Chimpanzee Diet: What do chimpanzees eat?
The first time you hear a chimp smack its lips over a raw monkey thigh, it kind of changes your view of fruit-loving primates.
You might have seen them eating fruits and now think this is the only food these stubborn primates feed on. Well, today, you shall explore a few more chimpanzees diet that may blow your mind.
Fruit Comes First
Fruit makes up most of a chimpanzee’s diet. This is considered the chimpanzee’s signature diet. Chimpanzees can ear fruits daily and throughout the day, sometimes for hours. When fruit is easy to find, chimps barely look at anything else. Bananas, pawpaw, wild figs, and other soft, sugar-packed snacks keep them going.
But fruit seasons shift and they are hard to find, chimpanzees just move on to leaves, seeds, and bark. Seeds and nuts come with a bit of work—some need cracking, some need prying. Chimps manage just fine. They’re patient and have time.
Chimpanzees eat meat.
Like humans, Chimpanzees are omnivorous – meaning besides all the vegetarian diet, they also feed on meat. Not every day, but enough to make you think twice about calling them gentle.
When necessary, you will see chimpanzees hunting. Mostly in groups and when they do, red colobus monkeys are a favorite target. The hunts are planned, quick, and messy. One chases. Others cut off escape and when it works, they eat together. Most of the time.
Chimpanzees don’t stop at monkeys. They’ll grab a bush baby or squirrel too. One of the most fundamental reason for chimpanzees eating meat is to acquire protein. It’s social, too.
Chimpanzees’ eating habits are pretty close to that of humans. Some foods must be prepared before they can be consumed while some fruits are chewed to form little balls. Sometimes, you will see chimpanzees dipping fruits in water before sucking the juice.
Insects and ants.
When meat’s not around and fruit’s boring, chimps eat insects. Termites and ants are the most common in the list. Chimpanzees eat insects in an exciting way. They use sticks like fishing rods to get them out. It’s simple. Stick goes in. Bugs come out. Chimps chew and that’s it.
This tool use is passed is a learned skill that every chimpanzee learns from their adult parents. Young chimps copy the older ones. They watch, mess it up, then get it right.
Chimpanzee looking for insects
Suggested Safari Itineraries
Here’s what a chimp’s weekly menu might look like:
| Food Type | Examples | Routine |
| Fruit | Figs, bananas, papayas | Daily |
| Leaves | Shoots, tree leaves | Often |
| Meat | Monkeys, bush babies | Occasionally |
| Insects | Termites, ants | Regularly |
| Seeds/Nuts | Palm kernels, hard-shelled | When available |
Water Without Bottles
Chimps don’t carry water bottles. They get most of their fluids from fruit. But when it’s dry, they drink from puddles, streams, or tree holes. Sometimes they chew leaves, roll them into little sponges, and dip them into water. No filters. Just forest tricks.
Eating and Status
Food affects everything in chimp society. High-ranking chimps take first. Lower ones wait or steal. Sharing isn’t always kind—it’s strategic. Food can calm a fight, start a fight, or build an alliance. It’s not lunch. It’s politics.
Chimpanzee Kabi during the walk in Tchimpounga sanctuary nearby forest.
Chimpanzee diet Commonly Asked Questions
Do chimpanzees eat meat?
Yes, much as chimpanzees are primarily frugivorous, when necessary, chimpanzees will be seen hunting and feeding on monkey meat. This explains why it’s hard for monkeys to co-exist on the same habitat with monkeys.
Do Chimpanzees eat other chimpanzees?
Despite the fact that infanticide and cannibalism is common in some chimpanzee communities, maternal cannibalism appears to be exceedingly rare. This is likely due to the inhibitory action of strong maternal affiliation, despite potential nutritional benefits.
Suggested Safari Itineraries
Can chimpanzees eat human food?
Precisely put, yes. But, just like humans, chimps do have their own dietary preference and needs too. Depending on whether or not the chimp is living in captivity, these primates are flexible to adapt to the provided food. For example, many chimps are seen eating eggplants, sweet potatoes, bananas, green beans and more.
The most common food for chimpanzees is yellow bananas.
Conclusion
So, what do chimpanzees eat? Pretty much anything they can grab that doesn’t bite back too hard. Fruit fills their bellies and the juiciest one for chimpanzees is definitely the wild figs. Meat fuels their social games and gives them proteins. Insects keep them busy.
Because of their unique diet and relatively smaller size, chimpanzees may live up to 90 years.
If you want to see the action up close—minus the fig breath and monkey screams—book a chimpanzee tracking experience with Nata Adventures today. Just don’t pack a banana in your bag.
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