Ai, Japanese chimpanzee who counted and painted, dies at 49

The death of Ai marks the end of an era in primate research, as she was not only a subject of study but also a symbol of the cognitive capabilities of non-human animals. Her ability to count and create art challenges our perceptions of intelligence and creativity in species beyond humans. This raises important questions about the ethical treatment of animals in research and the implications of our findings on conservation efforts.