In Zambia's Chimfunshi sanctuary, chimpanzee Julie initiated a behavior of placing grass in her ear, which quickly spread to her group and persisted after her death in 2013. This behavior showed the emergence of cultural tradition among the chimps. A new behavior called grass-in-rear was later introduced by another chimp, Juma. Researchers noted that these grass-based behaviors lack clear practical purpose, yet they signify social norms and cultural practices in chimpanzee communities.
Fifteen years ago in a sanctuary in Zambia, inspiration struck a chimpanzee named Julie, who introduced the behavior of placing grass in her ear, leading to cultural tradition within her group.
After Julie's death in 2013, her grass-in-ear behavior persisted among her peers Kathy and Val, highlighting the lasting impact of cultural expressions in chimpanzee society.
A chimp named Juma at the Chimfunshi sanctuary created a new behavior called grass-in-rear, demonstrating the emergence of another cultural tradition among a different group of chimps.
Researchers observed that behaviors like grass in ear and grass in rear have no clear purpose but serve as cultural markers within the chimpanzee society.
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