Yes, just like humans, chimpanzees can use tools for different reasons. It is not later than 1960 that this discovery of chimpanzees using tools was first noticed. Before this discovery, chimpanzees were not equal to humans in any similar way. However, when it was found that chimpanzees not only use tools but also make tools, their precision changed.
Chimpanzees were first recorded to be using tools in 1960 in Gombe Stream National Park by Jane Goodall. Dr. Jane Goodall was a prominent primatologist and anthropologist who for a long time researched and sent most of her time researching the chimpanzees.
During her early years in Africa, especially in Gombe National Park in Tanzania, she closely monitored wild chimpanzees. She discovered that chimpanzees can use and make tools after observing them for a while. Her discovery led to extensive research in the following years that later affirmed her discovery.
With this discovery that chimpanzees use tools, it is without a doubt that they share up to 99.8% of their DNA with humans. The use of tools by chimpanzees is more of a survival instinct than a fun experience. This generally means that the urge to survive pushed them to develop exceptional skills that would help them in the wild.
The use of tools by chimpanzees shows how they are intellectually gifted. It also shows the amount of creativity and problem-solving skills they possess. This is practically shown by these chimpanzees in why they use tools. There are several reasons that describe what chimpanzee primates use tools for. Some of these reasons are outlined below.
Hunting
Chimpanzees use tools to hunt and stab their prey. It is also good to understand that chimpanzees are not generally herbivorous but rather omnivorous. This is because they feed on both vegetation and meat, especially smaller primates like colobus monkeys and vervet monkeys. Chimpanzees sharpen sticks that they use to tear the skins of their prey before they feed on them.
Fishing for termites
Chimpanzees also use sticks to fish out termites from ant hills. Termites are a very important snack for chimpanzees as they are rich in protein. This means they are a good complement to the diet of a chimpanzee.
Harvesting honey
Chimpanzees use sticks to harvest honey or check for its readiness in the wild. These primates have been spotted using sticks to knock down bee hives and chase away bees. They then use the sticks to crack open the hives to remove the honey.
Cracking nuts
These primates also use tools like rocks and heavy stones to crack hard nuts open. They use the rocks and a hammer to crack open the hard shells of nuts. This tactic shows how these incredible primates are excellent at choosing their tools.
Drinking water
By using leaves curved like sponges to drink water. Chimpanzees sometimes use leaves to drink water from a water source in their habitat.
Where to see chimpanzees in the wild?
Africa is a gifted continent since it is the only place where chimpanzees can be spotted in the wild. There are several destinations in this continent where visitors from across the world can go to spot these chimpanzees. Some of the destinations include the following.
Kibale National Park
Situated in the heart of Uganda, Kibale Forest National Park is the primate capital of the world. Kibale National Park is the leading ultimate chimpanzee destination in the region. It hosts over 1,500 chimpanzees. Visitors across the world can venture into this park’s wilderness for chimpanzee trekking. Kibale National Park stretches for over 776 square kilometers.
Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park is located in the southern region of Rwanda, bordering Burundi. It is also another chimpanzee destination where visitors can track these primates. Approximately 500 chimpanzees call this epic destination their home. The park offers an unmatched experience of a canopy walk to spot the chimpanzees from above.
Kyambura Gorge
The Valley of Apes, Kyambura Gorge, is another destination where chimpanzees can be encountered. It is located in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park in the western region of Uganda. This Valley of Apes is an 11-16-kilometer gorge extending about 100 meters deep that is home to over 100 chimpanzees.
Budongo Forest Reserve
Budongo Forest Reserve is Uganda’s most treasured forest reserve, where chimpanzee trekking takes place. The Budongo forest, stretching over 825 square kilometers, is the largest mahogany forest in East Africa. It is home to approximately 600 chimpanzees. It is located near Murchison Falls National Park.
Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream National Park, neighboring Lake Tanganyika, is also a prominent area where chimpanzees are found. It is famous for hosting the renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, who discovered the use of tools in chimpanzees. One could say this is the mother place for this ultimate discovery. About 150 chimpanzees inhabit this park.