Adult chimpanzees utilized play to foster cooperation among themselves.

The characteristics of primates are actively studied in the contemporary academic environment. According to recent research, monkeys are capable of articulating words from human language, calling each other by name, and experiencing stress related to self-care.

Experts from Queen Mary University of London (UK), the German Primate Center (Germany), and the international organization Centre Suisse de Recherche Scientifique (Côte d'Ivoire) analyzed the behavior of adult chimpanzees in Côte d'Ivoire and observed that, similar to humans, play helps them regulate social interactions. The study was published in the scientific journal Current Biology.

The authors of the publication monitored three cohesive groups of adult chimpanzees in Taï Forest, Côte d'Ivoire, and then conducted a more detailed analysis of the behavior of 57 monkeys. Researchers noted that adult males and females regularly play together, mimicking wrestling, biting, and chasing. The positive nature of these interactions is emphasized by sounds that researchers compare to human laughter, along with a unique, "playful" facial expression.

Chimpanzees most often engaged in play shortly before events that required cooperation. This could include activities such as hunting or defending territory against hostile outsiders. Monkeys that played together were subsequently more likely to cooperate in such situations. According to the researchers, play may signal a willingness to collaborate, thereby strengthening interactions.

Moreover, monkeys were more likely to initiate play during periods of heightened social tension. For instance, when competing for mates or following recent disagreements. Based on this, scientists suggested that play can alleviate tension and resolve conflicts.

“We demonstrate that social play among adult chimpanzees can foster the development of a range of cooperative behaviors—from pair interactions to complex, risky actions that require coordination among multiple individuals,” explained the authors of the article.

Nonetheless, the researchers noted that their findings may not reflect the play characteristics in other populations of chimpanzees. This species exhibits a diversity of behaviors, and different populations may have distinct traits.