Posted on 05/09/2025 5:44:34 AM PDT by Red Badger
Two adult males feed on fermented African breadfruit. Credit: Bowland et al., edited
Wild chimps share fruit containing alcohol, suggesting deep evolutionary links between fermented food and social behavior.
For the first time, wild chimpanzees have been observed eating and sharing fruit that contains alcohol.
A research team from the University of Exeter installed cameras in Guinea-Bissau’s Cantanhez National Park to monitor the behavior.
The footage captured chimpanzees sharing fermented African breadfruit, which was confirmed to contain ethanol. This discovery raises intriguing questions about whether chimpanzees intentionally consume alcohol and what effects it might have on their behavior.
Alcohol and social bonding in humans and chimps
In humans, alcohol consumption is believed to date back deep into evolutionary history and is often associated with social bonding.
And the new study suggests our closest relatives might be doing something similar.
“For humans, we know that drinking alcohol leads to a release of dopamine and endorphins, and resulting feelings of happiness and relaxation,” said Anna Bowland, from the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall.
Chimpanzees sharing fruit. Credit: Bowland et al. “We also know that sharing alcohol, including through traditions such as feasting, helps to form and strengthen social bonds.
“So – now we know that wild chimpanzees are eating and sharing ethanolic fruits – the question is: could they be getting similar benefits?”
Chimpanzees filmed sharing low-alcohol fruit
The researchers used motion-activated cameras, which filmed chimps sharing fermented fruits on 10 separate occasions.
Fruit shared by these chimps was tested for alcohol content. The highest level found was the equivalent of 0.61% ABV (Alcohol By Volume – a measure used in alcoholic drinks).
This is relatively low. But the researchers say it may be the “tip of the iceberg”, as 60-85% of chimps’ diet is fruit, so low levels of alcohol in various foods could add up to significant consumption.
Evolutionary roots of alcohol metabolism
The researchers stress that chimps are unlikely to get “drunk” – as this would clearly not improve their survival chances.
Two adult females feed on a remnant of fermented African breadfruit. Credit: Bowland et al. The impact of alcohol on chimps’ metabolism is unknown. But recent discoveries of a molecular adaptation that greatly increased ethanol metabolism in the common ancestor of African apes suggest eating fermented fruits may have ancient origins in species, including humans and chimps.
“Chimps don’t share food all the time, so this behavior with fermented fruit might be important,” said Dr Kimberley Hockings, also from the University of Exeter.
“We need to find out more about whether they deliberately seek out ethanolic fruits and how they metabolize it, but this behavior could be the early evolutionary stages of ‘feasting’. If so, it suggests the human tradition of feasting may have its origins deep in our evolutionary history.”
Reference:
“Wild chimpanzees share fermented fruits”
by Anna C. Bowland, Elena Bersacola, Marina Ramon, Joana Bessa, Amanda D. Melin, Matthew A. Carrigan, Xavier A. Harrison and Kimberley J. Hockings, 21 April 2025, Current Biology.
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.02.067
Funding: Primate Society of Great Britain
I wouldn’t get too close to drunk chimps…
A full grown male chimp can rip you to pieces..........................
Unfettered speculation. Nice that we have so much money we (U.K.) can finance this study. Have already seen film of “drunk” animals(pre CGI, and AI)
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DAIDJ-sTuoO8&ved=2ahUKEwjN9uvBwZaNAxWhBe8CHfsDH9QQwqsBegQIERAG&usg=AOvVaw2ORnTai0cCCJZzlyNiva_D
It’ll no doubt end up with some late-night antelope tipping....
I thought it was gonna be a photo of Eric swallwell sharing alcohol with someone
“...Have already seen film of “drunk” animals.....”
Here we call it C-SPAN 1 & 2.................
Humans produce about 3 grams of ethanol per day through gut fermentation of sugars by bacteria in our gut.
Fun fact of the day.
Good point about the difference in cannabis based culture and ethanol base. Less fighting(and everything else) with cannabis plant abuse.
Good one....
....wonder how evolution taught man how to mass produce ethanol?
Hummingbirds prefer my “fermented” feeders.
Not drunks, just buzz buddies...
Heehee! And wildebeests beware! Too Good thing Jane Goodall isn’t still around or she’d be in for a panty raid!
If it weren't for alcohol, half of us wouldn't even be here!
Weird, you should look into those Cannabis culture histories and current state.
Just look at the hood apes in any dem city to see what their behavior would be.
Funny but true, and not just from sex, but from the countless conversations of leaders over drinks, the meeting places, the inns and taverns, the feasts and celebrations.
Female chimpanzees know what the aftermath will be they head for isolated tree areas.
Yeah, Genghis Khan and his Mongolian Horde were ever so peaceful. Must have been why they spread the “peace” of cannabis all over.
I hope they don’t drink and swing.
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