Chimpanzee are intelligent Earth primates. They are the closest biological relatives of the Human race.
Background
Chimpanzees were mentioned in the following quote from Star Trek III: The Search for Spock:
- Scotty: "All systems automated and ready. A chimpanzee and two trainees could run her."
- Kirk: "Thank you, Mr. Scott. I'll try not to take that personally."
According to the non-canon resource, Star Trek Spaceflight Chronology, in 2055 the Warp Drive Program resulted in the first vessel to exceed speed of light. A chimpanzee along for the ride was safe and sound. This information has been contradicted by the later Star Trek: First Contact which showed human test pilots Zefram Cochrane, William Riker and Geordi La Forge making that flight in 2063.