The Write-Down #14
Each week here at downboy, LLC, we like to take a moment to get to know a little more about our amazing team. One question. Three Answers. No judgment.
Fewer than 1% of all known animals use tools. Depending on the definition of tool use (and even tool-making), the number is much larger than expected. Chimpanzees, orangutans, gorillas, crows, octopuses, otters, dolphins, even insects…the list goes on. But a recent entry into the shed, Veronika—a 13 year-old Austrian pet cow—is utterly changing what we know about animal intelligence. Raised in a supportive environment (a key factor in farm animal tool use), She learned to manipulate a deck brush with precision, using different parts of the brush to scratch different parts of her body, from thick hide, to the more sensitive underbelly, applying appropriate amounts of pressure where needed.
Have you ever witnessed an animal use a tool? and/or What tool would you like to see an animal use?
“My dog’s a genius and I have proof, but photo submissions are apparently not allowed…so you’re gonna have to trust me.”
Alexandra A., Information Technologist
“I dream of putting a toy pottery wheel out for the occasional raccoon visitor to the patio. It would be nice to see him do something constructive for once.”
Megan Oeth, Human Resources
“I saw a squirrel once trying to smoke a cigarette butt with two hands. Rookie. Does that count?”
Dan-O, Mono-instrumentalist
