Chimpanzee Facts for Kids

Among the animal kingdom, the chimpanzees come closet in resembling humans. As a matter of fact, chimpanzees share as much as 98% of human genetic blueprint. One very interesting chimpanzee fact for kids is that humans and chimpanzees shared a common ancestor millions of years ago. Normally chimpanzees are referred to with their shortened name 'chimp'. However, they are an endangered species now. Why are chimpanzees endangered is a question most kids want to know. It is important to have an action plan to prevent this mammal from becoming extinct. Let's take a look at the facts about chimpanzees for kids.

Interesting Chimpanzee Facts for Kids

Isn't it common to see a lot of kids gathered at the chimpanzee enclosure, when you visit a zoo? The kids are attracted by the expressive faces of these animals. At the same time, they are also social, hence kids like to tease them and have some fun. Kids would be amazed to know that a chimpanzee escaped from Little Rock Zoo, then cleaned the bathroom! Which other animal, you believe, could have done something as funny as this? Now we will read the facts about this endangered animal.

Physical Description
Their face color ranges from pink to black. Their body is covered with long black hair. But among interesting facts about chimpanzees for kids is the fact that they lack a tail. They have opposable thumbs and toes, which proves helpful for them to grasp hold of objects with ease. Although they have a lot of similarities with the human species, there is one difference. They can walk on all four limbs. Rather they normally walk on all four limbs, but for short distances, they can walk on two limbs as well. Like monkeys they can also swing from one branch to another. If they stand upright, they measure about 4 feet in height. The male chimpanzees are heavier than the female counterparts. A male can weight anywhere between 90 and 120 pounds, whereas females can weigh anywhere from 60 to 110 pounds.

Habitat Facts
Chimps are natives to the continent of Africa. They were commonly seen in areas like Gambia, Benin, Burkina Faso. However, now they are hardly found. Chimpanzees are typically found in tropical rainforests, but can also be found in woodlands, bamboo forests, swamps and sometimes also in open savannah. Grasslands are also chimpanzee habitat. They normally live on trees and use the leaves as nests.

Diet Facts
Like humans, chimpanzees are omnivores. Chimpanzee diet can range from fruits, nuts and seeds to insects. Rarely they may also hunt for food. They normally hunt small baboons. They may also eat buds, bark and stems of trees.

Social Behavior Traits Displayed by Chimpanzees
Chimpanzees are social animals. They live in communities, which have approximately 50 members. A community has about 3 to 6 families living together. They follow a hierarchical structure in their group. Chimpanzee strength facts point to the fact, that it is the biggest and strongest male in the group, who heads the group. Normally adolescent females may be seen as a part of different groups. However, they have strict rules, when it comes to territory. Normally conflicts arise out of groups invading each others territory.

Offspring Facts
When chimpanzees reach the age of 8 to 10 years, they reach sexual maturity. They soon start mating. Among the very interesting chimpanzee facts and information is the fact until the offspring is not about 3 years old a female does not mate. Does it not point to the fact, that chimp mothers are very devoted? 202 to 261 days are required for gestation. Normally a young chimp is seen clinging to its mother, when she travels from one tree to another. They are seen with their mother till they reach sexual maturity, while learn the ropes of life from their mother.

Chimpanzee Facts and Information
Other than humans, it is the chimpanzee who make use of tools for various purposes. They will be seen making tools for number of reasons. Isn't this an interesting chimpanzee fact? They make tools using twigs and grass to fish out termites from the bark of trees. At the same time, they also make use of sticks and stones as missiles to be used during their fights. It is also fun to watch a chimpanzee use stone to open hard shelled nuts.

Among other interesting facts, they are very affectionate creatures. They may be seen often touching each other affectionately. You may see them kiss and hold hands as well. Like human beings, they use verbal as well as non verbal signs for communication. They give specific calls, when they want to intimate the others in the group about food or danger. As a part of non verbal communication they make use of facial expression.

From these chimpanzee facts, it is clear that there are other animals on earth, which are also intelligent like humans. May be that is why a chimpanzee has also been a part of a space mission.