Ape May 2026

If you think humans hold the monopoly on complex feelings, the great apes are here to prove you wrong. They experience a range of emotions that perfectly mirror our own:

For a long time, the natural world was viewed purely through the lens of "survival of the fittest"—a ruthless, every-man-for-himself battle. But studying great apes has completely flipped that script.

routinely form complex alliances, share food with non-family members, and console one another after a fight. If you think humans hold the monopoly on

🧠 The Mirror in the Jungle: What Great Apes Teach Us About Being Human

: Gorilla and chimpanzee mothers have been observed carrying and cradling their deceased infants for days, showing visible signs of depression and mourning. routinely form complex alliances, share food with non-family

When researchers place a harmless mark on an ape's forehead and show them a mirror, the ape doesn't try to fight or play with the reflection as a dog or cat would. Instead, they look in the mirror and . They know exactly who is looking back at them. 🌍 The Urgent Call to Protect Our Kin

One of the most profound markers of high intelligence is self-awareness. To test this, scientists use the "mirror self-recognition test." Instead, they look in the mirror and

: To have a sense of humor or to successfully trick someone, you need a "theory of mind"—the understanding that others have different thoughts than you do. Apes regularly practice tactical deception, like pretending they didn't see a hidden pile of fruit so other apes won't steal it. 🪞 3. Self-Awareness: The Mark of Intelligence