Good Mews cat shelter of Marietta, GA, offers a unique service that benefits both cats and humans: cat yoga. The activity is meant for people, but the cats wandering around the room have plenty of opportunities to get their stretch on, too - or at least do battle with the dangling ponytails of those practicing their downward-facing dog (or cat). The yoga sessions also provide social interaction that prepares the cats for adoption.

  Similar classes can be found at New York City's Meow Parlor, and the NKLA Pet Adoption Center in Los Angeles.
• 

  (#3) Dolphin

  • Delphinidae Delphis

  You might think that humans are the only species with an artistic flair, but you would be wrong. Dolphins can be artists, too. While their work does tend to lean toward impressionism rather than realism, these aquatic mammals still express themselves creatively. A lack of hands mean that dolphins do most of their painting by holding a brush in their mouths, and touching it to a canvas or a piece of paper taped to a vertical surface.

  One of the most famous dolphins to dabble in the arts is Winter, the first dolphin to receive a prosthetic tail. Another noteworthy example is Chicky, who was taught by trainer Frank Sanchez to jump out of the water and pick up the brush on her own. According to Sanchez, "Chicky even started painting without me rewarding her with fish."
• 

  (#12) Dog

  • Canis lupus familiaris

  When you think about playing catch, two images likely spring to mind: a parent and child tossing a ball around in the backyard, and a kid throwing a ball to their dog. Whether the participants are human or canine, playing catch is a great way to exercise and have fun.

  As to why dogs love chasing down thrown balls, it likely has to do with genetics. All dogs have instincts to run after moving objects and investigate them, but some have stronger urges to fetch than others. For some dogs, playing catch is simply away to blow off steam and feel good.
• 

  (#5) Turkey

  • Meleagris

  While there has been no investigation as to why turkeys are such huge sports fans, it's safe to say that they love to play soccer. While their version of the game may not include things like uniforms, goals, or even specific rules, it includes what's most important: running, kicking, and teamwork. Considering the fact that turkeys are native to the Americas, maybe next they should try a sport that originated there, too, like baseball.

New Random Displays    Display All By Ranking