Ape empathy breaks species stereotypes

Have you ever comforted an unhappy friend? It turns out that our closest ape relatives do the exact same thing—and challenge the way scientists have believed for decades.

A groundbreaking new study published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior found that bonobos and chimpanzees commissioned their distressed friends at nearly the same rate. This discovers a long-standing belief that Bonobos (often called “hippie ape man”) is naturally more understanding than their chimpanzees’ expressions.

Scientists at Durham University spent over 1,400 hours watching 90 apes (40 bonobos and 50 chimpanzees) in a way that responded when their friends were frustrated in combat or other stressful situations.

“For a long time, Bonobos have been considered a more understanding ape, while chimpanzees are often referred to as violent, authoritarian apes,” explains Dr. Jake Brooker, who chairs the study. “But we find that chimpanzees are as likely to comfort each other as bonobos.”

Both species show their attention in ways that seem familiar – hug, touch and hold hands with frustrated people. This behavior is called “comfort” and is considered a sign of empathy – the ability to understand and share what others feel.

What’s especially cool is how the age of apes affects their behavior. Young apes of both species are relatively older apes to provide comfort. In Bonobos, young people are more likely to comfort others and receive comfort on their own. For chimpanzees, young men and close friends are the most comforting.

The researchers observed two wildlife reserves: Lola Ya Bonobo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chimfunshi wildlife orphanage in Zambia. These shelters provide homes for rescued apes, often orphans.

Professor Zanna Clay, who oversees the study, points to the importance of these findings: “Although empathy is very important to our own species, our findings suggest that empathic behaviors, such as comfort, seem to be shared by the two of our closest ape relatives.”

This finding suggests that the ancestors we share with these apes (about 7 million years ago) may also show empathy. This means that the root of human kindness is farther than we think!

The researchers also found that, like humans, individual apes have different personalities. Some naturally care more and comfort others quickly, while others have lower reactions – regardless of their species.

“Like humans, Bonobos and Chimpanzees may flexibly show empathy based on individuals, groups and the sociocultural surroundings,” Dr. Brooke noted.

Scientists now want to observe more apes in the wild to see if these patterns hold true in natural environments. Their findings can help us better understand apes and also understand the evolution of our own social behavior.

So the next time you comfort a friend, remember – you are participating in a tradition that we have traced back millions of years in our evolutionary genealogy!

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