Chimpanzee Intelligence: The Vala-chimp-torians of the Sanctuary
By James Oatis
Chimpanzee intelligence is not in question here. In scientific circles, a common fascination comes from the intelligence of animals. From elephants to dolphins, scientists have found many animals that have gained a reputation for being wise or smart. It is important, however, to distinguish human and animal intelligence as most of the intelligence of animals is derived from social skills and problem solving, not critical thinking or in-depth internal reflection. This animal intelligence is prominently seen in chimpanzees, as they display high social awareness and problem-solving skills.
Chimpanzee Intelligence – a background
In chimpanzees, one of the most important skills they possess, both wild and captive, is the ability to problem solve. Another skill is to learn from other’s behavior. A study by David Premack and Guy Woodruff found when “An adult chimpanzee was shown videotaped scenes of a human actor struggling with one of eight problems and was then shown two photographs, one of which depicted an action or an object (or both) that could constitute a solution to the problem. On seven of the eight problems, the animal consistently chose the correct photograph[1]” (Premack, Woodruff, pg. 523, 1978).
Besides individual problem solving, chimpanzees also possess high social intelligence to keep bonds and benefit their communities or themselves. In a study by the Wildlife Research Center in Kyoto, Japan, it was found that “Advanced social intelligence in chimpanzees enables them to engage in deceptive interactions, perspective-taking, social learning, trading, and cooperative actions[2]” (Hirata, 2009)
Smartest Chimps at Project Chimps
Throughout the almost 100 chimps in the sanctuary, two of the most intelligent are Lindsey and Noel. According to staff, these chimpanzees display many of the traits of chimp intelligence listed by Hirata, Premack, and Woodruff in their studies.
Lindsey
As the alpha female of the Chimps Ahoy Villa, Lindsey is notable for her social intelligence and problem-solving skills in her community. Being more chimp-oriented and very calm, Lindsey maintains good relationships with all the chimps in her group and is in-tune to their emotions. Lindsey also displays her skills with her swift solving of puzzle feeders and oatmeal balls.
Possibly the most creative skills Lindsey uses is tools to get a reward. Veterinary Assistant, Joseph Elliott, recalls a story were Lindsey uses chimp chow bags to soak up juice. She then rings the sodden paper in her mouth and getting some extra nutrients from the juice -crumb slurry!
Noel
When it comes to creative solutions to puzzles and problems, Noel displays a high level of intelligence. She is very quick when its time for an enrichment puzzle or food ball and will trade with her fellow chimps often. Noel also assists the staff as she has learned to remove blankets from blocking doors from watching staff do so.
Perhaps the most impressive problem Noel solved comes from a story from Caregiver Lauren Jenkins. She recalls an instance where a door was unaligned and would not shut. Noel noticed and was able to put the door back on its track and fix it before the humans could!
While every chimp possesses a high amount of animal intelligence, Lindsey and Noel display exceptional amounts of social and cognitive problem solving that not only betters them, but their communities at Project Chimps. But which of them is the Vala-chimp-torian? It’s a tie!
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