Chimps on a Fruity Tip: The Boozy Side of Jungle Life

In the heart of Uganda and Côte d’Ivoire, chimpanzees have a secret: they’re sipping on nature’s cocktail. These wild chimps munch on about 10 pounds of fruit daily, which happens to be fermented and packed with alcohol. Scientists found that this fruity feast contains around 14 grams of pure ethanol, equivalent to two standard alcoholic drinks for humans. But why do chimps go for these boozy fruits? It’s a mystery, but researchers think it might be because these fruits are riper and sweeter, making them more appealing. Interestingly, even though chimps consume a lot of alcohol, they don’t get drunk. To feel a buzz, they’d have to eat so much fruit that they’d feel stuffed. This discovery sheds light on our own ancestors. Scientists believe that our love for alcohol might stem from our primate relatives’ fondness for fermented fruit. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the past and a reminder that chimps, like us, have a taste for the good stuff.