Chimps Following Trends

At a wildlife sanctuary in Zambia, chimpanzees have been displaying a quirky and unexpected behavior: decorating themselves with blades of grass. Some stick the grass in their ears, while others have started placing it in their behinds—seemingly just for fun. The trend began in 2010 with a chimp named Julie, and her group quickly adopted the habit. Remarkably, the behavior has now appeared in a second, unrelated group of chimps more than a decade later. Caregivers at the sanctuary, who provide a safe and enriching environment for these orphaned chimps, say the animals seem to enjoy the attention and shared silliness of the trend. Scientists believe the behavior serves no practical purpose but reflects a form of self-expression and group identity—suggesting that fashion, culture, and playfulness may not be uniquely human after all.

Image via CNN

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