Zoë Goldsborough
@zoegoldsborough.bsky.social
Researcher of animal behavior, ethics, and welfare / PostDoc studying social learning and tool use. She/her
https://zgoldsborough.wixsite.com/research
https://zgoldsborough.wixsite.com/research
Want to know more about monkeys kidnapping other monkeys?🐒 I had an amazing chat together with @bjjbarrett.bsky.social on @sidedoorpod.bsky.social about the Coiban capuchins and their wild antics. Science really is stranger than fiction! Listen 👂 here: www.si.edu/sidedoor/mon...
October 6, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Want to know more about monkeys kidnapping other monkeys?🐒 I had an amazing chat together with @bjjbarrett.bsky.social on @sidedoorpod.bsky.social about the Coiban capuchins and their wild antics. Science really is stranger than fiction! Listen 👂 here: www.si.edu/sidedoor/mon...
~5 years, 5 chapters, and one real human baby later, my "academic" baby is finally done. After a defense in near-boiling conditions, where even the beamer quit halfway through, I am now officially Dr. Zoë 🎓🐒 I am so grateful for this experience, and all my friends and family lifting me up! #PhDone
July 2, 2025 at 11:15 AM
~5 years, 5 chapters, and one real human baby later, my "academic" baby is finally done. After a defense in near-boiling conditions, where even the beamer quit halfway through, I am now officially Dr. Zoë 🎓🐒 I am so grateful for this experience, and all my friends and family lifting me up! #PhDone
Group level assessments of abnormal behavior overlook important qualitative variation between individuals. Chimpanzees are each abnormal in their own way, and in order to accurately assess their welfare, focus should lie on the individuals. (9/10)
January 30, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Group level assessments of abnormal behavior overlook important qualitative variation between individuals. Chimpanzees are each abnormal in their own way, and in order to accurately assess their welfare, focus should lie on the individuals. (9/10)
Here we also found individual differences: some chimpanzees often scratched and consumed feces within the same 10 minutes; for them coprophagy may indicate poor welfare. For others this link was not present. Our analyses were exploratory, but our main takeaway is this: (8/10)
January 30, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Here we also found individual differences: some chimpanzees often scratched and consumed feces within the same 10 minutes; for them coprophagy may indicate poor welfare. For others this link was not present. Our analyses were exploratory, but our main takeaway is this: (8/10)
Chimpanzees can acquire AB via social learning from group members, or they may be remnants of a poor welfare situation in the past. We considered the co-occurrence of a known stress-related behavior (self-scratching) with the most common AB (feces-eating).(7/10)
January 30, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Chimpanzees can acquire AB via social learning from group members, or they may be remnants of a poor welfare situation in the past. We considered the co-occurrence of a known stress-related behavior (self-scratching) with the most common AB (feces-eating).(7/10)
Quantitative variation of AB (e.g. frequency) has been studied, but less is known about qualitative variation. To fill this gap, we considered the entire AB repertoire of each individual, and found that chimpanzees highly varied in which AB they showed and how often.
(5/10)
(5/10)
January 30, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Quantitative variation of AB (e.g. frequency) has been studied, but less is known about qualitative variation. To fill this gap, we considered the entire AB repertoire of each individual, and found that chimpanzees highly varied in which AB they showed and how often.
(5/10)
(5/10)
With my co-authors Elisabeth Sterck, Frans de Waal, and
Christine Webb, we explore how a group of captive chimpanzees varies in their expression of abnormal behavior (AB). AB, such as coprophagy (eating one’s feces 💩, see GIF) is often seen as a sign of poor welfare. (2/10)
Christine Webb, we explore how a group of captive chimpanzees varies in their expression of abnormal behavior (AB). AB, such as coprophagy (eating one’s feces 💩, see GIF) is often seen as a sign of poor welfare. (2/10)
January 30, 2025 at 11:28 AM
With my co-authors Elisabeth Sterck, Frans de Waal, and
Christine Webb, we explore how a group of captive chimpanzees varies in their expression of abnormal behavior (AB). AB, such as coprophagy (eating one’s feces 💩, see GIF) is often seen as a sign of poor welfare. (2/10)
Christine Webb, we explore how a group of captive chimpanzees varies in their expression of abnormal behavior (AB). AB, such as coprophagy (eating one’s feces 💩, see GIF) is often seen as a sign of poor welfare. (2/10)
Lastly, a very big thank you to @kaylakolff.bsky.social
for helping with the data collection. We also wouldn't have been able to write this article without the zookeepers and their amazing records. And to the chimpanzees themselves of course! Especially Moni for inspiring two publications 🐵 (8/8)
for helping with the data collection. We also wouldn't have been able to write this article without the zookeepers and their amazing records. And to the chimpanzees themselves of course! Especially Moni for inspiring two publications 🐵 (8/8)
January 30, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Lastly, a very big thank you to @kaylakolff.bsky.social
for helping with the data collection. We also wouldn't have been able to write this article without the zookeepers and their amazing records. And to the chimpanzees themselves of course! Especially Moni for inspiring two publications 🐵 (8/8)
for helping with the data collection. We also wouldn't have been able to write this article without the zookeepers and their amazing records. And to the chimpanzees themselves of course! Especially Moni for inspiring two publications 🐵 (8/8)
Previous studies have shown chimpanzees adopting local conventions after migration, but in our report the speed at which Moni copied the behavior (within days after being exposed to it) is especially remarkable. (6/8)
January 30, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Previous studies have shown chimpanzees adopting local conventions after migration, but in our report the speed at which Moni copied the behavior (within days after being exposed to it) is especially remarkable. (6/8)
When two new females (Moni, left, and Erika, right) were introduced to the group, Moni copied the crossed-arm walk days after meeting only the resident female in the gif above. Erika never showed the behavior during >1 year of observation. 3/8 📷: @kaylakolff.bsky.social
January 30, 2025 at 11:20 AM
When two new females (Moni, left, and Erika, right) were introduced to the group, Moni copied the crossed-arm walk days after meeting only the resident female in the gif above. Erika never showed the behavior during >1 year of observation. 3/8 📷: @kaylakolff.bsky.social
With my wonderful co-authors Edwin van Leeuwen, Christine Webb, and Frans de Waal, we provided the first report of this tradition, we dubbed the "crossed-arm walk" (see gif), which has been present in the chimpanzee group @burgerszoo.bsky.social for over 20 years. (2/8)
January 30, 2025 at 11:20 AM
With my wonderful co-authors Edwin van Leeuwen, Christine Webb, and Frans de Waal, we provided the first report of this tradition, we dubbed the "crossed-arm walk" (see gif), which has been present in the chimpanzee group @burgerszoo.bsky.social for over 20 years. (2/8)
The GHC is a delightfully mysterious behavior: we still don't know why chimpanzees do it. Our findings show the GHC is a great context to study coordination, joint intentionality and communication in non-human animals, and increase our understanding of (non-)human culture. (10/10)
January 30, 2025 at 11:12 AM
The GHC is a delightfully mysterious behavior: we still don't know why chimpanzees do it. Our findings show the GHC is a great context to study coordination, joint intentionality and communication in non-human animals, and increase our understanding of (non-)human culture. (10/10)
We found that chimpanzee pairs more experienced with GHCing with each other were more likely to communicate instead of shape. This suggests that how GHCs are initiated is variable and changing rather than fixed within an individual or a pair. (8/10)
January 30, 2025 at 11:12 AM
We found that chimpanzee pairs more experienced with GHCing with each other were more likely to communicate instead of shape. This suggests that how GHCs are initiated is variable and changing rather than fixed within an individual or a pair. (8/10)
GHC initiations were not one-sided, set sequences, but rather flexible interactions that showed great variation. This is best illustrated by this sunburst figure, showing which behavioral sequences initiators of GHCs showed (plus it’s interactive! see article supplements) (6/10)
January 30, 2025 at 11:12 AM
GHC initiations were not one-sided, set sequences, but rather flexible interactions that showed great variation. This is best illustrated by this sunburst figure, showing which behavioral sequences initiators of GHCs showed (plus it’s interactive! see article supplements) (6/10)
We found that shaping was common (22% of initiations), but what was even more common (44%) was communication! Chimpanzees used several gestures (such as “hold” demonstrated by Debbie in the video below) to indicate their intention to GHC to a partner, who responded in turn. (5/10)
January 30, 2025 at 11:12 AM
We found that shaping was common (22% of initiations), but what was even more common (44%) was communication! Chimpanzees used several gestures (such as “hold” demonstrated by Debbie in the video below) to indicate their intention to GHC to a partner, who responded in turn. (5/10)
Now the science: imagine wanting to high-five someone ✋, but instead of raising your hand and waiting for them to raise theirs, you grab their elbow and force their arm up yourself. Weird as this may sound, this is how chimpanzees were thought to initiate most GHCs (3/10)
January 30, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Now the science: imagine wanting to high-five someone ✋, but instead of raising your hand and waiting for them to raise theirs, you grab their elbow and force their arm up yourself. Weird as this may sound, this is how chimpanzees were thought to initiate most GHCs (3/10)
What can #chimpanzees clasping their hands teach us about human and non-human animal culture? Our study, published #openaccess in @royalsocietypublishing.org
examines the role of communication in initiating this social custom, the grooming handclasp (GHC). doi.org/10.1098/rspb... a🧵 (1/10)
examines the role of communication in initiating this social custom, the grooming handclasp (GHC). doi.org/10.1098/rspb... a🧵 (1/10)
January 30, 2025 at 11:12 AM
What can #chimpanzees clasping their hands teach us about human and non-human animal culture? Our study, published #openaccess in @royalsocietypublishing.org
examines the role of communication in initiating this social custom, the grooming handclasp (GHC). doi.org/10.1098/rspb... a🧵 (1/10)
examines the role of communication in initiating this social custom, the grooming handclasp (GHC). doi.org/10.1098/rspb... a🧵 (1/10)
As usual, many questions remain, including how capuchins 🐒are aware of the tidal cycle. However, this study highlights the importance of the ocean as a rich, yet challenging, resource for island-living species and the role tool use may play in its efficient exploitation (9/9)
January 30, 2025 at 11:04 AM
As usual, many questions remain, including how capuchins 🐒are aware of the tidal cycle. However, this study highlights the importance of the ocean as a rich, yet challenging, resource for island-living species and the role tool use may play in its efficient exploitation (9/9)
These findings show how tool use can permit niche expansion, and provide insight into hominin behavior. Archaeological evidence of tool use in coastal areas is rarely preserved, so studying living non-human primates is one way to gain understanding of our evolutionary past (8/9)
January 30, 2025 at 11:04 AM
These findings show how tool use can permit niche expansion, and provide insight into hominin behavior. Archaeological evidence of tool use in coastal areas is rarely preserved, so studying living non-human primates is one way to gain understanding of our evolutionary past (8/9)
Tool-using 🔨 capuchins showed the strongest, most consistent coupling of coastal activity to the tidal cycles, in line with exploitation of tidal resources. Tool use may help capuchins process resources faster, and allows access to protected food 🦀(7/9) (photo Meredith Carlson)
January 30, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Tool-using 🔨 capuchins showed the strongest, most consistent coupling of coastal activity to the tidal cycles, in line with exploitation of tidal resources. Tool use may help capuchins process resources faster, and allows access to protected food 🦀(7/9) (photo Meredith Carlson)
We found that capuchins on Jicarón show higher activity at the coast during specific parts of the tidal cycle. However, the exact patterns differed between tool-using and non-tool-using capuchins, as well as between the wet and dry season! (6/9)
January 30, 2025 at 11:04 AM
We found that capuchins on Jicarón show higher activity at the coast during specific parts of the tidal cycle. However, the exact patterns differed between tool-using and non-tool-using capuchins, as well as between the wet and dry season! (6/9)
Land animals eating intertidal resources are fascinating, as these valuable foods are only available for a limited period. The timing of low tide may be predictable (to us), but shifts daily. Efficient exploitation is an investment, and tool use might afford higher returns (5/9)
January 30, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Land animals eating intertidal resources are fascinating, as these valuable foods are only available for a limited period. The timing of low tide may be predictable (to us), but shifts daily. Efficient exploitation is an investment, and tool use might afford higher returns (5/9)
By placing many camera traps 📷 over 5 years we studied the behavior of these unhabituated monkeys. We directly compared tool-using to non-tool-using capuchins through two grids: one on the tool-using group, and another on the other side of the island on a non-tool-using group (4/9)
January 30, 2025 at 11:04 AM
By placing many camera traps 📷 over 5 years we studied the behavior of these unhabituated monkeys. We directly compared tool-using to non-tool-using capuchins through two grids: one on the tool-using group, and another on the other side of the island on a non-tool-using group (4/9)
On Jicarón island, we have the unique opportunity to compare tool-using and non-tool-using capuchins in the same habitat, because the use of stone tools 🔨 is incredibly localized. This study focuses on intertidal resources, which capuchins eat with and without tools 🐌🦀(3/9)
January 30, 2025 at 11:04 AM
On Jicarón island, we have the unique opportunity to compare tool-using and non-tool-using capuchins in the same habitat, because the use of stone tools 🔨 is incredibly localized. This study focuses on intertidal resources, which capuchins eat with and without tools 🐌🦀(3/9)
First a huge thanks to all co-authors Meg Crofoot, Shauhin Alavi, Evelyn Del Rosario-Vargas, Sylvia Garza, Kate Tiedeman and @bjjbarrett.bsky.social. As well as
Christian Ziegler for photos in thread and STRI & @mpi-animalbehav.bsky.social for facilitating our research in Coiba National Park (2/9)
Christian Ziegler for photos in thread and STRI & @mpi-animalbehav.bsky.social for facilitating our research in Coiba National Park (2/9)
January 30, 2025 at 11:04 AM
First a huge thanks to all co-authors Meg Crofoot, Shauhin Alavi, Evelyn Del Rosario-Vargas, Sylvia Garza, Kate Tiedeman and @bjjbarrett.bsky.social. As well as
Christian Ziegler for photos in thread and STRI & @mpi-animalbehav.bsky.social for facilitating our research in Coiba National Park (2/9)
Christian Ziegler for photos in thread and STRI & @mpi-animalbehav.bsky.social for facilitating our research in Coiba National Park (2/9)