Chimpanzees Bond Over Fermented Fruit, Revealing Evolutionary Link to Human Feasts

Wild chimpanzees in Guinea-Bissau have been filmed bonding over fermented fruit, possibly enjoying a light “buzz” from the alcohol content. Scientists from the University of Exeter observed the chimpanzees sharing fermented African breadfruit, which contained up to 0.61% alcohol by volume. While the fruit’s alcohol content was not enough to get them drunk, their communal behavior may mimic human social bonding over drinks. The research suggests that chimpanzees, like humans, might derive benefits from alcohol consumption, such as feelings of happiness and relaxation. This discovery raises intriguing questions about the evolutionary roots of social feasting behaviors. It hints that the ancient human tradition of feasting has its origins deep in our evolutionary history.

The Guardian