Scientists Film Wild Chimpanzees Sharing Alcoholic Fruit

A team of researchers from the University of Exeter in the UK filmed wild chimpanzees sharing alcoholic fruit for the first time in Cantanhez National Park in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. Using motion-activated cameras, the team captured footage of chimpanzees sharing fermented breadfruit in 10 different instances. This behavior suggests that the sharing of fermented fruit may serve as a bonding activity comparable to human alcohol consumption, with the researchers noting that it may have played a long-standing role in hominoid societies.

The researchers observed that chimps prioritize late ripe fruits with higher alcohol content in their interactions, indicating a preference for fermented fruits. This behavior echoes the idea that the origins of feasting behavior, including alcohol consumption, may be rooted in our deep evolutionary history. Other studies have shown that non-human alcohol consumption is widespread amongst wildlife, highlighting the ecological relevance and potentially ancient nature of consuming naturally fermented fruits rich in calories and vitamins.