The Not-so-Inimitable Opposable Thumb

Photo by: YuvalH

Opposing thumbs have long been praised as that inimitable human trait by which we can use tools and master our environment like no other species. Unless that other species is an elephant. A group of six elephants in Thailand have routinely demonstrated the ability to paint a variety of pictures, including self-portraits, with regular paint brushes. They are trained by a group of artists and perform their paintings in just 5 to 10 minutes before an audience. Several of their pictures have gone on display in the Edinburgh gallery.

Inimitable (pronounced “ih-NIM-ih-teh-bul”)

Defying imitation; matchless.

Synonyms

unparalleled, incomparable, nonpareil

Source

BBC News