Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 10 hours ago
In the 1960s, a strange and controversial series of experiments took place involving dolphins, scientists, and psychedelic drugs.
At the center of it all was neuroscientist John C. Lilly, who believed dolphins might possess intelligence comparable to humans. Working through the Communication Research Institute, Lilly conducted unusual research aimed at understanding dolphin communication.
One of the most debated aspects of this research involved giving dolphins the psychedelic drug LSD. Scientists wanted to see whether altered states of consciousness might change how dolphins communicated with each other—or even help humans communicate with them.
In the 1960s, a strange and controversial series of experiments took place involving dolphins, scientists, and psychedelic drugs.
At the center of it all was neuroscientist John C. Lilly, who believed dolphins might possess intelligence comparable to humans. Working through the Communication Research Institute, Lilly conducted unusual research aimed at understanding dolphin communication.
One of the most debated aspects of this research involved giving dolphins the psychedelic drug LSD. Scientists wanted to see whether altered states of consciousness might change how dolphins communicated with each other—or even help humans communicate with them.
