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Get a load of this: Humans and great apes share similar giggles
By Adithi Ramakrishnan, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 25, 2026
· 2 min read
Humans and great apes have been giggling in similar ways since branching off the evolutionary tree, a new study suggests.How do we know this? Researchers tickled 13 captive apes — including gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees and bonobos — and recorded the results. The new research reexamined those...
Key takeaway “In a way, we are very similar to other great apes because we’ve been laughing in a similar way for 15 million years,” said study author Chiara De Gregorio, a primatologist at the University of Warwick in England.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio 's own zoological institutions, such as the San Antonio Zoo, may have a unique opportunity to contribute to the growing field of laughter research. With a diverse array of primates, including gorillas and orangutans, local researchers could build upon the study's findings by conducting similar experiments and comparing the results. This could not only shed more light on the evolutionary origins of laughter but also provide valuable insights into the social behaviors of these animals. Furthermore, collaborations between local zoos, universities, and research institutions could facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of animal communication, ultimately informing conservation efforts and improving the care of primates in captivity. By leveraging San Antonio's resources and expertise, the city could become a hub for innovative research in this field, driving discoveries that benefit both humans and animals alike.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Humans and great apes have been giggling in similar ways since branching off the evolutionary tree, a new study suggests.How do we know this? Researchers tickled 13 captive apes — including gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees and bonobos — and recorded the results. The new research reexamined those...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Adithi Ramakrishnan, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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