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Português Primates that read: Sign of intelligence
posted in 08 Sep 2010
In a long article about “Human Cruelty” towards animals, Veja Magazine reports, in this week edition, an interesting subject that we have already been discussing: the signs of intelligence of great primates. The article shows the worst cases of human cruelty, from slaughter of animals for consumption to live bile extraction of bears in Chine and goose being fed by force to develop big livers, which turn to be transformed in pâté for the rich people.
The piece of the article published bellow demonstrates how bonobo Kanzi, similar to a chimpanzee, learnt 380 words and actions at Great Apes Trust Sanctuary, in Iowa, and communicates with human beings, evolving his mental development. This was what happened with primitive hominids, when they started to talk and to exchange knowledge. Then they became modern and civilized humans.
Signs of intelligence
PRIMATE READER)
Chimpanzee bonobo: scientists were able to teach an individual of the species to identify 380 words
The concern about the treatment given to animals that are used as food has its origin in an even bigger question, which science tries to give an answer: would animals be able to develop any kind of feeling and intelligence? Recent studies reveal that the brain of some animals do tasks that were believed to be exclusively of human beings. It is already known that elephants adopt a behavior similar to mourning when a member of the group dies. Black Birds know how to do and use tools to build their nests. Rats tend to imitate the movements of other members of the species when they see them suffering with pain. The most notorious example of animal that presents a kind of developed intelligence is the bonobos, a member of chimpanzee family. North-American scientists were able to make an individual of the species to develop a complex communication system. He comprehends around 380 words and, through a colorful cards board, put them in a way that they compose phrases. The bonobos are also able to express time and grandiosity notions.
PRIMATE READER)
Chimpanzee bonobo: scientists were able to teach an individual of the species to identify 380 words
The concern about the treatment given to animals that are used as food has its origin in an even bigger question, which science tries to give an answer: would animals be able to develop any kind of feeling and intelligence? Recent studies reveal that the brain of some animals do tasks that were believed to be exclusively of human beings. It is already known that elephants adopt a behavior similar to mourning when a member of the group dies. Black Birds know how to do and use tools to build their nests. Rats tend to imitate the movements of other members of the species when they see them suffering with pain. The most notorious example of animal that presents a kind of developed intelligence is the bonobos, a member of chimpanzee family. North-American scientists were able to make an individual of the species to develop a complex communication system. He comprehends around 380 words and, through a colorful cards board, put them in a way that they compose phrases. The bonobos are also able to express time and grandiosity notions.
Considering this, animals’ defenders won more arguments to try to change the laws in favor of them. Two years ago, Spanish Paliament extended some human rights to chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans and, of course, bonobos. The country of the bull fights decided that the primates can not be tortured or killed (except in case of self-defense). “When humans start to realize that the animals have some characteristics similar to theirs, it becomes more difficult to submit them to treatments that result in pain or suffering”, said to Veja magazine American lawyerPamela Frasch, animal rights legislation specialist.
Dr. Pedro A. Ynterian
President, GAP Project International
Dr. Pedro A. Ynterian
President, GAP Project International
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Residents' Stories
posted in 24 Apr 2024
Katai and Sansão: orangutans in captivity in Brazil
Meet the beautiful Katai! The female orangutan was born in 1985 in a German zoo and is a Sumatra/Borneo hybrid. Since 2010, she has been one of the residents of the Anami Institute's Great Apes Sanctuary, in Paraná.
Date of birth: 02/07/1985Origin: Germany
Sanctuary: São José dos Pinhais, Paraná/Brazil
posted in 03 Apr 2024
Children snatched away by the circus
Lucy is a docile female and very zealous with her children. During her life in the circus, she had several puppies, but no opportunity to raise them, as they were taken from her the same day they were born. With her arrival at Anami, this reality changed. Lucy can raise Noel, her youngest son.
Date of birth: 1981Origin: Circus
Sanctuary: São José dos Pinhais, Paraná/Brazil
posted in 29 Nov 2023
In memory of Johny - 05/20/2000 - 11/29/2014
in memoriam
Born in a zoo on May 20, 2000, Johny was rejected by his mother. At five months old, he was received by the Starostik couple, living with them in their house until he was one year old, as he needed special care, such as a bottle every two hours.
Date of birth: 05/20/2000Origin: Zoo
Sanctuary: São José dos Pinhais, Paraná/Brazil
The GAP Project
GAP is an international movement whose main objective is to fight for the basic rights to life, liberty and non-torture of non-human great apes - Chimpanzees, Gorillas, Orangutans and Bonobos, our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.
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