Are Chimpanzees Capable of Empathy?

Researchers investigate pro-social behavior in Gabon’s chimps, which appear to apply insects as medicine on the wounds of fellow apes.

By Gabe Allen
Mar 8, 2022 2:40 PM
Chimpanzee
(Credit: zahorec/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Three years ago in the central African country of Gabon, a mother chimpanzee, Suzee, lounged on the forest floor with her two offspring, Sassandra and Sia. Sassandra scrambled up and down the trunk of a nearby tree, while Suzee casually swiped an insect from the underside of a leaf and placed it between her own lips. The action sparked curiosity in Sassandra, who reached for the object, but Suzee pushed her aside playfully. Then the mother chimp took hold of Sia’s nearby foot and placed the insect onto an open wound.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2023 Kalmbach Media Co.