When you’re around chimpanzees, you really need to know what not to do—for your own safety and theirs. Try not to make sudden moves, be loud, or get too close. Chimps can get startled pretty easily, and that can lead to aggressive behavior.
Chimps are incredibly strong and clever. It’s best to treat them as wild animals, not pets. Don’t feed them or stare directly into their eyes—chimps might see that as a challenge.
If you know how to act, you’ll have a much safer (and honestly, more memorable) experience.
Guides and wildlife experts set rules for a reason. The way you act impacts not just your safety, but the chimps’ wellbeing and their environment.
Biggest Mistakes to Avoid Around Chimpanzees
Certain things you do can stress or threaten chimpanzees. Stay back, move calmly, and don’t try to interact with them directly.
That’s really the best way to keep everyone safe.
Never Approach or Touch Chimpanzees
Don’t get close to chimpanzees. If you approach, you might scare or anger them.
Chimps are strong, and even a quick move can end badly for you.
Touching them? Also risky. Chimps and humans can pass diseases to each other. Just respect their space.
If you’re on a tour, listen to your guide about how far to stay. Giving them room lets them act naturally and keeps things calm.
Do Not Attempt to Feed or Hand Objects to Chimps
Feeding chimps just isn’t a good idea. It messes with their natural habits and can make them sick.
Wild chimps know what to eat—your snacks aren’t on their menu.
Don’t hand them objects, either. Chimps might grab or bite, and it’s not as friendly as you’d hope.
Keep your hands to yourself, and don’t try to give them anything. It’s better for everyone—including the chimps and their habitat.
Avoid Making Prolonged Eye Contact or Sudden Movements
Staring at a chimpanzee for too long? They’ll see it as a challenge or threat. If you look at them, just glance and look away.
Quick moves or loud sounds can scare them. If you move fast, chimps might get defensive.
Walk slowly, speak softly, and keep gestures calm. That’s how you keep the atmosphere relaxed.
Honestly, being quiet and still lets you enjoy watching these smart primates without stressing them out.
If you want more tips, check out this guide on chimpanzee trekking mistakes to avoid in Uganda and Rwanda.
Maintaining Safety and Respectful Behavior
When you’re near chimpanzees, you’ve got to keep safety and respect in mind. This means knowing how close to get, following directions, and understanding how chimps behave.
What you do matters—a lot. You can help avoid accidents and keep chimps comfortable in their own home.
Keep a Safe Distance in Sanctuaries or Wild Settings
Always stay at least seven meters (about 23 feet) from wild or sanctuary chimps. If you get closer, chimps might feel threatened and lash out.
If a chimp moves toward you, just step back calmly. Don’t make sudden moves or loud noises—they hate that.
Remember, chimps are way stronger than people, so even an accidental swipe can hurt.
Sanctuaries use barriers to keep people and chimps apart. Physical contact usually isn’t allowed unless it’s really controlled.
Giving them space shows respect for their nature.
Follow All Guidelines and Caregiver Instructions
When you visit or work around chimps, pay attention to what caregivers or guides say. They know what keeps everyone safe.
Don’t touch or feed chimps unless a trained caregiver says it’s okay. Only interact in supervised, controlled ways, like through cage bars or with special tools.
Leave loose stuff—scarves, hats, shoelaces—at home, since chimps love to grab. Watch them, but don’t stare them down. That could upset them.
If you follow the rules, you help prevent accidents and keep the chimps’ trust.
Do Not Treat Chimps as Pets or Enter Enclosures
Chimps aren’t pets. Don’t try to hug, hold, or take one home.
Never go into their enclosures or try to get close outside official settings. Good sanctuaries keep people and chimps separated to prevent stress and injuries.
If you see videos of people with chimps and no barriers, you should question that facility’s standards. Safe places never allow unprotected contact—chimps are just too strong and unpredictable for that.
Respect Wild Chimpanzee Habitats and Social Structures
Chimpanzees form tight-knit social groups and really rely on their natural habitat for food and safety. If you’re out there watching wild chimps, try not to mess with their environment.
Skip the loud noises, and definitely don’t throw anything or try to get their attention. If you just stay quiet and still, the chimps usually go about their day without feeling stressed.
Pick up after yourself and keep the trails clean. Protecting their habitat honestly makes a huge difference for their survival.
If you interrupt their social space, you might spark fights or make chimps want nothing to do with people at all.
