Gena and Joyful,
Never forget that we humans are the sole proprietor of intelligence. There are 1000's of documented cases of animals (often pets) "working" things out for themselves.
What I am saying is that "see" humans do something, and think "I" could do that, and determine a means to make it happen. I have seen cats jump onto a book-shelf and then extend themselves to a lever type door handle and with their weight, open the door.
I do not believe that this is instinctive, but rather intelliegence not so different than our own.
Perhaps we should not be surprised, because humans and animals alike are souls and share the same spirit of life.
Gen 1:20 ¶
And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hathlife, and fowl [that] may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. That hath = nephesh {neh'-fesh} [5315]
1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire,
emotion, passion
a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul,
the inner being of man
b) living being
c) living being (with life in the blood)
d) the man himself, self, person or individual
e) seat of the appetites
f) seat of emotions and passions
g) activity of mind
1) dubious
h) activity of the will
1) dubious
i) activity of the character
1) dubious
Does this make sense? Comments welcome
Love in Christ,
Darren