Why Do Chimpanzees Fling Their Poop? (6 photos)

You may have never given it much thought, but surprisingly few people actually know the answer: why are chimpanzees so famous for throwing poop? It might seem funny—until you become their target. But there is a scientific explanation behind this peculiar primate behavior.





Do They Do It to Blow Off Steam?

In certain situations, chimpanzees react much like humans—we, too, might throw things when overwhelmed by emotion.



It’s the same for chimps. When feeling angry or excited, they start hurling whatever is nearby, and sometimes their own feces happens to be the closest thing at hand.

Why Poop, Specifically?

For captive primates, feces is always readily available.





When chimps are angry, they don't take time to deliberate over what to pick up and throw—they just grab what's right there. In the wild, of course, their choices are much more varied.

Why Do They Throw It at People?

Researchers have spent years analyzing this unusual behavior and concluded that when chimps hurl poop at humans, they immediately watch for a reaction.



An emotional response from a human only fuels their excitement, making them want to throw it again just to get another rise out of us.

Poop-Throwing Isn't Just About Venting

In fact, chimpanzees don't just fling poop to release tension—it's also a form of communication.



Scientists noticed an intriguing pattern: primates with better speed and accuracy show greater development in the left hemisphere of their brain, the area responsible for communication. These chimps communicate more effectively and often become leaders in their group.

Chimps Aren't the Only Ones

As researchers discovered, wild chimpanzees rarely resort to throwing poop—unlike in zoos, the wild offers plenty of other objects to throw.



However, they do have some rivals: howler monkeys in Belize. These guys throw feces both in captivity and in the wild whenever they sense danger.

Next time you visit the zoo, keep your eye on the chimps! ????