Advocacy and Animal Minds: Unraveling the Complexities of Animal Cognition

From the problem-solving prowess of corvids to the social intelligence of

cetaceans, the field of animal cognition research is continually revealing the astonishing diversity and complexity of cognitive abilities across species. Our understanding of animals is therefore always changing, which has monumental ramifications on the animal advocacy movement as a whole. 

In this blog, we'll take a look at some of the ways we explore and measure animal intelligence, challenging outdated anthropocentric notions of what it actually means to be ‘intelligent’ and discussing the profound implications of our evolving understanding of animal cognition on animal advocacy. 

Beyond Instinct: The Complexity of Animal Minds

For centuries, humans have grappled with questions about the nature of animal minds and the extent of their cognitive abilities. Traditionally, animals were often viewed as mere automatons, driven solely by instinct and lacking in conscious thought or awareness. However, decades of scientific research have consistently challenged and disproved this simplistic view, revealing a wealth of evidence that animals do in fact possess sophisticated cognitive skills, adaptive behaviours, and the capacity to feel emotion. Who would’a thought? 

Problem-Solving and Tool Use

One of the most striking demonstrations of animal cognition is the ability of certain species to solve complex problems and exhibit tool use. For example, New Caledonian crows have been observed fashioning tools from materials such as twigs and leaves to extract food from hard-to-reach places, demonstrating remarkable problem-solving abilities akin to those of some primates. Just recently, an orangutan was observed in the wild treating a wound with a medicinal herb.

Before you say, apes don’t count, even pigs have been shown to possess the ability to use tools, as well as a range of other complex behaviours, such as spatial learning, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and personality.

Social Intelligence and Communication

In addition to individual problem-solving, many animals exhibit advanced social cognition and communication skills. From the intricate social structures of elephants to the complex vocalisations of dolphins and whales, animals engage in sophisticated forms of social interaction and cooperation that rival our own.

Example: Spotlight on Sperm Whales 

One remarkable example of advanced social structures is found in sperm whales, known for their complex social organisation, which revolves around cohesive family units known as pods. Within these pods, individuals engage in intricate social behaviours, including cooperative hunting, communication through vocalisations, and caregiving for calves. Sperm whale pods often exhibit long-term stability, with individuals forming strong social bonds that can last for years or even decades.

Matrilineal kinship is another fascinating component of sperm whale social structure, wherein related females and their offspring form the core of the pod. Adult males, known as bulls, may form temporary associations with pods for mating purposes but generally lead solitary lives or form smaller, transient groups known as bachelor groups.

Research has also revealed evidence of cultural transmission within sperm whale populations, with distinct vocal dialects (even accents) and foraging techniques being passed down through generations. These cultural traditions contribute to the social cohesion and identity of sperm whale pods, highlighting the true complexity of their social organisation. Cultural transmission isn’t exclusive to sperm whales, and if you need cheering up today you should probably check out this story of the orca who started a brief ‘salmon hat’ trend in the 1980s that spread to other orca and even other pods. A more recent example of this is the orcas that have developed a passion for attacking and sinking yachts in Europe (perhaps they're trying to tell us something?).

Overall, the intricate social structures of sperm whales and orcas exemplify the sophisticated social behaviours and cooperative dynamics observed in many cetacean species, challenging long-held beliefs of animal intelligence and social complexity. If you’re interested in learning more about research into whale cognition, we highly recommend checking out Project CETI, a groundbreaking new study of sperm whale communication being conducted in the Caribbean. 

If you're wandering why we're still talking about whales - it's because they're a great of how better understanding other species can lead to their protection.

"Hundreds of years ago, whales were simply monsters, culprits of biblical crimes ... It was likely inconceivable then that we would, a dozen lifetimes hence, photograph them from space, see their world through machines aboard their backs, decode their "names" within their calls. Yet here we are, Our technologies have certainly changed, but have our biases?" - Tom Mustill, How To Speak Whale.

Challenging Anthropocentric Notions of Intelligence

As we unravel the mysteries of animal cognition, it becomes increasingly clear that intelligence is not the exclusive domain of humans. Instead of measuring animal intelligence against human standards, we must appreciate the unique cognitive abilities of each species within its own ecological and evolutionary context. Over centuries of animal research, human superiority bias has consistently been a barrier, as scientists have over and over again been forced to raise the bar of what is considered 'intelligent', after an animal is proven to meet the existing criteria, to keep humans nice and far above all over species. This anthropodenial also protects people from having to confront the reality that for thousands of years we have been causing immeasurable suffering to creatures that are, in fact, incredibly intelligent.

By challenging anthropocentric notions of intelligence, we can therefore foster a deeper respect and understanding for the diverse ways in which animals perceive and interact with the world around them.

Implications for Animal Welfare and Conservation

The growing body of research on animal cognition has profound implications for

how we perceive and interact with other species. By recognising the cognitive complexity of animals, we are compelled to reevaluate our treatment of them and consider their welfare and well-being in our interactions and decision-making processes. Furthermore, understanding animal cognition can inform conservation efforts by highlighting the cognitive needs and vulnerabilities of endangered species and guiding strategies for their protection and management.

Conclusion

By embracing this diversity of animal minds and challenging anthropocentric notions of intelligence, humans can hopefully foster a deeper appreciation for the remarkable abilities of all living beings and strive towards a more compassionate and respectful coexistence with our non-human counterparts.

After all, the more we learn about animal minds, the harder it becomes for people to continue justifying their continued exploitation. It's of course obvious to us (and likely to you, if you're here) that all beings deserve to live free from abuse at the hands of greedy humans, but unfortunately a lot of people need this information feeding to them with a spoon. Animal cognition is that spoon, and cold hard facts are what's on the menu - our favourite!

Did you enjoy this deep-dive? Remember to sign up to our newsletter and follow us on socials so you don't miss out on future dips into the sparkly waters of animal advocacy!