Advanced age influences chimpanzee behavior in small social groups (2000)

Baker, K. C.

Abstract

This study represents a baseline assessment of the relationship between advancing age and behavior among male and female chimpanzees living in pairs and trios in indoor/outdoor runs. ... Old chimpanzees showed less aggression and moved about their enclosures less. Old females behaved submissively more often than younger adult females; the reverse was found among males. However, affiliative social behavior occurred at similar levels in old and younger adult chimpanzees, implying continued need for social housing with advancing age. ... Old chimpanzees manipulated objects ... less, which may influence the success of certain environmental enhancements for aged individuals.