Story perspectives

Study Reveals Chimpanzees' Daily Alcohol Consumption in Uganda

2/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Aleksey Maro's study in Kibale National Park, Uganda, provides compelling evidence for the drunken monkey hypothesis.
The study shows wild chimpanzees consume ethanol in fermented fruit.
Urine from 19 chimpanzees showed 17 positive for ethyl glucuronide, indicating about two standard drinks daily.
Male chimpanzees exhibited higher ethanol levels, suggesting potential resource hoarding.
Future studies will determine whether chimpanzees seek more alcoholic fruits and what this reveals about evolution.

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Story summary

Aleksey Maro's study in Kibale National Park, Uganda, provides compelling evidence for the drunken monkey hypothesis.
The study shows wild chimpanzees consume ethanol in fermented fruit.
Urine from 19 chimpanzees showed 17 positive for ethyl glucuronide, indicating about two standard drinks daily.
Male chimpanzees exhibited higher ethanol levels, suggesting potential resource hoarding.
Future studies will determine whether chimpanzees seek more alcoholic fruits and what this reveals about evolution.