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| Kanzi is Knapping Flint |
Kanzi has demonstrated abilities beyond the skill of most bonobos, but not just in language.
Kanzi has learned to knap flint, the process of making tools out of stone. This skill has existed for over 4 million years and has evolved as man has evolved.
By striking a stone, large chunks are removed. Then a pointed tool removes small, thin flakes to make a point.
Kanzi is also able to control his breath, which scientists thought was a skill only humans have. Unlike most other bonobos, Kanzi is able to blow up a balloon.
One of Kanzi's most unusual accomplishments is that he created the cover art for the Business Record’s 2011 Book of Lists.
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| Kanzi Blowing Up A Balloon, A "Human" Skill |
Kanzi is very proud of his ability to flake Oldowan-style cutting knives, which he uses to cut rope to get his food from a box.
Kanzi is also able to control his breath, which scientists thought was a skill only humans have. Unlike most other bonobos, Kanzi is able to blow up a balloon.
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| Kanzi's Art Work for the Business Record |
The Business Record commissioned two paintings from Kanzi. One of Kanzi's paintings was of his son Teco. The painting selected for the cover was Kanzi's interpretation of a statue at the Great Ape Trust in Des Moines, where Kanzi lives.
Kanzi missed the January 5th, 2011 unveiling party for that publication. However Dr. Sue Savage-Rumbaugh, Kanzi's long-term trainer, said Kanzi was proud of his work and satisfied with the attention his painting received at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown.
“Why would he show such interest in doing (the paintings) and in the write-up that was in the Book of Lists, if he could not understand something of what was indeed occurring?” asked Sue Savage-Rumbaugh, the primary scientist to conduct language research with Kanzi and the bonobos at the Great Ape Trust.
"Eye on Psi Chi: Winter 2002." Psi Chi® - The International Honor Society in Psychology. Web. 24 Jan. 2011. http://www.psichi.org/pubs/articles/article_37.aspx.
"Flint Knapping." Michigan State University. Est. 1855. East Lansing, Michigan USA. Web. 24 Jan. 2011. https://www.msu.edu/~doneycar/flint.html.
"Kanzi Takes Pride in His Book of List Painting." Business Record. Web. 24 Jan. 2011. http://www.businessrecord.com/main.asp?SectionID=34&SubSectionID=97&ArticleID=11901.
"Kanzi Takes Pride in His Book of List Painting." Business Record. Web. 24 Jan. 2011. http://www.businessrecord.com/main.asp?SectionID=34&SubSectionID=97&ArticleID=11901.
"Kanzi the Talking Ape - Oprah.com." Oprah Winfrey's Official Website - Live Your Best Life - Oprah.com. Web. 23 Jan. 2011. http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Lisa-Ling-Meets-Kanzi-the-Talking-Ape/1.
