In 2019, archaeologists reported that evidence from Brazil shows that capuchin monkeys have been using stone tools for at least 3000 years.
The intelligent primates have long used carefully chosen rocks to both pound open nuts and fruits as well as dig in the earth or gouge out seeds from certain types of fruits.
Capuchins still exhibit this behavior, but visitors to a Chinese zoo saw up close just how much damage one can do with the right rock.
A Colombian white-faced capuchin gave onlookers quite a show on August 20, 2019 at the Zhengzhou Zoo in Central China’s Henan Province, some of which was captured on video.
A tourist referred to only as “Mr. Wang” saw the monkey sharpening the stone before using it to hit the glass wall of his enclosure.
The little primate repeatedly hit the wall until it shattered.
Zoo officials said that this particular capuchin is the only one that knows how to use an implement to open the walnuts they’re fed.
The Daily Mail reported that staffer Tian Shuliao told local media:
“This monkey is unlike other monkeys. This one knows how to use tools to break walnuts. When we feed walnuts to other monkeys, they only know to bite it.‘But it had never hit the glass before though. This is the first time. It’s toughened glass, so it would never have got out. After it happened, we picked up all the rocks and took away all its ‘weapons.'”
While Tian assured everyone that the glass would be replaced and patrols would be increased to monitor any attempted escapes, some of those who have seen the video of the capuchin in action are more concerned about its state of mind.
The press has described it as a desperate attempt to escape, but at the same time made light of the incident. But the video shows the animal repeatedly raising the self-sharpened rock above his head to smash the glass with some force.
Was the animal in distress? What triggered this behavior? And will the animal be ok from here on out?
While the little monkey ran away as soon as the glass shattered, it could have simply been because of the noise. There’s no way to know what he was trying to do or what he thought would happen as a result of his smashing.
Mr. Wang said the capuchin in question “came back to take another look and even touched it” after first running away.
While most of the video’s millions of viewers couldn’t help but make “Planet of the Ape” jokes, some said the animal’s desperate bid for freedom brought them to tears.
One commenter said:
“Incredibly sad – the zoo then removes the rocks, likely one of the few enrichment items provided to these captive animals. There’s nothing funny about this cruelty.”
While the glass itself was reinforced, preventing the money from ever getting out of the enclosure, the real question is whether or not it needs a different kind of care and attention than it’s currently getting.
Unfortunately, commenters are too caught up in making monkey uprising jokes to call on the zoo to explain how they’re going to ensure the creature’s safety and relative happiness from here on out.
You can scroll down below to see the animal attempting to break the glass with his sharpened tool.
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