Wild chimps caught on camera for the first time sharing boozy fruit

Yahoo! News - Apr 26th, 2025

In a groundbreaking observation, researchers from the University of Exeter documented wild chimpanzees in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa, sharing and consuming fermented African breadfruit containing ethanol. Captured on video for the first time, the chimps were seen indulging in fruit with a low alcohol content of 0.61% ABV, unlikely to cause intoxication. This behavior, akin to human social drinking, may foster social bonds among the primates, as suggested by ecologist Anna Bowland. The video evidence, published in the journal Current Biology, offers a rare glimpse into the possible evolutionary roots of feasting and social sharing behaviors in chimps.

The implications of this study are substantial, suggesting that the consumption of ethanolic fruits by chimpanzees could be an ancient behavioral trait with potential evolutionary significance. Dr. Kimberley Hockings of the University of Exeter noted the rarity of food sharing among chimps, indicating that this behavior might signify something more profound. The research aims to explore whether chimps seek out these fruits deliberately and how they metabolize ethanol, possibly shedding light on the evolutionary origins of human alcohol consumption and social rituals. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding primate behavior and its connection to human evolution.

Current Biology Alcohol Consumption Guinea Bissau Chimpanzees Social Behavior University Of Exeter Anna Bowland Kimberley Hockings Cantanhez National Park

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RATING

8.0

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article is a well-researched and factual account of a scientific study on chimpanzees sharing fermented fruit. It is supported by credible sources, primarily the University of Exeter and the journal *Current Biology*. The narrative is clear and accessible, effectively communicating the findings and their potential implications. However, the article could benefit from a more balanced perspective by including views from other experts in the field. Additionally, while the speculative evolutionary claims are intriguing, they require further evidence to be fully convincing. Overall, the article offers valuable insights into primate behavior, with moderate public interest and engagement potential, primarily within scientific circles.

Accuracy

The story presents a factual account of chimpanzees in West Africa sharing fermented fruit, supported by research from the University of Exeter. The location, Cantanhez National Park in Guinea-Bissau, and the involvement of the University of Exeter are accurately reported. The claim that chimpanzees were filmed sharing fruit with 0.61% ABV aligns with the reported findings. However, the article's speculation on evolutionary behavior and social bonding parallels with humans requires further verification. The article accurately cites the publication in *Current Biology*, which lends credibility to the findings. Overall, the factual elements are well-supported, though some speculative claims about evolutionary implications need further evidence.

Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of the researchers from the University of Exeter, focusing on the scientific aspects of the chimpanzees' behavior. While it provides insights into potential evolutionary implications, it lacks alternative viewpoints, such as those from other experts in primatology or evolutionary biology. The article could benefit from including perspectives that might challenge or support the findings, thereby offering a more balanced view. The focus on the researchers' conclusions without contrasting opinions suggests a slight imbalance in perspective.

Clarity

The article is well-structured, with a clear narrative flow from the discovery of the behavior to its potential implications. The language is accessible, making complex scientific concepts understandable to a general audience. The use of direct quotes from researchers adds clarity to the findings. However, the speculative nature of some claims about evolutionary behavior could be better distinguished from established facts to enhance clarity.

Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, notably the University of Exeter and the journal *Current Biology*. These are reputable institutions, lending authority to the claims made. The inclusion of direct quotes from researchers like Anna Bowland and Dr. Kimberley Hockings adds reliability. The article does not appear to suffer from conflicts of interest, as it presents findings from a scientific study. However, the reliance on a single research team could be seen as a limitation in source diversity.

Transparency

The article is transparent about the study's methodology, mentioning the use of cameras to capture chimpanzee behavior. It references the publication in *Current Biology*, providing a clear basis for the claims. However, it could improve transparency by detailing the study's sample size, duration, and specific methods used to analyze the behavior. Additionally, while it discusses potential evolutionary implications, it does not fully disclose the limitations or uncertainties associated with these interpretations.