In an exclusive interview with cognitive biologist Antonio Osuna-Mascaró, the captivating tale of Veronika the cow and her adept use of tools unfolds. Osuna-Mascaró, along with colleague Alice Auersperg from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, were intrigued by a video showcasing Veronika skillfully scratching her back with a branch, prompting them to embark on a five-hour journey to meet her in southern Austria.
Upon meeting Veronika, the researchers were astounded by her proficiency in utilizing a broom to alleviate her itches in various ways. Their groundbreaking discoveries, recently published in the journal Current Biology, challenge conventional beliefs regarding the intelligence of cows.
Veronika, a 13-year-old brown Swiss cow residing in a picturesque Austrian mountain village, has impressed scientists with her ability to expertly wield a broom for self-scratching purposes. Her owner, Witgar Wiegele, revealed that Veronika’s knack for using different lengths of branches to reach different body areas developed over the years.
During their visit last summer, the researchers observed Veronika’s swift adaptation to using a broom, showcasing her proficiency in “flexible tooling.” By examining her preference for the bristled side of the broom and her strategic use of different ends for specific body regions, Veronika demonstrated advanced cognitive abilities.
Renowned scientist Benjamin Beck, co-author of the book “Animal Tool Behavior,” commended Veronika’s actions as a prime example of flexible tool use in cattle. While Veronika’s behavior is a unique phenomenon among bovines, other instances of tool use in animals, such as water buffalos using rails for scratching, have been documented.
The prevalence of tool use among diverse animal species, as evidenced by dolphins using shells for fishing and crows crafting tools for specific tasks, challenges traditional views on animal cognition. The evolving understanding of animal intelligence, exemplified by Veronika’s prowess, underscores the need to explore the cognitive capabilities of commonly overlooked animals.
As research continues to uncover the remarkable abilities of animals in utilizing tools, it highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of intelligence across the animal kingdom, transcending previous limitations in our perception of animal cognition.