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We’ve always thought imagination was a unique human trait. But recent research shows that apes can also think beyond their immediate surroundings. Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have discovered that apes can “play pretend,” similar to how young children do.
In their study, bonobos took part in activities that mimicked a child’s tea party. One bonobo named Kanzi interacted with imaginary juice and pretend grapes, and his actions suggested a surprising level of cognitive ability. This research, published in Science, challenges long-held beliefs about animal intelligence, suggesting that the ability to imagine might have developed over nine million years ago.
Christopher Krupenye, a co-author of the study, remarked, “It’s a game-changer. Imagining is often seen as a human-only skill, but this research invites us to rethink what makes us unique in the animal kingdom.” Historical figures like Jane Goodall have already shifted our views of animal capabilities by highlighting their use of tools. Now, Krupenye’s work pushes us further in understanding animal cognition.
Before this, no structured studies on pretentious behavior in animals existed. Observations in the wild showed young chimpanzees pretending, like carrying sticks as if they were babies. This sparked curiosity in Krupenye and Amalia Bastos, a lecturer at the University of St Andrews, to explore this in a controlled setting.
They designed experiments resembling a child’s tea party for Kanzi. During one test, the researchers used empty cups and pitchers, pretending to pour juice. They asked Kanzi, “Where’s the juice?” Kanzi often pointed to the imaginary juice cup, even when its position changed. In another scenario involving real juice, Kanzi correctly chose the real over the imaginary juice more often than not.
The third test involved grapes. The experimenter pretended to eat from an empty jar, then asked Kanzi where the grapes were. Again, he pointed to the container with the pretend grapes. While he wasn’t perfect, he displayed a remarkable understanding of imaginary objects.
Bastos highlighted how striking it is: “Kanzi can imagine things that aren’t present. This suggests he has a mental picture of that object while knowing it’s not real.” Krupenye added, “If some aspects of imagination link us with apes, we should reconsider our views on non-human animals. This insight compels us to care for creatures that have rich mental lives.”
Looking ahead, researchers aim to investigate further into apes’ imaginative abilities, such as their thoughts about the future or their understanding of others’ minds. The work not only broadens our understanding of animal intelligence but also deepens the connection between humans and our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.
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wild animals,scientific research,Environment science,wildlife,Psychology,nature
