An Austrian cow named Veronika has scientists buzzing with her impressive tool-using skills, challenging our understanding of bovine intelligence. Veronika, a pet cow owned by organic farmer and baker Witgar Wiegele, has been observed using sticks to scratch her body, a behavior that has sparked curiosity among biologists. Wiegele's observation of Veronika's recognition of family members' voices and her playful interaction with sticks led him to explore the cow's tool-using abilities further. This sparked a visit from Dr. Antonio Osuna Mascaró and his team at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, who specialize in animal intelligence. They were intrigued by the footage of Veronika's tool use, which they found to be a rare and remarkable instance of a cow using a tool for self-scratching. Through field trials, Veronika demonstrated her ability to pick up and wield a deck brush, adjusting its angle with her tongue and teeth to reach and scratch various parts of her body, including her back and more delicate areas like her udders and belly. The study, published in Current Biology, highlights Veronika's preference for using the bristled end of the broom for scratching tough skin and the smooth handle for gentler scratching. This multi-purpose tool use is considered extraordinarily rare, with only a few other animal species, such as chimpanzees, displaying similar capabilities. The researchers were initially skeptical, questioning whether Veronika's tool use was a result of chance or intentionality. However, they observed a consistent pattern, suggesting that Veronika's tool use was purposeful and not a mere coincidence. This discovery has led scientists to reconsider the intelligence of cattle, as it challenges the notion that livestock are not capable of such sophisticated behavior. The study's findings have sparked discussions about the potential for innovation in tool use among cows and the possibility that they may be smarter than previously thought. While Veronika's skills do not indicate the evolution of a new species of super-cow, they have nonetheless impressed scientists and raised questions about the capabilities of cattle. The researchers emphasize that this discovery should not be seen as a sign of impending super-cow evolution but rather as a reminder that we have much to learn from animals, including patience, calmness, contentment, and gentleness.
