I have a soft spot for apes. Probably in no small part because I am one. Like, I could watch the movie Dunston Checks In on repeat all day. The film features the most lovable Pongo (orangutan) managing the cleverest of feats. Seeing this movie should be on everyone’s bucket list
. But, I digress.
So, we already know that non-human apes can act in movies. This in itself warrants awe and ponderous reflection. However, if you’re like me, you’ve assumed all your life that apes are intrinsically innocent creatures, who go around grinning, nibbling on bananas, and carrying baby versions of themselves on their backs.
But, even if you’re not like me, you may still be surprised at what the latest science has shown about chimpanzees’ capacity to plan out devious acts ahead of time…. I.e., they’re not just mischievous, they plan ahead and lie in wait to spring their mischief. So maybe Rise of the Planet of the Apes isn’t the most far-fetched movie ever made?











