Chimpanzees Consume Daily Ethanol Equivalent to a Beer from Ripe Figs
Studies of apes in their natural habitat reveal they imbibe the alcoholic equivalent of a small beer on a regular basis through their diet of overripe fruit.
Study from African National Parks
Experts tested alcohol content in fruit gathered from the ground eaten by chimpanzees in Kibale National Park and Ivory Coast woodlands.
While individual fruits had less than 0.5% alcohol, the apes’ daily intake increased as they devoured significant amounts of fermented fruit flesh.
Fig fruits were a particular favorite among the apes, containing some of the highest ethanol concentrations observed.
Daily Ethanol Intake Equivalent to a Standard Drink
According to scientific analysis, male and female wild chimps consume around 14 grams of pure ethanol per day.
This quantity is comparable to one standard US drink.
“The apes consume 5 to 10% of their mass in ripe fruit daily, so even low concentrations yield a substantial intake of alcohol,” explained one researcher.
Historical Link to Primate Alcohol Consumption
This consumption aligns with the “drunken monkey” theory, which proposes that modern attraction to drinking may have roots in our primate ancestors.
The desire for energy-rich fermented fruit may have resulted in a biological tendency toward ethanol intake.
Not the First Examples of Primate Drinking
Earlier research have documented apes practicing habitual drinking, with some starting as in the morning.
Other animals also drink ethanol in the natural environment, including small primates that prefer highly alcoholic drinks when accessible.
No Signs of Drunkenness
Even with consuming up to 4.5kg of fermented fruit per day, chimpanzees display little visible effects of intoxication.
Scientists suggest that to feel the noticeable impact of ethanol, the chimpanzees would need to eat even more fruit—to the point to make them uncomfortably full.
Context with People’s Drinking Recommendations
Health organizations recommend that humans limit drink intake to reduce health risks.
Studies show that there is no entirely risk-free amount of alcohol intake for humans.
