Chimp charity and other circus tricks

A couple years ago the popular science mags were all a gaggle over an experiment that supposed demonstrated a selfless act of charity by one chimp to another. [1.]

Comments;

Problem. You can prove almost anything you want with an experiment; especially one that is designed to prove some point; especially with convoluted and contrived (i.e. unnatural) situations.

- one wonders how this experiment is any different from teaching a bear to ride a bicycle. Does getting a bear to ride a bicycle prove bears like riding bikes? does it prove they build them? does it prove they enjoy recreational activities? does it prove they enjoy entertaining humans? does it prove they enjoy showing off? does it prove that they are by nature circus performers?
- i.e. In these kinds of experiments, you're manipulating the animal to act in the way you want.

Notes;
1. Chimp altruism; is it all true? Creation/Evolution Headlines 06/27/2007
2. The philosophy of experiments (experimentation) is a little studied subject. I can't find a single book on the subject. I can't even recall reading a single essay on the subject. (Is it a taboo subject or something :=)
- after more search I came across a title called 'The philosophy of Scientific Experimentation' - by Radder
3. - The question I have is this; just what do experiments prove? (especially those with animals or human beings) The more important question (and the more complex one) is this; 'what does a particular experiment prove?' (If anything.)