We have two red-footed tortoises. \u00a0You might think that tortoises are not the brightest of animals but I beg to differ. \u00a0Over the years the behavior that I’ve seen indicates that they might be quite clever.<\/p>\n
The tortoises’ home is a large aquarium. \u00a0Inside there are two stone water dishes and a stone food dish. \u00a0In addition there are two hollow log shaped wood objects. \u00a0These pieces of wood are easily movable by the tortoises. \u00a0I believe that they use these movable objects in attempt to communicate with us.<\/p>\n
For example, I tried an early experiment where I placed a computer monitor that played video next to the aquarium. \u00a0I thought it might be entertaining to them. \u00a0What did the tortoises do? \u00a0They erected a barrier that was obviously meant to block the view of the computer. \u00a0I suspect that the computer and monitor also produced sound that might have irritated them. \u00a0As soon as I turned off the computer and monitor they took down their barrier.<\/p>\n
There have been many other examples of the tortoises doing things that appear to be attempts to get our attention and to change our behavior. \u00a0They have ways to indicate that they want fresh water or fresh food, and that they wish to go out into the yard. \u00a0They also make a variety of sounds by moving things and using their mouths.<\/p>\n
Sometimes at night I check on them and they are both awake and alert in the dark. \u00a0What are they thinking, sitting in the dark? \u00a0Do they have a mental life? \u00a0Can they entertain themselves? \u00a0Can they communicate with each other?<\/p>\n
Tortoises live for many years compared to other animals. \u00a0Do they learn, develop culture, and mental skills?<\/p>\n
I’d like to imagine that they have a rich intellectual tradition and that they are having learned discussions late at night.<\/p>\n
Who knows, maybe tortoises could teach us a thing or two.<\/p>\n
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We have two red-footed tortoises. \u00a0You might think that tortoises are not the brightest of animals but I beg to differ. \u00a0Over the years the behavior that I’ve seen indicates that they might be quite clever. The tortoises’ home is a large aquarium. \u00a0Inside there are two stone water dishes and a stone food dish. … Continue reading Inside the mind of a tortoise<\/span>