It turns out that the phrase “Let’s have a drink together” might not just be popular among humans but also among primates. Recently, researchers from the University of Exeter made a groundbreaking observation: they documented chimpanzees sharing alcohol for the first time. Motion-sensor cameras set up by the scientists in Cantanhez National Park in Guinea-Bissau captured chimpanzees exchanging fermented fruits from the African breadfruit tree, which contain ethanol. The researchers explored this unusual behavior and published their findings in the journal Current Biology.
What did the scientists report? According to the university team, the shared consumption of alcohol among primates suggests that certain social bonds make them similar to humans. “We have documented for the first time the repeated and communal consumption of naturally fermented African breadfruit by wild chimpanzees, with confirmed ethanol content,” the researchers stated in their report. They hope that these recent observations will help them learn more about this behavior in primates. “Chimpanzees do not share food all the time, so this behavior with fermented fruits could be significant. We need to learn more about whether they intentionally seek out fruits containing ethanol and how they metabolize it; this behavior could represent an early evolutionary stage of feasting,” noted Kimberly Hawkins, the lead researcher.
The team tested the fruits shared by the chimpanzees for alcohol content and found that the highest level was 0.6% ABV (a measure used to determine the strength of alcoholic beverages). By human standards, this amount is relatively low. For comparison, the alcohol content of beer typically ranges from 4-6%. However, since up to 85% of a chimpanzee’s diet consists of fruits, the total ethanol consumption could be higher, as reported by the Independent.
According to the researchers, this discovery could be just the “tip of the iceberg” regarding primate behavior related to alcohol consumption. “We know that alcohol consumption in humans leads to the release of dopamine and endorphins, as well as feelings of happiness and relaxation. We also know that sharing alcohol, particularly in the context of traditions like partying, helps to form and strengthen social bonds,” remarked Anna Bowland, a co-author of the study. This observation of primates consuming alcohol together raises several complex questions about their behavior, according to the scientists.
Overall, the study suggests that the consumption of fermented fruits may have ancient roots in species such as humans and chimpanzees. The authors of the paper also proposed that the human tradition of feasting could have deep evolutionary roots. However, the researchers still do not know how alcohol affects the metabolism of chimpanzees.