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Chimpanzees are as capable of consoling distressed group members as bonobos, challenging long-held assumptions about their social behavior, according to a study made by BBC News.

Researchers from Durham University conducted 1,400 hours of observations across both species, focusing on responses to incidents of distress, such as conflicts within the group. Contrary to the traditional perception of chimpanzees as more violent and despotic compared to the more “empathic” bonobos, the study found that chimpanzees were equally likely to engage in comforting behaviors.

Observed forms of consolation included embracing, hand-holding, and gentle touching — behaviors comparable to human expressions of empathy. The study also highlighted that younger apes were more likely to console others than older individuals, suggesting that emotional responsiveness develops early in primate life. In bonobos, the youngest members were most active in offering and receiving comfort, while among chimpanzees, young males and socially close individuals demonstrated the highest levels of consolation.

Dr. Jake Brooker, the study’s lead author, stated: “For a long time, bonobos have been thought of as the more empathic ape, whilst chimpanzees are typically spoken about as the violent, despotic ape. However, we found that chimpanzees are just as likely to console one another as bonobos.”

According to Durham University, this research represents the first direct comparison of consolation behaviors between the two species. The study involved 40 bonobos at the Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo and 50 chimpanzees at the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage in Zambia.

Funded by the Templeton World Charity Foundation, the research team suggests that continued studies in this field may offer valuable insights into the evolutionary development of human social behavior.