In April, a chimp in The Netherlands took down a drone being used to film the Burgers’ Zoo.
Now researchers have published their analysis of the clip in the journal Primates, and they’re quite impressed. In addition to showing a stellar example of tool use, researchers now say the video shows that the chimp planned its actions.
The drone had flown by in a practice run, at which time it caught the attention of several chimps in the enclosure. During that flyby, several chimps were seen grabbing twigs and climbing to where the drone was hovering.
And when it came back, they were ready: Two females sat where the drone was going to hover, holding long twigs. According to primatologists, their faces show exertion, but not fear — indicating that they were acting deliberately, not flailing around in terror.
That tool use is even more impressive when you remember that no humans have taught the captive chimps how to use tools. The chimps have figured out how to use at least 13 tools by watching humans go about their business at the zoo — and they’re known to select the best tool with ease.
