Veronika the Cow Masterfully Uses Her Scratching Broom
Veronika, a 13-year-old brown Swiss cow, has captivated scientists with her remarkable ability to use tools. Residing in the mountain village of Nötsch in southern Austria, she has demonstrated unique dexterity in employing a broom to scratch herself. This behavior challenges long-standing beliefs about bovine intelligence.
Scientists’ Journey to Discover Veronika’s Skills
Cognitive biologists Antonio Osuna-Mascaró and Alice Auersperg from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna traveled five hours to meet Veronika after watching a video of her scratching with a branch. Their goal was to explore the implications of her behavior on our understanding of non-human intelligence.
Tool Use Demonstrated
Upon arrival, Veronika quickly showcased her skills. Within minutes, her owner, Witgar Wiegele, provided her a broom, and she adeptly used it for scratching. Osuna-Mascaró noted their astonishment, stating, “It was really, really impressive.” This incident prompted the researchers to classify Veronika’s actions as a form of “flexible tooling.”
Understanding Flexible Tooling
Flexible tooling involves using an object to extend the body while applying mechanical force. Veronika exhibited this skill by alternating between the bristled and handle ends of the broom. She effectively utilized the broom-end for her back and the handle for more sensitive areas like her udder.
The Significance of Veronika’s Discoveries
This observation raises intriguing questions about animal intelligence. Benjamin Beck, a retired scientist and co-author of the book *Animal Tool Behavior*, confirmed that Veronika’s behavior exemplifies tool use by cattle, though he noted that similar behaviors have been reported in other species, such as water buffalos.
- Location: Nötsch, Southern Austria
- Age: 13 years
- Owner: Witgar Wiegele
- Research Institution: University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
Broader Implications of Tool Use in Animals
Tool use is documented across various species, highlighting the cognitive capabilities present in the animal kingdom. This includes:
- Dolphins using shells to catch fish
- Elephants at zoos using hoses for showers
- Crows crafting tools to meet specific needs
Research on tool use has largely focused on “exotic” animals, often overlooking livestock. Osuna-Mascaró emphasized the need for greater awareness of the intelligence in domesticated animals. Veronika’s story serves as an enlightening example of the cognitive abilities present in species we often undervalue.
