So the reason why Brush and her family made good subjects for the research is because researchers have been studying her for her entire life and because she has displayed previous signs of communication and understanding with humans. In a 2021 newsletter, Dr. Denise Herzing described a relationship she developed with Brush’s mother, Paint. Herzing had been studying Paint for years. Unlike other dolphins, which typically greeted researchers by swimming around them and producing signature whistles, Paint had developed an unusual greeting. Paint would dive vertically underwater, position herself upright, and look toward Herzing. Herzing began imitating the behavior. Over time, the two developed what appeared to be a recognizable greeting ritual. Then something fascinating happened. Brush learned the greeting. One day, when Brush was still a young calf, Herzing encountered Paint and Brush together. Paint performed her usual vertical greeting. Then Brush, who had been watching, performed the same unusual vertical movement. wilddolphinproject.org/wp-co…