Chimps Ingest Alcohol Daily: Study

Published: Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 1:12 am

Chimpanzees Consume Alcohol Daily, Study Suggests

A new study published in the journal *Science Advances* reveals that chimpanzees in the wild consume alcohol daily, supporting the "drunken monkey theory" about the origins of human alcohol consumption. Researchers found that these primates ingest the equivalent of at least one alcoholic drink per day through the consumption of ripe, fermenting fruit.

The study, led by Aleksey Maro, collected and analyzed fruit consumed by chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The researchers measured the ethanol content, which is produced during the fermentation of sugars. Their findings indicate that chimpanzees consume approximately 14 grams (half an ounce) of alcohol daily. This amount, when adjusted for body size, is comparable to a pint of beer for humans.

This discovery aligns with the "drunken monkey theory," proposed over a decade ago, which suggests that humans' affinity for alcohol and their ability to metabolize it are inherited traits from primate ancestors. The theory posits that our ancestors developed a taste for alcohol through the regular consumption of fermented fruit.

While the theory was initially met with skepticism, it has gained credibility as studies have shown that some primates consume fermented fruit and even show a preference for fruit with higher alcohol content. The new study is considered a significant contribution to the field, with one expert calling it a "tour de force."

The research also raises new questions about the biological and behavioral effects of chronic, low-level alcohol exposure in primates. Further studies are needed to determine whether chimpanzees actively seek out boozy fruit or simply consume it when available. Researchers aim to continue studying this phenomenon to gain a deeper understanding of the origins of human alcohol consumption and its potential risks and benefits.

BNN's Perspective: This study provides fascinating insights into the evolutionary roots of human behavior. While the findings are intriguing, it's important to remember that correlation does not equal causation. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of these findings and the complex relationship between alcohol consumption and human health.

Keywords: chimpanzees, alcohol consumption, drunken monkey theory, fermented fruit, primates, ethanol, evolutionary biology, Aleksey Maro, Science Advances, human behavior

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