In case you weren’t aware, sometimes animals are people too. That is why you’ll either be shocked, dazzled, or not surprised at all when you see this chimpanzee using Instagram.

Mm hmm. Instagram. This viral video has racked up 6,000,000 views because clearly, we are mesmerized by how adept this fellow is at scrolling through IG.

It was posted by Mike Holston, a wildlife advocate and one of the chimp’s fans. It’s his voice you hear commenting in the background. As the video starts, you see the smart guy using a smartphone as he watches videos. It appears he is looking through Holston’s account, an adventurer who spends a lot of time with wild animals.

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Every night I go to bed thinking how I can help change the world and inspire people to love our beautiful wildlife and ecosystems! I’d legit take a bullet for any animal at any day and anytime that’s just how much I care for them ! Idk what kind of fire god set in my soul for animals but the love is deep and real ! I was placed on this earth for 1 thing and that’s exactly what I’ll do for the rest of my life ! Let’s all love one another and save the planet together as one ☝️ 🌎 @kodyantle TAG A ANIMAL LOVER ❤️

A post shared by Mike Holston (@therealtarzann) on Apr 20, 2019 at 5:36pm PDT

It is not clear where the chimp lives, but the original video was posted by Bhagavan Antle, an animal trainer who runs a safari/sanctuary in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Antle has been in the news before for his ligers and zoo.

The chimp obviously knows his/her way around Instagram, as it is seen clicking and scrolling through various videos and pictures like a bored teen at 2:00 in the morning. Expert-level.

Chimpanzees and other primates are known for their high intelligence levels and great memories, and are capable of learning how to identify words, speak with sign language, and other activities. As adorable as this looks, not everyone is happy about the video, particularly primatologists.

World famous anthropologist and conservationist Jane Goodall had this to say:

“I am very disappointed to see the inappropriate portrayal of a juvenile chimpanzee in this video which is currently circulating on social media. Portraying chimpanzees in this way on social media is also perpetuating the illegal pet trade in great apes, and as they cannot be domesticated, interactions with humans as displayed by this video are highly dangerous, as well as harmful to the well-being of the chimpanzee.  As responsible and compassionate individuals, I hope anyone who sees the video will not like, share or comment on it and all responsible media outlets change the coverage of the video to highlight stories of chimpanzees in wild or responsible captive care. And I hope and urge the people who have chimpanzees in their care will cease use of him in this way and join those of us who are working to end the cruel treatment of chimpanzees in entertainment.”

Other ape experts have noted that more than likely, the chimp seen in this clip was trained to scroll through the phone. Us regular folk can’t be sure if it likes or is interested in what it sees, but from our end, it sure looks that way. Maybe it’s because all the IG content is animal-related?

On a lighter note, some people will find themselves jealous or curious about the fact that this chimp is better at maneuvering through Instagram than their parents, friends, or selves. We really wonder what is going through his mind.

Will you be watching this video over and over? Are you surprised to see a chimp using social media? What are your thoughts on this ape’s behavior or its trainers?

Source:

Vice