Researchers conducted an experiment involving a bonobo named Kanzi, who participated in an imaginary tea party with scientists. The study demonstrated that Kanzi was able to engage in pretend play, a behavior previously believed to be unique to humans. This finding suggests that apes have the capacity for imagination and symbolic thinking.
The experiment involved using objects and scenarios to encourage Kanzi to act out a tea party, revealing his ability to understand and participate in make-believe activities. These results contribute to a growing body of evidence that some non-human animals share cognitive traits once thought exclusive to humans.
**Why this matters**
Pretend play is linked to complex cognitive processes such as creativity, problem-solving, and social understanding. Discovering that apes can engage in such behavior challenges long-held assumptions about human uniqueness and offers new insights into the evolution of intelligence and social behavior across species.
Source: NewsData