News brief

Cockatoos have learned to drink from water fountains.  In the suburbs of Sydney, Australia, researchers caught the sulfur-crested cockatoos taking turns to twist and hold the handle at public fountains, just as humans do. While less than half the attempts ended with a successful sip of water, the birds seem to be learning street skills not just for survival, but also for fun. More studies, including on baboons that walk in lines formed by friendship, are showing that animals are more playful than we might think. – Staff