A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that elephants are much more intelligent than previously thought. The study demonstrated that elephants recognise themselves in mirrors, joining an elite group of animals to display self-awareness, including humans, dolphins and great apes. The study analysed eight female elephants, marking them with white paint in areas that could only be seen via a mirror. When standing in front of mirrors, the elephants showed further signs of self-awareness, such as trying to remove the paint marks from their skin. The study may help facilitate improved welfare in captivity for elephants in zoos.

New Study Shows Elephants Can Recognize Themselves in Mirror

A new study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has revealed that elephants are capable of recognizing themselves in mirrors, joining an elite group of animals that display self-awareness.

The Study

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge and involved eight female elephants residing in zoos across Europe. The elephants were individually marked with white paint on part of their bodies that could not be seen by them but could be seen when they stood in front of a mirror.

The researchers then observed the elephants’ behavior when they stood in front of the mirror. The results showed that the elephants were not only aware of their reflections but also engaged in exploratory behavior, such as touching the marked areas on their bodies and making attempts to remove the paint using their trunks.

Implications

The ability to recognize oneself in a mirror is a cognitive ability that is considered to be a hallmark of self-awareness. Until recently, only a handful of animals, mostly primates and dolphins, were known to possess this ability. However, the new study expands this group to include elephants, which are known to be highly intelligent and social animals.

The researchers suggest that the elephants’ ability to recognize themselves in mirrors could have important implications for their welfare in captivity. For example, it could help zoos create more stimulating and enriching environments for elephants, which could improve their overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for an animal to recognize itself in a mirror?

Recognizing oneself in a mirror means that an animal is aware that what they see in the mirror is a reflection of themselves, rather than another animal. This ability is considered a sign of self-awareness and is relatively rare in the animal kingdom.

Which animals are known to recognize themselves in mirrors?

Until recently, only a handful of animals, mostly primates and dolphins, were known to recognize themselves in mirrors. However, the new study has expanded this group to include elephants.

What are the implications of elephants’ ability to recognize themselves in mirrors?

Elephants’ ability to recognize themselves in mirrors could have important implications for their welfare in captivity, as it could help zoos create more stimulating and enriching environments for elephants. Additionally, the study adds to our understanding of animal cognition and highlights the intelligence and complexity of elephants.