BY PATRICK KULP From Mashable

Chimpanzees are apparently not amused by our automated flying technology.

After months of reviewing video footage, scientists have determined that a chimp that swatted down a drone in its Netherlands zoo enclosure had actually carefully plotted out the attack ahead of time.

According to their analysis, several chimps had armed themselves with long twigs and started climbing up the scaffolding when the drone, which was collecting footage for a documentary, made a dry run through their living space.

By the time the small aircraft swooped through the same route for the actual filming, the chimps were ready for it. A female named Tushi, posted on a beam near where the drone had flown before, sent it tumbling with two sweeps of her stick.

The “grimace” on Tushi’s face suggests she acted deliberately, rather than spontaneously lashing out at the drone in fear, researchers said. The circumstances of the attack could mean the chimps were motivated either by antagonism or curiosity, according to the study.

“The use of the stick as a weapon in this context was a unique action,” study author Jan van Hooff said “The use of the stick as a weapon in this context was a unique action,” study author Jan van Hooff said in a statement. “It seemed deliberate, given the decision to collect it and carry it to a place where the drone might be attacked.”

The inquisitive chimps then approached the fallen drone with caution, prodding it with their sticks. But once they decided it didn’t post much of a threat, they dragged and threw it around a bit before eventually losing interest.

Researchers say the video shows a remarkable example of chimps using tools — which they already do regularly — and adds to a growing body of evidence that chimps are able to plot out their actions in advance.

The chimps at the Dutch zoo have already proven themselves a particularly bright bunch. With no instruction from humans, they have been able to master 13 different types of tools, including sticks of various lengths and rocks — much of it from watching the comings and goings of zoo visitors and keepers, previous studies show.

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