Are Whales Spying on Us?
Has Google figured out how to market to solo ocean voyagers?
Alright, let’s look at this as I have some experience with marine mammals and working animals. First, would this be beneficial to world powers? Well, that is an easy answer and the answer is yes. Historically, the power that controls the oceans effectively wins. Think Spanish armada. Second, can animals be trained for military or intelligence efforts? Of course! The US army had a camel corps back in the late 1800’s. We still have military dogs saving soldiers’ lives every day. Everyone knows there is nothing better for crowd control than horses and horses and mules have been in military use for decades.
Heck, before there were military tanks there were elephants! But, marine animals? Aquaman, anyone? In all seriousness, the US navy has a marine mammal program that uses dolphins and sea lions. The animals are used largely for location and removal of underwater explosives, but they can also be trained to bring tools to divers and protect divers. Imagine a border collie with scuba gear!
How fun would it be to engage in conversations centering on the “professionalism” of a dolphin versus a beluga whale (that is in fact why the beluga fell out of favor for military work)? The lackadaisical attitude of that manatee (they are way too laid back)? Or the “hostile work environment” created by bringing in that new guy, the orca?!
Once again, here at “Meanwhile…” we digress. The point of it is, so many unique species populate this planet - it would be a shame if some folks were able to convince the rest of us that engaging with all of them to enrich our lives and theirs was a bad idea.
Working and service animals are wonderful whether they are supporting independent living for their owner, entertaining and educating alongside their trainer, or protecting us from those who do us harm. However, if anyone is asking, I would like Aquaman as my working marine mammal and the Russians can keep their persistent beluga.
Read more by clicking on the link below:
Camel corps reference: https://texashillcountry.com/camel-corps-army-bring-camels-texas/