(BladeDK Flickr Photostream/Creative Commons)
In a disturbing setback for humankind, a Swedish study announced yesterday that a new study confirmed that apes “plan ahead just like humans.” These aren’t your cool bathing apes, these are angry apes bent on a war path against friendly Scandinavian zoo-goers. A 31-year-old chimpanzee named Santino spent a morning before the zoo opened collecting rocks to build a weapons stockpile that he unleashed upon unsuspecting visitors later that day. Furthermore, in addition to collecting rocks, the damned dirty ape was observed testing the concrete “boulders” in his enclosure for weaknesses and breaking off chunks to add to his already formidable arsenal. Observing this behavior verifies that other findings that apes have advanced cognitive ability, including conceptualizing the future and seeing multiple potential outcomes from an action.
Don’t we have enough problems with weapons and war before apes get involved?
This new development worries me on two fronts. First, I don’t trust animals with man hands: apes (too human), humans (too apelike, starts wars), otters (uses tools), raccoons (washes hands before eating—you trying to outclass me, you uppity woodland creature?). And the list goes on. Apes have now taken that a step further; in addition to the dexterous extremities I enjoy as a homo sapien, they also have the ability to plan to use them against me. Zoos everywhere should be on high alert, particularly since apes often use less-than-savory projectiles in conflict.
Second, this raises my concern about weapons stockpiles worldwide. Unfortunately, people are extremely adept at acquiring and stashing everything from personal gun caches to nuclear missiles. Even worse, humans are very, very good at using these stockpiles against one another. The volatile conflict situation gets more complicated when you add in animals who are also in an arms race to acquire weapons stockpiles and use them against one another (be they human or ape). Add in political instability, sloppy weapons management, and the dropping price of lethal technology, these weapons could end up in the wrong hands.
Ape hands. takepart and sign the Global Zero petition to eliminate nuclear weapons worldwide.
CATEGORIES: Peace
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Great post. This is indeed scary. So sad this should come on the eve of two school shooting rampages…
Our universe and all in it are evolving.
Planet of the Apes is one look at the future if we refuse to believe in evolution.
Mankind thinks he has dominion over the plants and the animals but some powerful people misunderstood what that meant. The First Nations knew and respected all life. We decided ours was more important. We are in for an awakening soon and maybe it will take our relatives to wake us up!
Becoming Compassionate
Inspired by Born Cannibal
by James Miles
Read it if you dare!
Evolutionary ideas are hard to take, even though evidence is hard to fake.
Many say, “No! For Heaven’s sake! It can’t be true!” Will we soon awake?
Survival of the fittest was natures way, to ensure our immune system saved the day.
It took billions of years or so they say! Darwin’s ideas! Some are surely ok.
He had many visions that were oh so new. Theories that made others sputter and stew.
The good news is if it’s true, we are getting better, both me and you.
Man’s bad nature can be explained. Relatives to chimpanzees entertained.
An Adam and Eve story was ingrained. A clear version of origin can be refrained.
From one cell, to two, to four then to more. We started to multiply, score upon score.
What god to follow? Who to adore? Or should I say, What? Are some bad to the core!
Many are looking for a religious savior. Should we not examine man’s behavior?
Species come in many a flavour. Why race at all? Why not just savor?
Start with the truth because lies are bad. Add our best science. Not so sad!
A more comprehensive story. Don’t get mad. Once we see it, we will all be glad!
Culture determines what we see and do. So do our genes. Please think it through.
Becoming compassionate will follow, too, if the evolution of man is rendered true.
Love Lora Bruncke
Another good story that proves the same thing is the story of the hundredth monkey.
It was a study done in the 1950’s.
One female primate learned how to wash her sweet potatoe in a stream then started to teach others. Once a certain number knew the secret to clean food, somehow even those on other islands knew the secret without being taught it.
In other words, primates can tap into a higher consciousness!
Not sure if man can!
I hope animals can start warring on humans. It’s about time.
Ryan, there are many compassionate people on this planet. Dr. David Suzuki is one you can trust. Google him! Cheers!
Someone Come to Lead the Way!
To Save Our Sons and Darling Daughters
World economies are doing a flop, built on the premise we need to shop.
Jobs depend that we do not stop! CEO’s cry “Shop ’till you drop!”
Now that resources are running low, things to buy will surely slow.
A lot of red inks going to flow! How to stop it? Does someone know?
Capitalism has reached a peak. We need more money! Where to seek?
Why let the strong abuse the week? Let’s end this current greedy streak!
Competing for wealth is hard for some. Where will all the cash come from?
A few will get most, the rest, a crumb. We need to beat a different drum.
If I get more then you get less. Those with the most may need to confess.
Did we trash the planet; make a mess? Let’s clean up! Let’s not digress!
War won’t work. Try peace instead. Jesus shared those loaves of bread.
He spoke of love not of dread and died for our sins, the bible said!
Save our sons! We’ve none to spare. For our darling daughters, care!
Tell the truth. Lies bring despair. Let’s stand and fight for right with flair!
We need to get smart without delay. Build a world where kids can play.
Men and women need equal say! Please someone* come to lead the way!
Love Lora Bruncke
* 1 to call is Dr. David Suzuki