koko.org). A chimpanzee called Kanzi has also been reported to understand a version of symbolic sign language developed by her trainer Sue Savage-Rumbah, and can in fact carry out actions such as picking up a straw, or carrying rubbish to another trainer when instructed to do so, (Wynne, 1999). These examples, appear to be compelling evidence for the fact that not only can animals learn forms of language similar to our own but must have some level of self-awareness in order to convey their wishes. The very notion of having a wish requires a knowledge that you are a unique individual who has some desire that you would like to be fulfilled. However, with regards to these kinds of observations, numerous criticisms arise, often originating in behavioural psychology. Many people have argued that the animals do not actually have any understanding of the sentences they are communicating, but merely learn through conditioning that by performing certain tasks, or making certain signs, they receive rewards. It has been noted that much of the communication between Savage-Rumbah and Kanzi involves positive re-enforcement, with Kanzi usually getting what she asks for, (Wynne, 1999). .
When it comes to research actually focused on self-awareness in animals, the most frequently used method is the mirror test devised by Gordon Gallup, (1970). The simple experiment involves anaesthetising the animal, and whilst unconscious, painting a spot on it's forehead in a place that could not normally be seen. When fully recovered from the anaesthetic the animal is placed in front of a mirror and its reactions are recorded. The study has been replicated many times, and it has been found that chimpanzees are particularly adept at recognising themselves in the mirror, and display behaviour that exhibits this, in the form of repeatedly touching the marked spot, (Gallup, Anderson & Shillito, 2003).
Research by the Earthtrust Organisation entitled "Project Delphis" has found evidence that dolphins can also show self-awareness when tested in a variation of Gallup's test, (White, 2003).