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Male chimp seeks older female for monkey business

Friday 24 November, 2006

The latest research into the world of monkeys has revealed that male chimpanzees have a certain penchant for being toy boys, or should that be toy monkeys?

A study from Uganda has shown that male chimps are most likely to look for a mate that is older than themselves, suggesting Dustin Hoffman's desire in The Graduate is a product of evolution, not just the temptress Anne Bancroft.

The research offered that during their fertile period, older female chimps are likely to be approached by younger male chimps for a little monkey business. There are also more incidences of monkey rivalry between male chimps for older females than for younger ones.

According to a report in the Metro newspaper, the reason for this could be because unlike humans, chimpanzees do not experience the menopause, meaning their fertility continues into later life.

Human males are seemingly more prone to chasing younger females – just take a look at Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster, or even the late J Howard Marshall and his 63 years younger wife, Anna Nicole Smith.

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