Rewarding animals with treats is one of the simplest methods for getting them to do what you want.
If you work with animals that are known to think critically, it is much easier. Take, for instance, ravens. Ravens, crows, jays, magpies, and other members of the corvid family, are among the world’s most intelligent birds.
It’s fascinating to see the intelligence and adaptability of ravens, and how they can learn new skills and behaviors through experimentation and training. The fact that they can be taught how to use tools to access food is already impressive, but the idea that they can also be taught how to paint is truly remarkable.
Mischief, the white-naped raven at the World Bird Sanctuary in Missouri, is a great example of this. By using treats as a reward and introducing paint as a new tool, staff at the sanctuary were able to train the bird to create art. This not only showcases the bird’s intelligence and dexterity but also highlights the creative potential of non-human animals.
