Dolphins teaching each other tricks 'just for fun'

A WILD bottlenose dolphin has been teaching members of her group a complex trick known as tailwalking.

The behaviour of the wild dolphins, who appear to be learning from each other, has left scientists stunned.

Although tailwalking, where dolphins surge into a vertical position and propel themselves across the water using their tails, is a trick commonly taught to the creatures in captivity, it is extremely rare in the wild.

Billie the bottlenose spent three weeks in captivity 20 years ago and, although she received no formal training, it is believed she must have copied other dolphins that received food for performing the trick.

Scientists believe it is an example of cultural behaviour among the dolphins, which live in Adelaide, Australia. Previously, dolphins in western Australia have been discovered teaching each other to hold sponges over their noses for protection as they search for spiny fish on the ocean floor.

Mark Simmonds, director of science at the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, said tailwalking did not necessarily have a function but could be an example of the dolphins having fun.

"They are probably trying to impress each other by showing what they can do, and what a strong, impressive dolphin they are," he said.

"It certainly appears they are enjoying themselves."

Mr Simmonds said he hoped increasing our understanding of dolphins' social interactions would help us find ways of protecting them in the wild.

"We are dealing with very social animals that are living in societies and have high levels of intelligence," he said.