Chimp optimization algorithm (ChOA) is a robust nature-inspired technique, which was recently proposed for addressing real-world challenging engineering problems. Due to the novelty of the ChOA, there is room for its improvement. Recognition and classification of marine mammals using artificial neural networks (ANNs) are high-dimensional challenging problems. In order to address this problem, this paper proposed the using of ChOA as ANN's trainer. However, evolving ANNs using metaheuristic algorithms suffers from high complexity and processing time. In order to address this shortcoming, this paper proposes the fuzzy logic to adjust the ChOA's control parameters (Fuzzy-ChOA) for tuning the relationship between exploration and exploitation phases. In this regard, we collect underwater marine mammals sounds and then produce an experimental dataset. After pre-processing and feature extraction, the ANN is used as a classifier. Besides, for having a fair comparison, we used a benchmark audio database of marine mammals. The comparison algorithms include ChOA, coronavirus optimization algorithm, harris hawks optimization, black widow optimization algorithm, Kalman filter benchmark algorithms, and also comparative benchmarks include convergence speed, local optimal avoidance ability, classification rate, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC). The simulation results show that the proposed fuzzy model can tune the boundary between the exploration and extraction phases. The convergence curve and ROC confirm that the convergence rate and performance of the designed recognizer are better than benchmark algorithms.