Get ready to rethink what you know about chimpanzees! A groundbreaking study from Durham University has flipped the narrative on these primates, showing that they offer comfort in times of distress—just like bonobos, who are often labeled the more empathetic apes.

Researchers devoted an impressive 1,400 hours observing the behavior of both species, specifically focusing on their reactions to a group member in emotional turmoil, such as after a fight. The results? Chimpanzees are just as likely to console each other as their bonobo counterparts!

Interestingly, the study also revealed that older apes are less likely to offer consolation compared to younger ones. This means that emotional sensitivity develops early on in their lives, suggesting that empathy isn't just a human trait!

For bonobos, it’s the young ones who are the biggest comforters. Similarly, young male chimpanzees and their close social partners showed the highest rates of consolation.

Both species exhibited comforting behaviors comparable to humans, including embracing, hand-holding, and gentle touches. Lead researcher Dr. Jake Brooker stated, "For a long time, bonobos have been seen as the more empathic ape, while chimpanzees have been unfairly characterized as violent and despotic. However, our findings reveal that chimpanzees share similar capacity for consolation as bonobos."

This research not only alters our perception of chimpanzees but also paves the way for future studies that could illuminate the evolutionary roots of human social behavior.

The study involved 40 bonobos at the Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo and 50 chimpanzees at the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage in Zambia. Conducted with funding from the Templeton World Charity Foundation, this research is a fascinating addition to the understanding of ape behavior.