At a Bonobo’s ‘Tea Party,’ Scientists Find Hints of Imagination

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Alexa Robles-GilFebruary 5, 2026 at 08:00 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

A new study published in *Science* in February 2026 indicates that apes possess the capacity for make-believe, a trait previously considered uniquely human. Researchers at the Ape Initiative in Des Moines, Iowa, studied Kanzi, a bonobo known for his understanding of spoken English, to investigate ape imagination. Scientists conducted experiments where they engaged in pretend play, such as "pouring" imaginary juice, with Kanzi. The findings suggest that apes can distinguish between reality and imagination and consider multiple perspectives simultaneously. This research implies that the cognitive potential for imagination may extend to our common evolutionary ancestors, revealing a greater richness in ape minds than previously understood.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

University of St. Andrews 40% Johns Hopkins University 40% Science 50% Des Moines, Iowa 50% Democratic Republic of Congo 60% Amalia Bastos 60% Ape Initiative ×270% Christopher Krupenye ×380% Kanzi ×590%

Keywords

ape imagination 90% make-believe 80% bonobo 70% kanzi 70% ape initiative 60% cognitive potential 60% evolutionary ancestors 50% animal cognition 50% cognitive scientist 50%

Sentiment Analysis

Very Positive

Score: 0.60

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Source

New York Times - World

Political Lean

Center-Left (-0.30)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Democratic Republic of Congo

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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ape imagination make-believe bonobo kanzi ape initiative cognitive potential evolutionary ancestors animal cognition cognitive scientist

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