Use of experimenter‐given directional cues by a young white‐handed gibbon (<i>Hylobates lar</i>)¹

Abstract

Abstract: A three‐year‐old white‐handed gibbon ( Hylobates lar ) was tested in terms of her ability to follow experimenter‐given directional cues in an object‐choice task. Four conditions were run: the experimenter baited one of two cups and then gave one of the following four directional cues: (a) pointing at the baited cup from a short distance (5 cm); (b) pointing at the target from a long distance (20 cm); (c) orienting body, head, and eyes toward the baited cup; and (d) orienting eyes only toward the baited cup. A young gibbon was able to use all of the experimenter‐given cues to obtain hidden food rewards. Several possible reasons for the gibbon's superior performance in comparison to other primates reported in the existing literature were discussed.