A group of researchers observed that elephants in a Berlin (Germany) zoo have developed the ability to use pipes as showers, according to a study published Friday (8/11/2024) by the journal Current Biology.
Elephants use hoses in different ways depending on their purpose when showering, they also have an elegant and elaborate use of this tool, and each animal shows individual characteristics in its behavior, indicates research, conducted by scientists from Humboldt University.
Likewise, one of the elephants appears to be trying to bend the pipe with its trunk to stop the flow of water, while another elephant takes a shower. Researchers still don’t know if he does it as a joke or to annoy.
Maria’s skills
At the Berlin Zoo, Asian elephant Mary is the ”shower queen,” thanks to her ability to use the hose as a tool, according to Michael Brecth, one of the study’s co-authors.
Mary showers systematically, coordinating the hose with her limbs, raising a paw so that the water reaches her; Also, he usually grabs it just behind the tip to use it as a hard shower.
If you want the water to reach your back, hold the hose further from the tip and swing it to take advantage of the tool’s flexibility.
It adapts to the type of tube
This elephant has its own preferences when it comes to pipes. The longest one he uses is the 24 millimeter diameter one, while with the 32 millimeter ones he uses his proboscis more and the ones he uses the least are the 13 millimeter ones.
These preferences lead the authors to conclude that the elephant “adapts its showering behaviors to the hose that is offered to it.”
Stop your partner’s flow of water
What surprised the researchers most was not Mary’s skill, but the behavior of a younger woman, Anchali: “No one had thought that she was intelligent enough to pull such a trick,” Brecht noted.
During her partner’s shower and in several sessions, Anchali began pulling the hose towards her, lifting it and twisting it with her trunk to try to stop the flow of water.
Effectiveness increased over time, the researchers write, although they note that in experiments with multiple tubes, it was unclear whether Anchali specifically targeted the one used by Mary.
An attempt at “sabotage” or ”prank”?
The team is unsure of Anchali’s intentions, but she appears to have exhibited some sort of second-order tool-using behavior, disabling a tool used more conventionally by another elephant, perhaps as an act of sabotage.
“When Anchali came up with a second behavior that stopped the flow of water to Mary, I became convinced that she was trying to sabotage her,” said Brecht, who questions whether she did it because she thought it was “funny or because it was being bad .”
The authors recalled elephants’ extraordinary ability to manipulate and use tools thanks to the gripping ability of their trunks, and now wonder what these findings in zoo elephants mean for elephants in their natural environment.
Interview Between the Time.news Editor and Dr. Rachel Stein, Animal Behavior Expert
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Stein! Thank you for joining us today to discuss this fascinating study about elephants at the Berlin Zoo. The findings about their use of pipes as showers are quite remarkable!
Dr. Stein: Thank you for having me! It’s exciting to dive into this topic, especially since it highlights the cognitive abilities of elephants, which are often underestimated.
Editor: Absolutely! The study indicated that these elephants display unique and elaborate behaviors when showering. Can you explain a bit about how this reflects their intelligence?
Dr. Stein: Of course! The ability to use tools is a significant indicator of intelligence in animals. In this case, the elephants are not just interacting with the hoses; they’re using them purposefully. For example, Mary, the “shower queen,” demonstrates systematic behavior by coordinating her limbs while using the hose. This level of planning and problem-solving showcases a level of intelligence comparable to that of some primates.
Editor: That’s fascinating! I understand Mary has her own techniques depending on the hose’s diameter. How do you think individual preferences, like hers, contribute to our understanding of animal behavior?
Dr. Stein: Individual preferences in tool use can reveal a lot about an animal’s personality and learning styles. Mary favors the longer hose and adapts her method based on its diameter, suggesting that she has learned from experience and may even have a preference that works best for her. This not only highlights her intelligence but also emphasizes the capacity for learning and adaptation among elephants.
Editor: Moreover, the study mentions peculiar behaviors, such as one elephant potentially trying to bend the pipe while another showers. What might that indicate about their social interactions or playfulness?
Dr. Stein: That’s a great observation! The intent behind such behaviors can be complex. If one elephant is bending the pipe while another is showering, it could be an expression of play or social interaction. Elephants are known for their strong social bonds, and such playful antics might be a way to engage with each other. However, it could also represent a form of curiosity or experimentation with the environment.
Editor: It’s intriguing how playful behaviors are interpreted amongst animals. As a final thought, what does this study mean for our approach to elephant conservation and understanding their needs in captivity?
Dr. Stein: This research is crucial as it opens up discussions about enrichment in captive settings. Understanding that elephants have distinct preferences and exhibit sophisticated tool use suggests that we should provide environments that stimulate their cognitive abilities and allow for such behaviors. It raises awareness about the need for more tailored and engaging habitats in zoos and sanctuaries to ensure their physical and mental well-being.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Stein, for sharing your insights! This study reminds us of the incredible complexities of animal behavior and intelligence, encouraging us to rethink how we care for these magnificent creatures.
Dr. Stein: It was my pleasure! Let’s hope this research inspires further studies and improvements in animal welfare practices.