Why chimpanzees throw poop

So in a natural habitat, a chimpanzee will throw anything, but in captivity, they have had to get creative with the limited supplies within their environment. Not only is throwing poop or objects an emotional release for chimps but it is a form of communication. The better the chimp is at hitting the target, the better their communication is amongst the group.

The chimps that hit the targets more consistently and accurately show higher development in the left side of their brain. By target practice, they are improving their skills to become better communicators within the group.

Over the years researchers have analyzed the chimps in captivity and their poop throwing activity. This drama causes commotion which the chimp has come to recognize and this reinforces their behavior.

This has changed their behavior, as in the wild they would only throw poop to release anger, whereas now in zoos it is becoming more of an activity as the chimps known there will be a reaction. Research shows that chimpanzees in the wild are less likely to throw poop because they have an abundance of other objects to throw and throwing poop is not natural.

Scientists suggest that the howler monkey in the wild will throw its poop when it feels threatened or unsafe. It is used as a defense mechanism. Ease of access is not the only reason a chimpanzee will launch feces. When a chimp is in captivity, throwing poop is likely to cause a reaction—either from zoo employees or guests. Chimps will begin to associate the act throwing fecal matter to a response usually surprise or horror.

In tossing their crap, chimps realize that they can control the behavior of others to some degree. If they throw an overhand turd, people will run. While it would be easy to associate throwing poop with limited intelligence, the opposite might be true. In a study published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B , researchers at Emory University found that chimpanzees who had good aim when throwing things had more development in their motor cortex, where physical actions are coordinated.

Their left brain hemispheres, which control right-handed behavior, demonstrated more development. The rocket-armed chimps were also typically better communicators within their social groups. Another indication that hurling poop fastballs is for intellectuals: It might be premeditated. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from.

To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Visitors to the John Ball Zoological Garden thought the chimp was putting on a display, but he was clearly very upset. Within seconds, he flung poop with an underhand shot nobody saw coming. This shit happens, you know?