News Animals

For adult chimps, playing may be more important than previously thought

The role of play among adult chimpanzees has been understudied. New research aims to fix that

A chimpanzee looks closely into the camera, while four other chimps sit in a group close behind her

Play behavior among adult chimpanzees may have many benefits such as reducing group tension or boosting cooperation.

Cyril Ruoso/Minden Pictures

By Gennaro Tomma

You are never too old to play — a maxim that even adult chimpanzees seem to follow.

Young chimpanzees are already known to get many benefits from playing. But it seems to also be more important among adult chimps than previously thought.