How did I miss this? Found on Tim Shey's (re)blog, dolphins that have learned to sing the theme to Batman:

The researchers first had an adult male bottlenose dolphin position itself in front of an underwater sound projector, called a hydrophone, that produced six different 14-kHz, four-second rhythms. The dolphin was rewarded for performing a certain behavior to each rhythm.

....

"The dolphin was reinforced for producing a specific rhythm to a specific object," said Harley. "For example, when we presented him with a 'Batman' doll, he received a fish for producing a specific rhythm — in this case, a short sound and then a long one."

She added, "If you recall the original 'Batman' TV series musical intro you'll probably remember the way they sang 'Bat-maaaaaaaan.'"

The sound file isn't quite as exciting as you might hope. Not so much a bunch of chirping Flippers going "na-na-Na-na-na", as the high pitched simulation of "BATMAN!" at the end of the song.

And, of no relation to dolphins at all, what is the deal with proto-surf-duo Jan & Dean and Batman? This "Batman" song is horrible --


We need the Batman (Batman)
We need the Batman (Batman)
Criminals are a superstitious, cowardly lot
So my disguise must be able
To strike terror into their hearts


What's with THE Batman? Bizarro. I love Jan and Dean more than I have an affection for Bruce Wayne, and yet, this is oh-so dissapointing.