Jamie loves a challenge
February 19, 2011 by J.B. -
Many nonhuman animals have the ability to create and use tools. It’s easy to think of this behavior as simply a means to an end – a crow wants to retrieve a piece of food from a vertical tube, so she bends a piece of wire into a hook in order to pull the food out (if you weren’t aware that birds can create and use tools, you should check this out. We primates aren’t as special as we think we are).
But for humans, we know that tool use and problem solving are not always linked to a tangible goal. Why do we play chess or work on crossword puzzles? Why did I play the game Operation when I was a kid? For many people, activities that challenge our memories and problem-solving abilities, or test our dexterity and coordination, are considered fun.
What I find interesting about Jamie is not that she can find an appropriate tool, modify it if necessary, and manipulate it in order to achieve a goal that could not be achieved otherwise. What interests me is that this is Jamie’s idea of a good time. What we see in videos like the one below is a chimpanzee contemplating, deciding, planning, manipulating, straining, and struggling. For what? Not for the nut, at least not only for the nut. Jamie has a mind that goes looking for problems to solve. For her, it’s all about the challenge.
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She is amazing to watch. She is so beautiful. What was in her gift package? and was she in there by herself so she could solve her puzzle? She surely does have determination. you guys are great with them. Keep up the great work.
I’m not sure what was in the package, to be honest. She may have been the only chimp in the play room at the time, but only because the other chimps were choosing to be outside – it was a very nice day and everyone else was enjoying the sun in the greenhouse.
That was something to watch!! Besides being brilliant, she has the patience to work through her puzzle. More then most humans I know…. : )
I’d be happy to write her a recommendation for MIT or CalTech! She’s has more of an attention span than lots of people applying to those schools!!!
It’s amazing how when her energy is so focused she is relatively calm and non eruptive. A bored Jamie is not a happy Jamie!!!
Thanks, JB, for the commentary because I would have watched it & not noticed as much as I did without your help. Thank you for all the additional information you give us, it’s makes my argument for releasing lab chimps to sanctuary that much more persuasive.
Wow, she is one clever and determined chimpanzee girl. I would have given up ages before! I am just sick when I think of the years of deprivation the chimps suffered on all levels. And all the ones who still do. I am continually amazed at their resilience. It was really fascinating to watch her, thanks for sharing that, along with the subtitles. 🙂 And yes, crows! Love them! If anyone gets a chance to watch “A Murder of Crows” on the Discovery channel, it’s incredible.
That’s our Jamie! She loves the stimulation and the chance to solve a puzzle. She is so incredibly smart! I can’t imagine what boredom she must have suffered in the lab. Thank God she is in a place where her intelligence and skills are not only appreciated but admired and stimulated!
Jamie you are incredible! And what we all can learn from you is beyond words, Thank you JB for the great video.
brilliant ! she is one clever girl , thank you JB , really interesting x