Researchers found that mother chimpanzees prioritise playing with their young even when there is a food shortage.

A team of scientists observing the primates at the Kibble National Park in Uganda revealed that when the diet quality is low, most adult chimps put playtime behind to save energy.

But mothers, on the contrary, continued to play with their babies during hard times.

Footage shows a mother chimpanzee lying on her back while raising her offspring above her using her limbs.

Over the years, researchers at Kibale National Park have meticulously recorded the chimpanzees' behaviours, including climbing, feeding, grooming, calling, aggression, and play.

Research co-author Zarin Machanda said: 'Play has a significant impact on the development of social skills among primates, including chimpanzees'.

Zarin added that young chimps learn valuable lessons about social interactions and form bonds with their peers through play.

The presence of mothers as primary playmates highlights the unique role they play in developing their young, even in challenging environments.

The research also highlighted differences in play behaviour between male and female chimpanzees, with males often engaging in more aggressive play while females focus on nurturing behaviours.

As observed by the main author of the study, Kris Sabbi, mothers provide a safe space for their young to play and learn, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement in the development of young primates.

Machanda noted that the parallels between human and chimpanzee parenting highlight the universal nature of play in nurturing young offspring.