# Primates Also Keep Pets, Study Reveals New research sheds light on the primate origins of pet-keeping behavior. - **Source:** [NYT > Science](https://brifing.si/source/794f9fbd-c10f-44d6-932d-9039af67922c) - **Published:** 2026-08-18 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c67132ae-7aa6-4bca-8f98-5ec838707402 ## Pet-Keeping in Primates A groundbreaking study reveals that non-human primates also adopt animals from other species as pets. Researchers documented chimpanzees and bonobos caring for young antelopes, monkeys, and birds. This behavior provides crucial insights into the evolutionary origins of pet-keeping. Observations show primates sharing food and providing protection to these animals, demonstrating complex cross-species relationships. ## Evolutionary Connections The study suggests human pet-keeping behavior might have roots in our primate ancestors. Caregiving behaviors in primates show striking similarities to human pet ownership. Scientists emphasize these findings are key to understanding human-primate behavioral parallels. Particularly noteworthy is chimpanzees' long-term care of orphaned animals, sometimes lasting several months. ## Research Methodology The research is based on over 20 years of field observations in African natural habitats. Scientists systematically recorded behaviors of more than 50 primate groups. Data indicates approximately 15% of observed primates formed lasting relationships with animals of different species. Female primates showed particularly strong caregiving tendencies in these interspecies bonds. ## Behavioral Motivations Researchers are investigating the underlying reasons for this primate behavior. Play needs, social bonding, and parenting instincts appear as possible motivations. In some cases, primates treated their animal companions as surrogate offspring. However, scientists agree these relationships aren't purely utilitarian, showing genuine caregiving aspects. ## Interspecies Dynamics The study offers new perspectives on understanding ecosystem dynamics through these unexpected relationships. Most adopted animals were young or vulnerable individuals. This suggests an evolutionary continuity of cross-species compassion. Documenting such behaviors in non-human primates provides rare evidence of complex emotional capacities. ## Primate-Animal Relationships The research highlights the diversity in primate-pet relationships. Some lasted mere days while others continued for months. The longest recorded instance involved a chimpanzee caring for a young antelope for eight months. During these relationships, primates exhibited grooming and protective behaviors toward their animal companions. ## Comparison with Human Behavior Scientists compare these primate behaviors with human pet-keeping practices. Similarities demonstrate that pet ownership isn't uniquely human. However, the cultural and symbolic dimensions of human-animal relationships aren't observed in primates. These findings provide a new framework for understanding the evolutionary basis of human-animal bonds. ## Contributions to Evolutionary Psychology This study fills a significant gap in evolutionary psychology research. Pet-like relationships in primates raise new questions about the origins of human behavior. Researchers believe these findings will open new avenues in animal behavior and human evolution studies. The data particularly enriches our understanding of the evolutionary continuity of caregiving behaviors across species. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/18/science/primates-pets.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._