I noticed a common thread in various replies : that chimps are "cruel, brutal, scary," etc. While I do not disagree one bit, I think this reaction to chimpanzees is fascinating and says something about our psychology.

If my post instead wrote on lion, wolf, or eagle hunting, would the response be the same? It seems more natural when typical predators do these things, although they can be just as cruel; it is common to begin eating prey while it is still alive.

I think everything chimpanzees do is heightened emotionally for us because they are so human-like. They are more admirable, more repulsive, more intelligent, more primitive, simply because we always compare them to ourselves, consciously or not. Alternatively, maybe because it is just surprising to see a primate eat another primate, as the title of my post suggested.

The brutal side of chimpanzees is provocative, hence all the documentaries concerning chimpanzee conflict. In future posts, I also want to highlight the compassionate and social side of chimpanzees. They form enduring friendships and care intensely for their young. They are indeed, very much like us.

Thank you @eric-boucher @justsailey @therealmrjones @sreevin @flauwy @voronoi