Bonobos can play make-believe much like children, study suggests

The study provides a first rigorous experimental test that apes have a form of imaginative thinking. Photograph: guenterguni/Getty Images

Whether it’s playing at being doctors or hosting a toy’s tea party, children are adept at engaging in make-believe – now researchers say bonobos can do it too.

While there have been anecdotal reports of apes using imaginary objects, including apparently dragging pretend blocks across the floor, experts say it is possible such instances have other explanations.