Ever wondered how fast a chimpanzee can really run on just two legs? The answer might catch you off guard. Chimps usually move with all four limbs, but they can actually sprint bipedally for short distances, hitting speeds around 15 miles per hour.
Even on two legs, chimpanzees move pretty quickly—though, let’s be honest, they’re not as speedy as when they use all fours.
Their flexible bodies and strong muscles let them pull off this trick. Chimps don’t depend on bipedal running like we do, but when they stand up, they can keep up a good pace for a few seconds.
Learning about this gives you a glimpse into how chimps get around and what makes their movement so different from ours.
Curious about why chimps sometimes go for two legs instead of four? You’re in the right place. There are some fun facts coming up about their running skills and how their bodies power quick, powerful bursts—on the ground or up in the trees.
Chimpanzee Running Speed on Two Legs
Most of the time, chimps stick to all fours, but they’ll dash on two legs now and then. Their upright speed depends on things like the ground, their mood, and how fit they are.
Watching a chimp run on two legs gives you a new appreciation for how they balance speed and agility, which is a little different from their usual four-limbed style.
Top Speeds Observed in Captivity and the Wild
Researchers have clocked captive chimps running on two legs at nearly 15 miles per hour. These bursts are short—usually during play or when something excites them.
Wild chimps don’t go upright as often, and their bipedal sprints are usually slower. They stick to four-legged movement for stability and speed.
You can find videos of chimps running upright at about 10-15 mph. That’s definitely slower than their four-legged sprint, which can reach up to 25 mph.
Chimps use two legs mostly for short dashes—maybe when carrying something or showing off—not for escaping danger.
Comparison of Two-Legged and Four-Legged Running
Chimps rely on all four limbs for most running. Their quadrupedal style is faster and keeps them steady.
Long arms and short legs help them push off the ground, letting them sprint quickly when they need to.
Running on two legs, chimps lose some speed and balance. Their bodies just aren’t built for long bipedal running like ours.
When you run, your legs do all the work, but chimps use both arms and legs to move fast.
| Running Type | Typical Max Speed (mph) | Stability | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four-legged | 25 – 35 | High | Quick sprints, escapes |
| Two-legged | 10 – 15 | Moderate | Carrying objects, display |
Running upright costs chimps more energy, so they don’t do it often.
Factors Affecting Chimpanzee Speed
A few things shape how fast a chimp runs upright. Their muscle type matters—a lot. Chimps have tons of fast-twitch muscle fibers, which give them quick bursts of speed but tire them out fast.
Their body shape plays a part. Long arms work great for four-legged running but make balancing upright harder.
The ground makes a difference, too. Uneven forest floors slow them down, while flat surfaces in captivity let them go faster.
Motivation changes everything. Chimps usually run upright when grabbing food or showing off, not because they want to cover long distances.
Notable Observations and Rare Records
Sometimes, chimps surprise everyone by running upright faster or longer than usual. At zoos or research centers, some males have hit nearly 20 mph for a few seconds.
These moments stand out because running on two legs takes more balance and strength—skills chimps don’t often use.
People love watching these rare sprints, maybe because chimps look almost human when they do it.
These displays help scientists figure out the limits of chimp movement. They also show how adaptable chimps can be, especially when they’re motivated or trained.
How Chimpanzee Speed Compares to Humans and Other Animals
Chimps run fast—especially over short distances—but their speed can vary a lot. Age, sex, and body structure all play a role.
You’ll notice differences in how they sprint and how evolution shaped each species for unique movement.
Chimpanzee vs Human Sprinting
Chimps can hit 25 to 35 miles per hour in short sprints. That’s faster than most humans, even elite sprinters like Usain Bolt, who topped out around 28 mph.
Chimps run on all fours when they want to go fast, but they can switch to two legs for brief moments. Their power comes from muscular arms and legs.
Humans, by contrast, are built more for endurance and run bipedally for longer distances.
Most people sprint at about 18 mph, which is slower than a chimp’s top speed, but humans can keep it up for longer.
Speed Differences by Age and Sex
Speed in chimps isn’t the same for everyone. Adult males usually run faster thanks to bigger muscles and more fast-twitch fibers.
These fibers help with fast sprints but don’t last long. Younger chimps and females run a bit slower, mostly because they have less muscle.
Still, their agility in the forest is nothing to sneeze at.
Things like environment and health also affect how quickly each chimp can move. Not every chimp will reach the peak speeds you see in studies.
Evolutionary Adaptations for Speed
Chimpanzees are all about quick, explosive bursts. They’re not made for distance running. Their longer arms give them a ton of power and help with balance. That’s why they’re so good at launching themselves forward or making sharp turns. It’s perfect for dodging predators or weaving through trees.
Humans, on the other hand, took a different path. We’ve got longer legs and springy tendons, plus a pretty impressive cooling system. These features let us run for miles without overheating. Our bodies manage heat and save energy in ways chimps just can’t.
When chimps move on all fours, they burn through energy fast. That means they can’t keep up their top speed for very long.
Curious about how chimps hit those crazy speeds or what their running style looks like? Check out this deep dive: chimpanzee speed comparison.
