flinging
An amazing confirmation of chimpanzee consciousness: Zoo chimp “planned” attacks
The implication is that chimps (and probably other apes, by extension) have enough consciousness to plan for future needs and solve problems, which hadn’t been observed outside of laboratory conditions before. It’s kind of a “duh” conclusion–it seems pretty obvious–but it’s great to have some scientific validation.
It’s kind of sad that this observation was made as the chimp in question was planning a malevolent act, but after reading about the recent Humane Society investigation of deplorable conditions at a chimp research lab in Louisiana, I can’t fucking blame him. (Warning: that last link will bum you right the fuck out. I don’t suggest you click on it if you’re having a bad day.)
If you’re the sort of person who likes to call or email their Congressional representatives, you may want to ask them to support the Great Ape Protection Act, which is now starting to make its way through the House.