Chimpanzee

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The common chimpanzee is found mostly in the tropical forests of Western and Central Africa. Their habitat, like many animals in Africa, has been dramatically reduced in recent years. Mostly vegetarian, chimpanzees will eat meat when it is available. Chimpanzees will sometimes band together and hunt prey, killing Leopard cubs (the Leopard is the Chimpanzee’s main natural predator), in isolated cases other Chimpanzees, as well as preying on human flesh. Chimpanzees live in communities that range in size from 20 to 150 members. They spend as much time in trees as they do on the ground. They live in a fission/fusion society, where mating is promiscuous. Males are at the core of social structures protecting group members and searching for food. Members will form various groups such as all males, adult females with offspring, a female with her offspring, or a single individual. Gestation period is about eight months and the infant is weaned at about eight months. Offspring usually stay with their mother till the age of ten. In captivity, Chimpanzees can live to the age of fifty. The intelligence of the Chimpanzee has been seen in many cases through their use of tools, understanding and use of sign language, empathy towards others, play, appreciation of natural beauty, and displays of mourning.

Chimpanzee - Fast Facts

Type: Mammal
Diet: Omnivore
Average lifespan in the wild: 45 years
Size: Adult Height, 4 - 5.5 ft (1.2 - 1.7 m)
Weight: 70 to 132 lbs (32 to 60 kg)
Group name: Community
Status: ENDANGERED

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