Video: Chimpanzees use gestures for guiding visitors to give them a drink

Chimpanzees are among apes which are known for their intelligence and are known to be the species most closely related to human beings along with bonobos. They often display several human traits and can also communicate better.

One chimpanzee at the Welsh Mountain Zoo in the UK showed skills at conveying his message and also patience when he wanted a drink. He requested a visitor to give him a sip by repeatedly pointing at a bag where she had a bottle, and once she showed him the bottle, he guided her to a small opening from where the woman could pour the drink.

The video shows that visitors oblige to the request and the chimpanzee can be seen slurping the drink from the other side. The video also mentions that he wouldn’t have to ask for it out in the wild, and appeals for freedom of zoo animals.

In another video of the same zoo, a chimpanzee can be seen signalling visitors to lift the window in what seems to be a request to help him escape. He also makes a gesture with his fingers which means ‘gate’ in sign language and the visitor interprets it as an appeal for freedom.

Zoo staff also mentioned seeing chimpanzees use signs to guide visitors to what they want.