Chimp comforted by kissing

For people, a hug and comforting words can help a lot of relief. It turned out that chimpanzees hugged each other for that purpose.

Researchers who have learned about our relatives and find bully animals will greatly reduce stress when a third child comes to comfort with hugs.

"When kissing, the comforter will press his lips on the opponent's body, usually on the top of his head or behind his back, with one hand or both hands embracing the weak," said Dr. N. Fraser at the University. Liverpool John Moores in England said.

As a result, the victim animal will reduce stress behaviors such as scratching and restlessness.

Dr. Frans de Waal at Emory University in Atlanta, USA, said the study is very important because it shows the relationship between comfort and stress relief. While chimpanzees are sympathetic, the monkey is not like that. There is also evidence of similar behavior in birds and dogs, but it has not been proven to reduce stress.

(Photo: help-primates.org)

Fraser and colleagues investigated a Chester zoo chimpanzee group in the UK from January 2005 to September 2006, recording attacks such as biting, hitting, chasing, threatening, stomping.

The results show that chimpanzees comfort stressed victims by giving a friendly gesture. This consolation often happens when couples have a close relationship.