monkeys and apes tickle each other, too

[GoForTheLaugh]

The follow bits and pieces appeared in an unrelated thread I started. I thought it might be fun to pave the way for discussion by putting together these bits and pieces and bringing them to the attention of folks who might not be interested in the other thread's topic.

Posted by me: Speaking of which, you know that monkeys and apes are the only other animals that are ticklish and do indeed tickle each other for fun, no? Darwin himself wrote about the laughter-like noises apes make when tickled under the arm. I kid you not.

Posted by IK70: In The Shadow of Man by Jane Goodall describes the tickling behavior among chimpanzees in some detail. It's a very common behavior and one chimp may solicit the behavior by taking another chimp's hand and pulling it to his body. As I recall, it is used for play as well as comforting or placating another chimp.

 

[grippedchimp]

Yes, it's true... I'm living proof... 😛

 

[steph]

Oh how cute!

 

[milagros317]

Maybe monkeys and apes are smarter than we thought. 😛

 

[Ignatz]

Get your filthy paws off my feet, you damned dirty ape!

 

[Oddjob0226]

So Naomi Watts in the King Kong remake.... there's a chance.... a scene... it might happen....?

Awesome! And at the same time, nasteee! Talk about mixed emotions.

 

[Outspacer10]

(lol grippedchimp!)

Yeah, apparently rats are susceptible to tickling also, though I'm not sure whether they do it to each other.

 

[GoForTheLaugh]

(lol grippedchimp!)

Yeah, apparently rats are susceptible to tickling also, though I'm not sure whether they do it to each other.

I think rats, dogs, and other animals have a scratching reflex associated with tickling, but I am pretty sure they don't laugh or feel the sensations the way humans, apes, and monkeys do.

If anyone knows something about this--or if I am wrong--please post.