Overview
- The peer-reviewed findings were published January 19 in Current Biology by a University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna team.
- Veronika used the bristled end for thick-skinned upper areas and the smooth handle for sensitive lower regions, adjusting force and mouth grip for precision.
- In repeated sessions with the brush placed in randomized orientations, her choices remained consistent and functionally appropriate.
- The authors note that comparable multi-purpose use of a single tool has been convincingly documented previously only in chimpanzees.
- Researchers cite Veronika’s long lifespan, daily human contact, and enriched environment as likely enablers, and they are soliciting public reports and planning follow-up studies.