Empathy Among Apes: Study Finds Bonobos and Chimpanzees Console Equally.

A new study from Durham University challenges long-standing beliefs about empathy in our closest primate relatives, showing that both bonobos and chimpanzees demonstrate similar tendencies to console distressed peers. Conducted by psychologists observing 90 apes living in sanctuaries, the research emphasizes that variations in empathic behavior are greater within each species than between them.

Led by Dr. Jake Brooker, the team observed 40 bonobos at the Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo and 50 chimpanzees at the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage in Zambia. Over 1,400 hours of observation, researchers documented how individuals responded to naturally occurring distress events—such as social conflicts or fights—among their group members.

Contrary to the widespread assumption that bonobos are inherently more empathic than chimpanzees, the findings revealed that both species offered comfort at comparable rates. Instead, differences were more pronounced on an individual and group level, suggesting that empathy in apes is influenced by age, social bonds, and group dynamics rather than species alone.

Notably, younger individuals across both species were more likely to console others. In bonobos, young apes also received more consolation, while among chimpanzees, young males and those with close social ties were most often the ones to comfort distressed companions. Behaviors recorded included embracing, hand-holding, and gentle touching—gestures strikingly similar to how humans console each other.

Dr. Brooker noted, “Bonobos have long been regarded as the more compassionate ape, while chimpanzees are often portrayed as aggressive. But our data show chimpanzees console one another just as frequently as bonobos do.”

Senior author Professor Zanna Clay added that the findings support the idea that empathic behaviors such as consolation are traits shared not only by humans but also by both bonobos and chimpanzees. This implies that such emotional sensitivity may have been present in a common ancestor shared by all three species.

Looking ahead, the researchers highlight the need for further studies in diverse settings, particularly in the wild, to deepen our understanding of how empathy evolves and is expressed across different social environments. This ongoing work could offer valuable insight into the roots of human social behavior.

Source:https://phys.org/news/2025-04-empathic-comforting-varies-bonobo-chimpanzee.html

This is non-financial/medical advice and made using AI so could be wrong.