Some primates can translate visual into tactile images, a procedure referred to as cross-modal perception. Koehler has found that chimpanzees shown objects they could see but not touch were able to select matching objects from an unseen mixture of articles in a bag.¹³

Primates are capable of reorganizing mental processes, and evolve new operations of mind when challenged by their environment. Their interaction with humans has demonstrated how chimpanzees are capable of abstracting information, modifying and translating language, transferring concepts and then teaching this new material to others of their own species.¹⁴

In addition to demonstrating a proficiency with language, chimps have also been observed using crude tools. One example of tool usage was observed by Jane Goodall. She found that they would use wild strip sticks to probe termite holes and then eat the insects collected. This is evidence that they also comprehend the relationship of means and end.¹⁵

Also, chimpanzees found in Gombe National Park in Tanzania have been observed to ritually treat themselves with aspilia leaves, which contain a potent antibiotic. Every few days the chimps travel to a specified area where the aspilia plant grows. They pick the leaves, suck on them for a few moments and then swallow them whole. Females treat themselves every ten days and males every thirty days. The antibiotic kills common bacteria. African peoples also have used the same plants medicinally to treat wounds and stomachaches. There are four species of the plant. It is very interesting that the African humans use three of them, and so do the chimps.¹⁶

According to Robert Augros and George Stanciu in their book The New Biology, "Animals are clearly conscious agents, but is consciousness the same as intelligence? Animals undeniably act on the basis of sense perception, emotion, and instinct, but do they reason or deliberate? Do they possess intellectual understanding? Certain observations and experiments seem to point to affirmative answers to these questions, especially with regard to primates.".¹⁷

Karl Pribram has worked with chimpanzees at Stanford's Center for Advanced Studies and has tested for both intelligence and consciousness. The latter has been tested for by painting an animal's forehead and then placing them in front of a mirror. If the animal attempts to rub the paint off, this then is considered to represent evidence that they possess self-awareness. The major apes, including gorillas, chimpanzees and orangutans, all try and rub the paint off.¹⁸

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