My main research interest is in what ‘cognitive tools’ are necessary for mammals living in close-knit social groups. I studied chimpanzee travel decisions, working at the Budongo Conservation Field Station, Uganda, and went on to work on the cognition of African elephants with Dick Byrne, in collaboration with the Amboseli Trust for Elephants. We used long-term project data as well as carrying out field experiments to explore what elephants represent about their social environment. My current research continues these themes, aiming to identify what elephants need to know and understand about each other and their environment in order to maintain group cohesion whilst maximising their own success.