This chimpanzee mother and daughter created their own language: Here’s their unique story

Beryl, a chimpanzee mother, and her daughter Lindsay, have created a unique gesture that no other chimps in their community use. (Image: Kevin C. Lee/Journal Animal Cognition)

Language is often thought to be a uniquely human trait, but deep in the lush Kibale National Park in Uganda, a remarkable pair of chimpanzees are challenging that notion. Beryl, a chimpanzee mother, and her daughter Lindsay, have created a unique gesture that no other chimps in their community use. Their story is not just about communication—it’s about the power of love, connection, and adaptation in the animal kingdom.

The Birth of a Private Language

When Lindsay wants to climb onto her mother’s back and travel, she does something no one had seen before: she places her hand over Beryl’s eye. This simple yet profound gesture serves as her way of saying, “Let’s go!” What makes this even more remarkable is that it’s not a learned behavior from the broader chimpanzee community but a private signal between mother and daughter.

Primatologist Dr. Bas van Boekholt, from the University of Zurich, first noticed the gesture during his 2022 field season with the Ngogo chimpanzee community. The community, observed by researchers since the 1990s, provides an unparalleled glimpse into the lives of wild chimps. Even with decades of data, Lindsay’s hand-over-eye signal stood out as something entirely new.

How Did It Begin?

The origins of Lindsay’s gesture may lie in her mother’s unique condition. Beryl is blind in one eye—a condition that predates her arrival in the Ngogo group in 2012. Like any curious toddler, Lindsay likely played with her mother’s face while riding on her back. At some point, she covered her good eye, possibly prompting Beryl to react. Over time, this playful interaction became a meaningful signal.

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By the time Lindsay was about 3.5 years old, she began regularly using the gesture. Initially, it seemed like just a playful motion, but by the time she reached 4.5 years old, the signal had evolved into a clear request for a ride. While other young chimps in the group occasionally mimicked the gesture, none used it with the same consistency or purpose as Lindsay.

A Window into Chimpanzee Communication

Chimpanzees are known for their rich repertoire of gestures—over 80 have been documented by researchers. These include everything from a palm-up request for food to a two-footed stomp that means “Stop that!” While these gestures are often shared within a community, Lindsay’s hand-over-eye signal is entirely unique to her and her mother.

This discovery adds a new layer to the ongoing debate about the roots of human language. While chimpanzee gestures don’t meet the strict criteria of human language, they demonstrate how meaning and communication can arise from shared experiences and repeated interactions. Lindsay and Beryl’s story suggests that even in the wild, relationships can drive the creation of new forms of expression.

The Emotional Depth of Chimpanzees

This story isn’t just about communication; it’s about the bond between a mother and her child. Lindsay’s gesture highlights the emotional depth and intelligence of chimpanzees, underscoring how much we share with our closest relatives. Their connection mirrors the private jokes, secret handshakes, and meaningful glances that strengthen human relationships.

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Why Their Story Matters

Beryl and Lindsay’s unique bond is a powerful reminder of the complexity of the natural world. It emphasizes the need to protect endangered species like chimpanzees, whose habitats and communities are under constant threat from deforestation, poaching, and climate change.

Their story also serves as a bridge between humans and the animal kingdom, showing that the capacity for love, creativity, and connection transcends species.

A Universal Lesson

In Lindsay and Beryl’s story, we see a glimpse of ourselves—a reflection of how relationships shape the way we communicate and connect. It’s a testament to the universal language of love and understanding that binds all living beings.

As we learn more about these fascinating creatures, we are reminded that the line between humans and animals is thinner than we often assume. And in a small corner of Uganda, a mother and daughter have proven that communication, no matter how unique, is the foundation of all meaningful relationships.

(with inputs from NYT)