A crude pedicure performed by a mandrill at Chester Zoo suggests monkeys are capable of more advanced tool use than previously believed.
Scientists from Durham University filmed the mandrill stripping a twig and using it to clean under its toenails.
The research, published in the journal Behavioural Processes, cites Mandrills as the fifth species of Old World monkey seen deliberately modifying tools.
Non-human apes, usually chimpanzees and orangutans, are often seen adapting basic tools for specific jobs, such as peeling fruits or fishing for termites.
Researcher Dr Riccardo Pansini believes that his new findings indicate that mandrills’ intelligence has previously been underestimated.
Dr Pansini said: "It is an ability that, up until a few years ago, was thought to be unique to humans."
"The gap between monkeys and great apes is not as large as we thought it was in terms of tool use and modification."
Though he was excited by his recent discovery, Dr Pansini said he was not surprised as in the past he has witnessed mandrills modifying tools to clean their ears in order to prevent infections.
Although some similar behaviour has also been observed in natural habitats, he believes the mandrills' captive setting encourges tool use.
