Meet the US Navy's Gamer Sea Lions and Dolphins: Their Underwater World Just Got More Exciting!

Ever wondered if animals could be avid gamers, too? Well, the US Navy’s Marine Mammal Program seems to have made this a reality, as they've trained sea lions and dolphins to play video games designed to test their cognition and encourage cognitive enrichment. As a result, these charismatic creatures are having an absolute blast in their underwater gaming sessions.

Spike, a California sea lion, is one such participant who has completed a full training program in San Diego Bay, which involves controlling a cursor on a screen and maneuvering it through increasingly challenging games. It turns out that he is not alone; bottlenose dolphins are also part of the program, enjoying their fair share of video games. The purpose of these gaming sessions extends beyond stimulating the minds of marine mammals—it is also believed to contribute to their overall happiness and well-being.

The Enclosure Video Enrichment (EVE) system, utilized by admirably inventive Navy scientists, is a portable, pinniped-friendly gaming setup. With its 27-inch monitor, plastic utility cart, acrylic glass protective layer, and USB controller featuring four large buttons, it offers a user-friendly interface for sea lions. The animals have successfully learned to navigate increasingly complex games, with Spike completing levels within an average of six seconds!

An EVE system has also been developed for the bottlenose dolphins, featuring a large projector screen and joysticks for them to manipulate with their mouths. Interestingly, the dolphins seem to enjoy watching their favorite TV show, "SpongeBob Squarepants," during their leisure time. Unlike frustrated human gamers, these marine mammals show no signs of disappointment even if they lose a game, maintaining a positive spirit throughout.

In conclusion, the US Navy's Marine Mammal Program demonstrates how combining technology and research with animal well-being can lead to exciting innovations. The gamer sea lions and dolphins serve as prime examples of this, enjoying a form of cognitive enrichment that promotes happiness and healthy development. The long-term implications of such gaming systems could potentially shape new ways of training and understanding marine mammals, ultimately offering them a more engaging and stimulating environment.