GENEVA, January 16, 2026 — Forget opposable thumbs—a cow named Veronika is rewriting the rules of tool use, demonstrating problem-solving skills previously thought rare outside of primates and certain bird species. This remarkable discovery challenges our understanding of animal cognition and opens new avenues for research into intelligence across the animal kingdom.
A Cow’s Clever Scratch: Expanding the Definition of Tool Use
Veronika, a cow in Switzerland, has been observed intentionally using a brush to relieve an itch, showcasing a level of cognitive ability that surprises scientists.
- Veronika is one of the first documented cases of a cow intentionally using a tool.
- The observed behavior suggests a level of problem-solving ability not commonly associated with cattle.
- This discovery expands the known range of tool-using animals.
What exactly defines tool use in animals? It’s more than just accidentally interacting with an object. True tool use involves intentionally employing an external object to achieve a goal, and Veronika’s actions clearly fit that definition. Researchers observed her repeatedly using a brush, strategically positioning herself to scratch hard-to-reach areas of her body.
The Observation and Its Implications
The observations took place in Switzerland, where Veronika had access to a brush as part of her environment. Scientists noted that Veronika didn’t simply stumble upon the scratching relief; she actively sought out the brush and manipulated it to address her itch. This isn’t random behavior—it’s a deliberate act demonstrating cognitive flexibility.
Did you know? Tool use was once considered a defining characteristic of humans, but it’s now known to occur in a wide range of species, including chimpanzees, crows, and even sea otters.
The implications of this finding are significant. For years, scientists believed that complex problem-solving skills, like tool use, were largely confined to animals with larger brains and more developed cognitive abilities. Veronika’s behavior challenges that assumption, suggesting that intelligence may be more widespread in the animal kingdom than previously thought. Further research is needed to understand the cognitive processes underlying Veronika’s actions and whether this behavior is unique to her or more common among cattle.
Beyond Veronika: What’s Next for Animal Cognition Research?
This discovery is likely to spur further investigation into the cognitive abilities of livestock animals. Researchers will be looking for other instances of tool use or problem-solving behavior in cows and other farm animals. Understanding the intelligence of these animals could have implications for animal welfare, potentially leading to more enriching and stimulating environments for livestock.
The story of Veronika serves as a potent reminder that intelligence takes many forms and can be found in the most unexpected places. It’s a humbling and exciting moment for the field of animal cognition, and it promises to reshape our understanding of the minds of animals around us.
