Chimpanzees (usually called chimps) are members of the ape family, which also includes gorillas and orangutans, all living in central Africa.
In the rain forests they communicate by grunts, hoots and calls, sometimes so loud they can be heard more than a mile away. They usually band together in groups of forty or more. Old males sleep alone at night but join the groups in the daily search for fruit and other food. All like to groom one another. When they are friendly, they grin with their teeth covered by their lips, but when they are angry, their lips are pressed tightly together.
Chimps have small, round heads topped with large ears. Faces, ears, hands and feet are a bare pink, but the rest of their bodies are covered with thick, dark-brown hair. Full-grown chimps may be five feet tall and weigh as much as one hundred eighty pounds. Some live as long as forty years.
These mammals can stand upright for only a very short time. When they walk they drop down on all fours, stooping over with the knuckles of their hands supporting the upper part of their bodies. This is in contrast to human beings with whom standing or walking in an erect, upright position was established when they were created by the Lord God. Chimps and gorillas may look somewhat like humans, but there is no relationship at all. Each was created in its own pattern. Only mankind was given “a living soul,” extending life into eternity. Death means the final end for all other creatures.
Mother chimps have just one baby at a time and so are able to give it lots of attention. While she moves from place to place, the baby clings to her back or sometimes hangs underneath, grasping the hair on her belly. The little ones play, climb trees and wrestle with one another.
When large amounts of food are available, a group may invite others to join them by loud barking. Groups often work together, and since chimps always post a sentry to warn when anyone approaches, farmers find it difficult to keep them out of their orchards.
The loving care of the Creator for these and all creatures is so nicely stated in these Bible verses: “O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is Thy loving-kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Thy wings” (Psalm 36:6-76Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O Lord, thou preservest man and beast. 7How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. (Psalm 36:6‑7)).
As these verses indicate, although God cares for all creatures, it is only mankind that can know His love and His goodness that not only provides for daily needs, but also has given us a Saviour. If we place our trust in Him, we are assured of an eternity in heaven. Have you placed your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ?
ML-04/26/2009