REFLECTIONS
Over the years researchers have devised a number of tests in an effort to determine which, if any, non-human animals are capable of self-awareness. One of the more common methods utilized is the mirror test (or MSR – mirror self-recognition test). In this test an animal has a mark painted on their body, or a sticker attached, in an area they can’t normally see and then they are provided a mirror, which makes the new mark easy to view. If they react to the mark in any way (touching it, attempting to rub it off, etc.) it’s considered a strong indication that the animal is conscious that the reflection in the mirror is of themselves and therefore may be considered self-aware.
Among primates, only humans and apes have passed this test while monkeys have consistently “failed” the test. But, there’s a caveat: When given ample opportunity to learn about mirrors and a little training, monkeys do indeed come to understand the image in the mirror. Though this learning and “training” took place as part of a formal experiment in a research facility, we have frequently witnessed monkeys at the sanctuary grooming themselves in mirrors and gazing intently into their own reflections without that experience. So what’s going on?
The monkeys at the sanctuary who routinely use mirrors have one thing in common – they were previously kept as pets. We suspect that monkeys raised as pets are often provided mirrors at an early age when their minds are in the rapid developmental stage and quickly come to learn that the face peering back is none other than themselves.
Patty and Cinnamon are two monkeys residing at the sanctuary who linked their reflection to themselves at an early age and now use mirrors regularly, a behavior that can simultaneously appear to us as amazing, interesting, and sometimes disturbing.
We’ll never know what Cinnamon and Patty think or feel when they stare into their mirrors but we do know that they seem to find their reflections quite engaging. Cinnamon, in particular, has been known to spend hours “doing her makeup” and we can only appreciate and wonder at the intelligence and charm of the monkey in the mirror.
