Affiliative social contagion in captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes): The happy neighbor effect (2001)

Fritz, J., Klein, C., Chambers, C. et al.

Abstract

Both studies found a significant positive correlation between grooming in the focal group and grooming vocalizations in neighboring social groups (p < 0.01). Results suggest grooming vocalizations may be a mechanism for social contagion in chimpanzees. Research continues to test the captive management implications including the placement of "Happy Neighbors" within a colony environment to encourage affiliative social group interactions in neighboring social groups.