The Genius of Veronika: Austrian Cow Tool Use Shakes the Scientific World

Is a cow as smart as a primate? A breakthrough observation suggests we've been looking at cattle all wrong, as a pet cow in Austria demonstrates sophisticated problem-solving skills.

How Austrian Cow Veronika Redefines Animal Intelligence

The subject, an Austrian cow named Veronika, has spent the last 10 years developing a unique skill: using branches to scratch her own skin. Unlike livestock raised for production, Veronika lives in a complex environment where she's free to explore. According to researchers in Vienna, she doesn't just pick up any stick; she selects specific textures and modifies her technique to reach different parts of her body.

Scientists were alerted by a video showing her useful tool application. After conducting behavioral tests, the team verified that her choices were consistent and functionally appropriate. This finding, published in Current Biology, places cattle in an exclusive group of tool-using animals including primates and whales.

A Case of Convergent Evolution

Miquel Llorente from the University of Girona noted that this is a fascinating example of convergent evolution. It shows that intelligence arises as a functional response to challenges, regardless of the animal's biological design. Veronika's ability to adapt tools to her needs suggests that the cognitive capacity of cattle has been significantly underestimated.