Inside The Minds of Animals.

The article focuses on research on animal intelligence and behavior. Experiments conducted by a nonprofit organization, the Great Ape Trust, which have taught bonobos, a primate related to the chimpanzee to speak the English language are discussed. The progression of knowledge on animal intelligence, which has seen many previous beliefs on the limits of animal thought and behavior contradicted by research, is examined. Examples are presented of human-like animal behavior such as cooperation among birds and hyenas. Animal welfare issues raised by research into animal intelligence indicating they have consciousness akin to that of humans are considered.