The English word chimpanzee is first recorded in 1738. It is derived from Vili ci-mpenze or Tshiluba language chimpenze, with a meaning of " See more

Adult chimpanzees have an average standing height of 150 cm (4 ft 11 in). Wild adult males weigh between 40 and 70 kg (88 and 154 lb), and females weigh between 27 and 50 kg (60 and 110 lb). In exceptional cases, certain individuals may considerably … See more

The chimpanzee is a highly adaptable species. It lives in a variety of habitats, including dry savanna, evergreen rainforest, montane forest, swamp forest, and dry See more

Chimpanzees display numerous signs of intelligence, from the ability to remember symbols to cooperation, tool use, and varied language capabilities. They are among species that have passed the mirror test, suggesting self-awareness. In one study, two young … See more

The first great ape known to Western science in the 17th century was the "orang-outang" (genus Pongo), the local Malay name being recorded in Java by the Dutch physician Jacobus Bontius. In 1641, the Dutch anatomist Nicolaes Tulp applied the name to a … See more

Recent studies have suggested that human observers influence chimpanzee behaviour. One suggestion is that drones, camera traps, and … See more

In culture
Chimpanzees are rarely represented in African culture, as people find their resemblance to humans discomforting. The See more