-With images and videos-
Researchers from Durham University have uncovered new insights into social contagion in chimpanzees, revealing that these primates are capable of catching friendly behaviours, which may strengthen social bonds and increase group harmony.
The study, conducted at the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage in Zambia, observed two affiliative behaviours—grooming and play—and found that these behaviours can spread among group members in a way that promotes group cohesion.
This groundbreaking study has been published in the journal PLOS ONE, which expands our understanding of social contagion, often thought to relate mostly to negative or neutral behaviours, by showing how positive social actions can also ripple through a community.
Chimpanzees, much like humans, exhibit social and emotional awareness, and their behaviours can be influenced by observing others.
In the study, individuals were more likely to begin grooming or playing after watching another chimp engage in the same activity. Importantly, grooming contagion tended to occur more frequently between close social partners, a pattern found with other empathic behaviours.
Play contagion, on the other hand, was especially pronounced in younger chimpanzees, who often rely on play as a primary form of socialisation.
The findings suggest that behavioural contagion may be an important mechanism underlying group dynamics in social animals, helping to maintain harmony and cooperative relationships.
Lead author of the study, Georgia Sandars of Durham University said: “Researching basic social processes in chimpanzees allows us to better understand healthy social functioning in our ape relatives, and gives insights into the evolution of human sociality.”
Researchers note that these processes in chimpanzees could provide a model for understanding the evolutionary roots of human social behaviour and empathy.
By highlighting the role of positive emotional contagion in a non-human primate species, the study invites further exploration into how similar processes operate across animal species, potentially shaping group living and social stability.
The study was conducted in a naturalistic, non-invasive manner, strictly adhering to ethical guidelines, and it involved over 200 hours of observation of 41 chimpanzees.
This research underscores the adaptability of primates in social interaction and offers significant contributions to fields studying animal behaviour, empathy, and social bonding.
ENDS
Media Information
Georgia Sandars and Prof Zanna Clay from Durham University are available for interview and can be contacted on georgia.sandars@durham.ac.uk and zanna.e.clay@durham.ac.uk.
Alternatively, please contact Durham University Communications Office for interview requests on communications.team@durham.ac.uk or +44 (0)191 334 8623.
Source
‘ChimpanSEE, ChimpanDO: Grooming and play contagion in chimpanzees’, (2024), G. Sandars, J. Brooker & Z. Clay, PLOS ONE.
An embargoed copy of the paper is available from Durham University Communications Office. Please email communications.team@durham.ac.uk.
Graphics
Associated images are available via the following link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/n563g7w8k8cbt1arxl95v/AP2G46a1_Vhuu41OyhwgtK4?rlkey=hdexdoxfcl1wpfrs1sro0sqoe&st=jbjlt82g&dl=0
Photo credit: Dr Jake Brooker
Video credit: Georgia Sandars
About Durham University
Durham University is a globally outstanding centre of teaching and research based in historic Durham City in the UK.
We are a collegiate university committed to inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham and in the world.
We conduct research that improves lives globally and we are ranked as a world top 100 university with an international reputation in research and education (QS World University Rankings 2025).
We are a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive UK universities and we are consistently ranked as a top 10 university in national league tables (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, Guardian University Guide and The Complete University Guide).
For more information about Durham University visit: www.durham.ac.uk/about/
END OF MEDIA RELEASE – issued by Durham University Communications Office.
Journal
PLOS ONE