Hairless Chimpanzees: Getting to Know These Curious Animals

The DNA of humans and chimpanzees is similar on multiple levels, but at the same time, the differences between the two species are undeniable. A fundamental advantage of chimpanzees is that their physical strength is 50 percent above the human average, and some specimens have formidable musculature. How do we know? The answer comes through hairless chimpanzees, which often go viral in record time. What else can we learn from them?

One and a half meters tall, weighing between 40 and 70 kilograms for males, and about 27-50 kilograms for females. The general physical attributes of the chimpanzee are very well documented, allowing us to easily recognize extraordinary cases. One of those was Kermit (deceased in 2006 under controversial circumstances), who reached 1.68 meters and 136 kilograms, but if we look for more recent examples, the Web might offer something like this:

Hairless Chimpanzee

The video, published in March 2016, shows Jambo and Mongo, father and son at the Twycross Zoo in Atherstone, England. The 'fight' is nothing more than a demonstration of hierarchy, at least in this case. Physical contact is minimal, and most of the conflict is reduced to intimidation, screams, and chases. The most impressive thing about both chimpanzees is the total absence of hair on their bodies, revealing very well-defined musculature.

Now, that absence of hair does not represent a disadvantage. In fact, Jambo is the alpha male, and beyond having lost an ear in a fight with his mother Coco, he is in very good health. Unfortunately, his son Mongo died in July 2016 during a routine examination. The studies revealed that Mongo was fighting an infection (he also had signs of heart disease), and he did not manage to return from anesthesia.

Why Are There Hairless Chimpanzees?

From a certain point of view, the reason feels 'very human': Both Jambo and other hairless chimpanzees around the world suffer from alopecia on almost their entire bodies. That's right: Chimpanzees can go bald. This condition is usually hereditary and not necessarily exclusive to males. One of the most publicized cases of a hairless female chimpanzee was that of Cinder, who died in 2009.

A study published that same yearA study published that same year indicates that the available information about alopecia in captive non-human primates is very poor, and it is generally associated with stress. The best strategy for experts remains evaluating case by case, detecting any underlying medical condition, and monitoring the animal's behavior.