Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees, or chimps, are apes that live in the forests of Africa. They have black hair and no tails. Chimps are one of the closest animal cousins to humans. They live in groups and are very social.

Tool Users

Chimpanzees are very clever. They use sticks to pull termites out of holes to eat. They also use rocks to crack open hard nuts. Young chimps learn how to use tools by watching the adults.

A map showing where chimpanzees live in Africa.
A map showing where chimpanzees live in Africa. (User:Luis Fernández García / Wikimedia Commons)

Living in Groups

Chimps live in groups called communities. A community can have up to 100 chimps. They take care of each other and clean each other's fur. Chimps talk to each other using sounds, faces, and hand movements.

Fun Facts

  • Chimpanzees share about 98 percent of their DNA with humans.
  • Chimps can walk on two legs or four legs.
  • Wild chimpanzees can live up to 50 years.

Did You Know?

Jane Goodall was the first scientist to show that chimpanzees make and use tools, just like people do.