US Navy is teaching sea lions and dolphins to play video games under Marine Mammal Program

Playing video games is considered as one of the most enjoyable activities. It cherishes mood and stimulates focus, creativity and visual memory. We used to think that Video Games or Gaming is limited to humans, well now, it seems like it isn't. The recent press release from the US Navy has revealed that Sea lions and dolphins are being taught to play video games.

Yes, you heard it right, in fact you read it right, the US Navy is teaching these mammals to play video games under a special program called Marine Mammal Program. The US Navy is calling these gaming sessions a cognitive exercise enrichment exercise. Spike, one of the sea lions, has been the center of attraction among all those mammals who are being trained.

Spike, despite being the last in his group to learn video games, became the first to complete the program. Firstly, he learned to control a cursor on screen and then went through multiple challenging games. Spike's completion of the program is the recorded success in testing cognition of California sea lions with an animal-controlled interface. 
Spike has emerged to be one of the passionate gamer, every time when he crosses the finish line, his trainer rewards him with lots of fish along with praises and cheers. He then turns back again at the screen and gathers his focus with an intent to win.

NMMF scientist Kelley Winshep reacted to Spike's success in video games, he said “I really care about these animals and the lives they lead. I love all the cool stuff we can look at with this research, but at the end of the day, I want to see them happy and enjoying themselves.”

Winshep further mentioned that just like humans, sea lions and dolphins hold an intense focus while doing difficult tasks and don't give up. They also enjoy their success with a sense of joy and take a nap after getting tired. While pointing out similarities, the only difference that Winshep stated between us and sea lions is that they don't throw their controllers due to the absence of frustration.

Well, it's quite evident that these mammals are enjoying playing video games and it is a part of their holistic care. Now, the only thing that would haunt a human gamer is the thought of getting defeated in a 1v1 battle against a sea lion or a dolphin in the future.