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U.S Researchers Observed Kanzi (Age 43), A Smart Bonobo, Could Play Make-Believe. He Correctly Identified Which Empty Cups “Contained” Invisible Juice 68% Of The Time And Tracked Pretend Grapes In Bowls. This Is The First Clear Proof A Non-Human Animal Can Imagine, Suggesting Imagination Dates Back 6–9 Ma. Sadly, Kanzi Died In 2025 At 44.

Bonobos can imagine and pretend, study finds by staging a tea party

https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/bonobo-imagine-pretend-tea-party-study-rcna257134

Researchers offered a bonobo named Kanzi imaginary juice and grapes, presenting the tests as a kind of make-believe tea party. Kanzi could play along, they found.