In 1997, Jennifer Mather received a call from Roland Anderson, her collaborator, reporting that a young octopus was playing with a floating bottle. Over the years, Mather and Anderson studied octopus behavior, noticing sophisticated actions like retrieving rocks to secure their den. Octopuses were known for their intelligence and curiosity, leading the researchers to question whether they play. The duo conducted experiments with giant Pacific octopuses and observed two engaging with objects in a seemingly playful manner. Their findings suggested that octopuses, despite being of a different phylum, display playful behavior similar to mammals and birds. The unique behaviors of octopuses challenge traditional notions of animal intelligence.
https://lithub.com/shes-bouncing-the-ball-on-the-uncanny-way-octopuses-play/