Dr Michael Brecht remarked on the amusing behavior of elephants manipulating a hose, likening their actions to that of tool-using animals like chimpanzees and crows. He noted that using a hose in this manner reflects their instinctual need for body care, as elephants naturally use their trunks to handle similar tasks.
The study, published in Current Biology, highlighted Mary the elephant's unique ability to operate a hose like a shower, demonstrating her extraordinary intelligence and resourcefulness, which exceeded that of her companions at the zoo.
Researchers observed a notable behavioral dynamic between the elephants, as Mary exhibited aggressive behavior when using the hose, defending it against Anchali, offering insights into social interactions and competition within elephant communities.
Mary's behavior suggested an understanding of the hose’s functionality, shaping her shower routines based on the hose’s diameter, which introduces questions about learning, adaptability, and tool use in non-human species.
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