In October 2001, a study undertaken by the University of Cambridge, revealed that sheep, when isolated from the rest of their flock, showed signs of extreme distress by bleating, increased level of stress hormones and heart rate. When shown photos of sheep they knew, they experienced a reduction in the previous symptoms.  Cows also showed intelligence by learning that they needed to press on a panel to open a gate to obtain food.  Studies at Oxford University found that Betty, a Caledonian heifer, instinctively bent a piece of wire, using a gap in her food tray to create a hook that allowed her to scrape food from the bottom of a jar.  They also form grooming partnerships as do chimps and gorillas.

Lame broiler chickens when given the choice, have chosen food laced with painkillers whereas chickens who are well, choose food not laced with pain killers.  In another experiment with chickens, when the chickens pressed a button they learnt they would receive a small handful of food after waiting for 2-3 seconds. If they waited for up to 22 seconds, they’d receive much more food;   90% of the chickens waited.  The neuron organisation in chicken brains is highly structured and the brain has an incredible ability to repair itself completely after a trauma, unlike humans.

 

An African Grey Parrot, Alex, shows how intelligent animals are when given the chance.  In fact, his owner, Dr Irene Pepperberg, has dedicated a site to Alex. (Click here for access to Alex's website)  He can name over forty objects, has a vocabulary of approximately one hundred words and can tell you their shape, size and colour.

In Vancouver, Canada, a policeman looked down to see a duck tugging at his trousers.  She then led the man over to a drain where her chicks were trapped.

Scientists argue that animals can't suffer as they can't anticipate future events, therefore it's acceptable to experiment on them.  However, cats and dogs, are just a few examples of animals with an amazing concept of time.  They know when it's time for them to be fed or when they're owner is coming home, as any cat or dog owner can vouch for.  There's also evidence to suggest they know when it's time for them to be experimented on and they display signs of aggression or fear towards the vivisector.

Wild and captive hyenas have been seen to store meat in water, which helps it to keep longer.