Wild chimps in guinea enjoy alcohol consumption like their human cousins researchers have found evidence the apes use leaves for drinking the 3 alcohol by volume fermented palm sap some to the point of visible drunkenness

Wild Chimps in Guinea: Unleashing Their Inner Party Animals

Wild chimps in Guinea are showing us that partying isn’t just a human phenomenon. Researchers have made a fascinating discovery - these intelligent creatures enjoy alcohol consumption just like their human cousins. They have found compelling evidence that these apes utilize leaves to drink fermented palm sap, which contains a staggering 3% alcohol by volume. Some of these chimps indulge so much that they exhibit visible signs of drunkenness.

This extraordinary discovery was made by scientists who had set their sights on understanding the behavior and diet of wild chimpanzees. Their findings have been published in the esteemed scientific journal, Royal Society Open Science. The research not only sheds light on the behavior of our closest relatives but also hints at the evolutionary origins of alcohol consumption.

The study took place in Bossou, a small village in Guinea, West Africa. Researchers observed the wild chimps in their natural habitat for over seventeen months. What they discovered surprised and intrigued the scientific community. These intelligent primates possess a truly sophisticated drinking technique. They skillfully fold fresh leaves into a cup-like shape and hold them beneath the flow of fermented palm sap, allowing the liquid to trickle directly into their mouths.

It was observed that not all chimpanzees have access to this unique alcoholic beverage. The palm sap is tapped from raffia tree trunks by local villagers, typically to make a sweet syrup and alcohol. However, the apes have figured out how to seek out the fermented sap directly from the trunks, relishing in its intoxicating effects. This behavior suggests not only their ability to adapt and learn from their environment but also their preference for alcohol.

Similar to humans, the overindulgence in palm sap leads to visible signs of intoxication in the wild chimps. They can be seen staggering, swaying, vocalizing loudly, and even falling down from the trees. These behaviors serve as striking reminders of the similarity between humans and our primate relatives. However, it’s crucial to note that not all chimps partake in excessive drinking, and different individuals have varying levels of alcohol tolerance.

The consumption of alcohol by wild chimps raises fascinating questions about the origins of alcohol consumption in humans. The researchers believe that the shared love for alcohol might have a common evolutionary basis. The ability to detect and consume fermented fruits, nectar, or sap could have provided early humans with a valuable survival advantage. This behavior could have led to the development of a taste for alcohol and eventually the cultivation and fermentation of beverages.

In conclusion, the discovery of wild chimps in Guinea enjoying alcohol consumption like humans opens up exciting avenues of research. It highlights the intelligence, adaptability, and similarity between our species and our primate relatives. As we continue to explore our complex relationship with alcohol, studying the behaviors of animals like chimpanzees can provide us with valuable insights into the evolutionary and cultural aspects of alcohol consumption.

Source: The Royal Society Open Science