World Chimpanzee Day 2024
World Chimpanzee Day 2024
World Chimpanzee Day marks the anniversary of the day the inimitable Dr. Jane Goodall began her groundbreaking study of chimpanzees.
On July 14, 1960, Jane Goodall arrived in what is now Gombe National Park in Tanzania. She was 26 years old, with no formal training and no college degree. But she had a passion for wildlife, and she had determination. Her methods of close observation and interacting with the chimps were scoffed at – until they upended the assumptions of the day.
Thanks to Jane and the many researchers who have followed, we now know:
Use of Tool
Chimpanzees make and use tools, a behavior previously thought to be exclusively human. They use sticks to “fish” for termites, rocks to crack open nuts, and leaves as sponges or spoons to drink water.
Communication abilities
Chimpanzees use a wide variety of vocalizations, facial expressions, postures, and gestures to communicate with each other. Some chimpanzees have also been taught to use human sign language.
Emotional depth
Chimpanzees show a wide range of emotions that are similar to human emotions, including joy, anger, grief, and empathy. They are capable of strong bonds between family members and friends, and they comfort and reassure each other in times of stress.
Complex social structures
Chimpanzees live in communities of 20 to 150 individuals. Their social structure allows sub-groups to change in composition, splitting and recombining based on factors like food availability and social interactions.
Culture
Culture can be defined as behavior passed down from generation to generation by observation, learning, and practice. Different groups of chimpanzees have different tool use behaviors and social practices, a form of culture.
Problem solving
Chimpanzees exhibit a remarkable ability to solve problems. This is often demonstrated in their foraging strategies and their use of tools to obtain food that is otherwise inaccessible.
Chimpanzees are endangered
At the beginning of the 20th century, there were approximately 1 million chimpanzees in the wild. By 2003, that number had declined to less than 300,000. Chimps face a number of threats from us humans.
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Much of the chimpanzees’ natural habitat in Africa has been destroyed by logging, mining, and agriculture. As forests shrink, chimps are forced into smaller and smaller areas. Habitat fragmentation leads to isolated populations that may struggle to maintain genetic diversity.
Poaching and bushmeat trade
Chimps are hunted for their meat, which is sold on the black market as “bushmeat.” Infants are also sometimes captured and sold into the illegal pet trade, which can only be done by killing their mothers.
Disease
Chimpanzees share about 98% of their DNA with humans, which makes them susceptible to many of the same diseases we are. Diseases can have devastating effects on chimp populations. Disease transmission is facilitated by increased contact with humans as their habitats shrink.
Climate change
Changes in climate patterns can affect the availability and distribution of food, causing further strain on populations.
We can make a difference
Fortunately, there are a number of sanctuaries in Africa dedicated to rehabilitating injured and orphaned chimpanzees, until they can safely be returned to the wild. By supporting these sanctuaries, you can help save these remarkable creatures.
#WorldChimpanzeeDay