Animals' reactions to mirrors have interested scientists since the last century. Animals react differently when they see a reflection.
Experiments have shown that chimpanzees recognize themselves in mirrors. If something in their appearance has changed, they touch that area.
A gorilla can also recognize itself in a mirror. However, this animal needs to get used to its reflection. Initially, the gorilla displays aggression.
Other animals show interest in the reflection in the mirror, but most likely they see their fellow animal.
This applies to macaques.
The tiger looks at the reflection for a long time, comes closer, then moves away, tries to carefully approach or, on the contrary, attack.
The captured squirrel also looks with interest at the squirrel opposite.
Birds are no less curious.
Kittens play with their reflection at an early age.
Adult domestic dogs quickly become accustomed to and calmly treat their fellow dogs in the mirror.
Carefree cats still try to involve their reflection in the game.
So, for all species of animals and birds, a reflection in a mirror is simply another animal. The exception is the great apes.
