Bonobo Surprises Scientists with Pretend Tea Party Skills

Ape's ability to track imaginary objects challenges assumptions about animal intelligence

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In a series of experiments at Johns Hopkins University, researchers have shown for the first time that a bonobo named Kanzi can successfully participate in pretend play, tracking imaginary objects like juice and grapes in a manner similar to how young children engage in make-believe. This finding challenges the long-held belief that imagination and pretend play are uniquely human abilities.

Why it matters

The study suggests that the capacity for imagination and flexible thinking may not be exclusive to humans, and that some animals possess more advanced cognitive abilities than previously assumed. This could lead to a re-evaluation of what makes human intelligence unique and how we view the mental lives of other species.

The details

In the experiments, Kanzi the bonobo consistently pointed to the correct locations of pretend items, even when the experimenter moved the cups or jars around. However, when given the choice between real and imaginary food, Kanzi always chose the real option, demonstrating an understanding of the difference between what is real and what is pretend.

  • The study was published in the journal Science on February 11, 2026.

The players

Kanzi

A 43-year-old bonobo living at the Ape Initiative, who participated in the pretend play experiments.

Christopher Krupenye

A Johns Hopkins assistant professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences who co-authored the study.

Amalia Bastos

A former Johns Hopkins postdoctoral fellow who co-authored the study and is now a lecturer at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

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What they’re saying

“It really is game-changing that their mental lives go beyond the here and now. Imagination has long been seen as a critical element of what it is to be human but the idea that it may not be exclusive to our species is really transformative.”

— Christopher Krupenye, Johns Hopkins assistant professor (Science)

“It's extremely striking and very exciting that the data seem to suggest that apes, in their minds, can conceive of things that are not there. Kanzi is able to generate an idea of this pretend object and at the same time know it's not real.”

— Amalia Bastos, University of St. Andrews lecturer (Science)

What’s next

The researchers plan to explore whether other apes or animals can engage in pretend play and track imaginary objects, as well as investigate related mental abilities like thinking about the future or understanding the perspectives of others.

The takeaway

This study challenges the long-held assumption that imagination and pretend play are uniquely human abilities, suggesting that some animals may possess more advanced cognitive skills than previously thought. The findings could lead to a re-evaluation of what makes human intelligence special and how we view the mental lives of other species.