As discussed in a previous video, the pincer grasp allows us to hold and manipulate small objects, like cigarettes, with considerable dexterity. Here Viki shows off her prowess by smoking a cigarette. When she is finished with it, she puts out the fire in her small pool. Not only does this video demonstrate her ability to hold and manipulate small objects, it also demonstrates how sophisticated a chimpanzee can become through exposure to human culture: Viki picked up Keith Hayes’ habit of smoking just by observing and imitating his actions.

At the time this film was taken, circa 1950 BCE, tobacco companies were advertising the healthful properties of smoking cigarettes. Even still, it would have been rare for a parent to allow their 5-year-old child to smoke. Cathy Hayes, upon viewing this clip many years later, reported, “I don’t approve of that.”