A groundbreaking study has captured footage of chimpanzees in Cantanhez National Park, Guinea-Bissau, indulging in fermented African breadfruit, which contains low levels of alcohol. This new research shows that “chimpanzees sharing alcoholic fruit” could be a significant behavior, offering clues about the social dynamics and stress-relief habits of these intelligent primates. The footage suggests that these chimpanzees choose this fermented fruit over others, possibly for its calming effects, much like humans might seek out a drink to relax.
Chimpanzees Sharing Alcoholic Fruit: A Social Bonding Activity
Researchers observed that chimpanzees not only enjoy the fermented fruit, but they also share it with one another. On ten different occasions, they witnessed individuals of all ages and sexes passing around these fruits, which had varying alcohol content. Interestingly, about 90% of these sharing events involved “passive sharing,” where one chimpanzee simply allowed others to take from the fruit without actively offering it. This behavior emphasizes the importance of trust and familiarity, which could be enhanced by the alcohol’s relaxing properties.
The Role of Alcohol in Chimpanzee Society
The study sheds light on how “chimpanzees sharing alcoholic fruit” may be more than just a feeding habit—it might play a role in the social structure of the group. As alcohol can reduce stress and increase endorphin release, it could be encouraging more social interactions, strengthening bonds among the chimpanzees. The late-ripening fruits, which were more alcoholic, were especially popular, and the chimps used tools to help access them, indicating a level of sophistication in their behaviors.
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Source: www.people.com
