Susan is a mute & slightly mentally challenged - unable to speak at all, so her adoptive parents decided to teach her sign language. It was tough at first but she caught on quick enough & was able to indicate her desire, (food, bathroom) her wants (her fav. toy, play time) etc. Once she was older her parents put her in a "home" in which she bonded with another woman named Penny.
Susan later in life got pregnant & miscarried which was traumatic for her. Shortly after, Penny became pregnant and had to go on maternity leave - leaving Susan alone.
She became withdrawn and hated all the other caregivers. When Penny returned Susan snubbed her until Penny had to sign to her that she too lost her baby. Susan signed to her "You are sad, come here and I will hug you" Obviously showing that she understood what had happened to Penny.
This is a true story. Now what if I told you that Susan's real name is Washoe & she is a chimpanzee that was raised in a loving home in suburbia by
2006-09-18 07:07:57 · 10 answers · asked by ηιgнт ѕтαя 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
scientists to determine whether animals could communicate. What if I also told you that when she later had babies she actually taught them basic sign language as well? Does this fascinate you? Does this make you think that animals can communicate or do you think God only allows humans to communicate?
http://www.friendsofwashoe.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washoe_(chimpanzee)
You must read this book - it is utterly fascinating http://www.amazon.com/Next-Kin-My-Conversations-Chimpanzees/dp/0380728222/sr=8-1/qid=1158532337/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-3085107-4113525?ie=UTF8&s=books
Oh and for the record I am a biologist and *I* do know and understand that animals can communicate. But many people here have said that humans are the only intelligent creatures. And it is said communication = intelligence so doesn’t that mean that ALL animals are intelligent?
2006-09-18 07:08:16 · update #1
This is more of a question because I read this as was a tad shocked that people don’t think animals can “talk” http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=At5ChOQrbMH.FkIOCVphOSHsy6IX?qid=20060915143225AAwayM2
LOL thanks for putting up with long post :)
2006-09-18 07:08:37 · update #2
First - thank you so much for putting so much into what you had to say and the question you have asked! You brought intelligence back to Answers.
I have seen the special on this chimpanzee - I was amazed. Animals do communicate with each other - man has tried to communicate back - but the chimpanzee is the first to break the communication barrier.
What gets me is man believes all this is because of an accident that happened millions and millions of years ago. I believe all this
was done by one creator - a lot less than a million years ago!
Thanks for the question!
2006-09-18 07:29:51 · answer #1 · answered by Gladiator 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Great story, I recognize intelligence in all my pets, cats, dogs and birds. They communicate their needs to me. Maybe I don't always understand, but I do try. The expression "bird brain" is a demeaning expression, however I believe not correct. One of my small parrots will say Hello when he hears someone open an outside door (from outside). He does not do this if for instance I am home and inside and out at various times, just when one of us has been away from home for a period of time or a visitor arrives. Both of my exotic birds seem to be "problem solvers". I could go on with many more examples but I know it is not necessary.
2006-09-18 16:26:17 · answer #2 · answered by June smiles 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It has been said that insects are non-intelligent creatures. However, if that were so, according to your definition of intelligence, then bees could not dance to show the location of flowerbeds, ants' chemical reactions to learn where a new hive will be (or the path to take), or fireflies could not mate.
All of creation can communicate. That, however, does not mean they bear the intelligence of a human. I have also seen African Grey parrots equally learning to identify items, I have seen a black marbled Sailfin Molly mourn the death of his mate, and I have seen geometric patterns created by animals.
However, that does not mean they are equal to humans in intelligence. Sympathy does not equal human intelligence. It simply shows that we share some common traits with even the lowest of life forms... for even ants will bury their dead, while fish, birds, and elephants will mourn over theirs.
The difference lies in the fact that we have, without superior aid (as far as evolutionists are concerned), created syntax, context, fire, art, music, and all things in life that we know to be good. All this story proves is the Creationist's point of view... that a less mature being can do nothing without the help of a Greater Being.
All a chimp can do in the wild is whoop and holler, get and eat food, and make more chimps. But with the intervention of a more intelligent being, it is possible to commune with the lesser being... hence God made man's tongue, He made man's voice, He made man's reasoning capability known both to Him and to us. After all... it was not Washoe who taught her human companions how to speak in sign language (a creation of mankind), but it was the humans who taught Washoe.
2006-09-18 14:39:41 · answer #3 · answered by seraphim_pwns_u 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree with you 100%
What I find even more disturbing is the monotheistic concept that only humans have a soul. This devalues all other lifeforms on this planet and leaves them open to unthinkable abuse and extinction. In my humble opinion, "All sentient beings have feelings and intelligence." Also...
Animals do not necessarily need a human kind of formal system to communicate. Anyone who is a pet owner would have to agree. I know of no one who owns and dog or a cat who does not understand the needs of their pet strictly from their body language and inherent vocalizing through barking or meowing. Somehow, they do get their message across!
2006-09-18 14:15:53 · answer #4 · answered by gjstoryteller 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
English is not the only language. Animals converse in many ways in the wild. They have rituals and practices (Gorillas in the mist comes to mind) that are a communication. Language is not the only indicator of communication and/or intelligence.
2006-09-18 14:13:23 · answer #5 · answered by jmmevolve 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OMG! I read that book and I was for lack of a better word floored. The description of testing on the chimps in other intitutions and them signing "don't hurt me" made me just cry!
2006-09-18 14:15:11 · answer #6 · answered by Morning Star 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I find it fascinating and awesome that the animal offered to hug the woman.
I contend they have souls.
2006-09-18 14:12:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Very interesting, and worth the read.
2006-09-18 14:13:07 · answer #8 · answered by Blackacre 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
that is very moving....I think that more than just the having the intelligence to communicate, but also displaying compassion and empathy as well, that's very cool! Thanks!
2006-09-18 14:30:46 · answer #9 · answered by Joeygirl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It seems somewhat anecdotal to me.
2006-09-18 14:11:32 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋