It looks like we’re not the only ones playing pretend.

A new study from Johns Hopkins University delved into the imagination capabilities of a 43-year-old bonobo named Kanzi — and learned more about how humans play pretend.

In a series of experiments published in the journal Science, researchers presented the ape with empty jars and pretended to fill the containers with juice. Then, they poured the imaginary drink from the cups and prompted Kanzi with questions about the whereabouts of the juice.

Again and again, the bonobo pointed to the location of the nonexistent beverage — despite his knowledge that there was nothing really there.

To eliminate the chance that Kanzi believed real items were hidden somewhere, researchers replicated the test with actual juice. Kanzi’s preference for the real drink in these trials suggested the ape wasn’t confused.

He was playing the game.

This research challenges the assumption that only humans are capable of creating mental images for situations that don’t really exist. Such an idea is monumental — not only for the animal kingdom, but also for humankind. This is the first instance of a controlled experiment tracking a nonhuman animal’s understanding of pretend play.

Findings like these propose that the practice of imagination isn’t just a playful act reserved for children, but rather an intricate neural system with evolutionary underpinnings.

Who knows —  our own species’ resilience might stem from the creative ability to visualize a hopeful situation beyond the here and now.

So the next time you find yourself building a pillow fort or plotting a late-night vision board, consider inviting an ape to the party. They might have their own take.