DOLPHIN DESIGNS

Male humpback dolphins in Northern Australia’s much-studied Shark Bay have been documented posing with sponges on their heads, while making a “banana” shape with their bodies, in bids to attract females.

Researchers from the University of Western Australia speculate that the sponges are probably quite difficult to remove from the sea floor, and the “offering” of one is likely to be a show of strength and ability. However, it doesn’t seem to be having the desired effect on the ladies, with one frustrated male even spotted throwing the sponge at his intended “sweetheart”.

The same researchers documented what appears to be rudimentary tool use amongst the dolphins of Shark Bay, with some of these charismatic cetaceans seen using sponges to protect their snouts when hunting.