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Chimpanzees Captured Sharing Fermented Fruits in Groundbreaking Study
A research initiative spearheaded by the University of Exeter has unveiled intriguing footage from Guinea-Bissau’s Cantanhez National Park, showcasing chimpanzees sharing fermented African breadfruit that has been confirmed to contain ethanol. This discovery prompts significant questions regarding the potential motivations for chimps to seek out alcoholic substances deliberately.
The findings, documented in a study published in the journal Current Biology, are titled “Wild chimpanzees share fermented fruits.” The exploration into the behavior of these primates opens a new chapter in the understanding of social interactions within chimp communities. This echoes patterns observed in human societies, where the consumption of alcohol can foster social bonds and camaraderie.
“Throughout human evolutionary history, alcohol consumption has been associated with social bonding,” remarked Anna Bowland from the Center for Ecology and Conservation at Exeter’s Penryn Campus. “Dopamine and endorphins are released during drinking, leading to feelings of joy and relaxation. Similarly, sharing alcohol during communal activities can strengthen relationships among individuals.” Bowland raises a thought-provoking question: “Could wild chimpanzees be experiencing analogous benefits from sharing ethanolic fruits?”
The research team employed motion-sensitive cameras to capture the sharing behavior among chimps on ten distinct occasions. Their analysis confirmed the presence of alcohol in the fruits consumed, with the highest alcohol by volume (ABV) recorded at 0.61%. While this level may seem minimal, researchers suggest it might be just the beginning, given that fruit constitutes 60-85% of a chimpanzee’s diet. Consequently, low alcohol levels across various food sources could lead to substantial overall consumption.
It’s crucial to note that researchers do not believe chimps are likely to become “drunk,” as such a state would not enhance their chances of survival in the wild. The consequences of alcohol on chimp metabolism remain unclear, yet the study hints at a deeper evolutionary connection. Notably, recent findings suggest a significant ancestral adaptation that bolstered ethanol metabolism in the common ancestor of African apes, implying that the consumption of fermented fruits may date back far in evolutionary time.
“Chimpanzees do not consistently share all food; thus, this specific behavior surrounding fermented fruit could carry particular significance,” stated Dr. Kimberley Hockings, also from the University of Exeter. “Further research is essential to discover whether they actively seek out these ethanolic fruits and gain insights into how they process alcohol. If this behavior is indeed foundational, it could suggest that the human customs of feasting and social drinking have ancient roots.”
More information: Wild chimpanzees share fermented fruits, Current Biology (2025).
To learn more about this research, visit https://cantanhezchimpanzeeproject.com/
Source
phys.org