Perhaps because dolphins so visible in the ocean because of their need to stay close to the water’s surface in order to breathe, humans have developed a great affinity for the friendly, playful marine mammals. Stories abound of dolphins performing complicated tasks and even rescuing people from drowning. In the last half century, dolphins have come to be regarded as one of Earth's most intelligent animals.
This television program studies the breadth of the dolphin’s abilities and their intellectual and emotional similarities to humans. It also investigates how the United States Navy has used dolphins in underwater military situations.