Apr 23, 2025
While most animals see a reflection and think it's another creature, a rare few actually recognise themselves. This self-awareness is an exceptional trait in animal intelligence. Here are 10 amazing animals that recognise themselves in mirrors.
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Chimpanzees were among the first to pass the mirror test. In 1970, researchers observed that when marked with a red dye, chimpanzees used mirrors to inspect and remove the marks, showing self-recognition.
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Orangutans have also demonstrated mirror self-recognition. In a 1973 study, they were marked with a non-visible dye and later used mirrors to inspect and touch the marked areas, suggesting awareness of their own reflection.
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Dolphins love mirrors. Not only do they examine themselves closely, but they also twist and turn to check out body parts they can’t normally see. Studies also show that they examine their body parts and also their surroundings while seeing the mirror.
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An Asian elephant named Happy, residing at the Bronx Zoo, passed the mirror test in 2006. She used a mirror to inspect and touch a mark on her face. Elephants are big-brained and surprisingly self-aware.
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Cleaner wrasse fish were observed passing the mirror test. When a mark was placed on their bodies, they used mirrors to inspect and attempt to remove the mark, suggesting self-awareness in this species.
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Manta rays have shown behaviors that were signs of self-recognition. In experiments, they interacted with their reflections in ways that suggested they recognized themselves, such as circling and inspecting their own images.
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The Eurasian magpie is the only non-mammal species known to pass the mirror test. In a 2008 study, magpies were marked with a colored sticker and used mirrors to remove the mark. Magpies are among the smartest birds that are known to have self recognition.
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Rhesus macaques don’t naturally pass the mirror test, but after multimodal sensory-motor training, they displayed behaviours suggesting awareness of their own reflection.
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Orcas, or killer whales, have shown signs of self-recognition in mirrors, according to a 2008 study, this behaviour was similar to dolphins. In studies, they performed unique behaviors like blowing bubbles and inspecting their reflections, suggesting they understand the image is of themselves.
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Certain ant species have shown behaviors that suggest self-recognition. In experiments, ants marked with blue dye on their heads attempted to remove the marks when exposed to mirrors, something they didn’t do without the mirror. It's surprising information about the insect minds.
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