Chimpanzees Caught Sharing Fermented Fruit; First Evidence of Alcoholic Food Sharing in Wild Apes
2025-04-27
Researchers have observed wild chimpanzees sharing fermented African breadfruit containing measurable alcohol content, marking the first documented instance of alcoholic food sharing among nonhuman great apes in the wild. The seasonal fruit, from *Treculia africana* trees, ferments naturally after falling to the ground. Camera traps captured 17 chimps sharing the fruit on 10 occasions, with a preference for riper, higher-alcohol content fruit. While the alcohol content is relatively low (around 0.61% ABV), the fruit's prominence in their diet means significant ethanol intake is possible. However, intoxication is unlikely, offering no evolutionary benefit, and African ape ancestors may possess enhanced alcohol metabolism.