Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

[Return to Poems and Thoughts index page]

Belugas and Mirrors. At 18 months of age, humans are able to Demonstrate mirror self-recognition. It was thought that we humans were the only ones with that ability. However, in 1970, chimpanzees were the first non-humans To demonstrate this interesting and important behavior. Dolphins and Asian elephants, which have large brains were chosen And also passed the test of self-recognition. So far, bonobos, orangutans, gorillas, magpies, and cleaner wrasse fish Have demonstrated this unusual bahavior. Organisms which are social and recognize others have this ability. Beluga whales were first studied in 2001. The results were shelved until a revival in 2020. First there is a reaction to the mirror, by looking behind it. The mirror first 'shows a peer,' then a check to see themselves. Then comes 'self directed behavior,' using the mirror to view themselves. Clapping of jaws follows, attempting to intimidate 'that other Beluga.' Then 'contingency testing' commences, with head nodding at the mirror. Then 'self-directed behaviors,' including barrel-rolling and mouth inspections. One Beluga reared up and flapped her pectoral fins at the mirror. Several Belugas blew bubbles with their mouths or blowholes, And then bit the bubbles--behavior not seen without a mirror. With a clear plexiglass control, they definitely demonstrated Mirror self -recognition. The researchers then gave them a 'mark test' Making a mark on the body, which can be seen only in a mirror. The Beluga orients her body towards the mark, seen in the mirror. Sometimes she pressed the mark against the mirror. The cleaner wrasse fish study was conducted in 2023, Showing a fish with a smaller brain, recognizing other fish, Can also recognize itself. Researchers found that creatures with these abilities Are evidenced to be held with more empathy by humans. Humpback whales demonstrated these characteristics in the 1970s, Which led to conservation legislation including The Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act! Frank Maurer 21 May 2026 1855 Hours.