Captive chimpanzee takes down a drone: tool use toward a flying object.

Bibliographic Collection: 
APE
Publication Type: Journal Article
Authors: van Hooff, Jan A R A M; Lukkenaar, Bas
Year of Publication: 2015
Journal: Primates
Volume: 56
Issue: 4
Pagination: 289-92
Date Published: 2015 Oct
Publication Language: eng
ISSN: 1610-7365
Abstract:

On 10 April 2015, a Dutch TV crew was filming at the Royal Burgers Zoo in Arnhem, The Netherlands. It was the intention to film the chimpanzees in the enclosure from close-by and from above with the means of a drone. When the drone came a bit closer to the chimpanzees, a female individual made two sweeps with a branch that she held in one hand. The second one was successful and downed the drone. The use of the stick in this context was a unique action. It seemed deliberate given the decision to collect it and carry it to a place where the drone might be attacked. This episode adds to the indications that chimpanzees engage in forward planning of tool-use acts.

DOI: 10.1007/s10329-015-0482-2
Alternate Journal: Primates
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