Bonobos, also called pygmy chimpanzees, belong to the great ape family. They live only in the forests south of the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo. For a long time, people thought bonobos were chimpanzees, but in 1929 scientists discovered that they are actually a different species.
1. Almost like humans
Bonobos are among humans’ closest relatives. They share about 98.7% of their DNA with us, almost as much as chimpanzees do. Because of this strong similarity, scientists study bonobos to better understand the origins of our emotions, language, and behavior.
2. A world led by females
In bonobo groups, females play a very important role. They support each other and work together to keep peace in the group. Even though there is a dominant male, he does not rule by force. Instead, he protects the group and helps make important decisions.
3. Playful and very smart
Bonobos love to play. They run, chase each other, wrestle, and can even laugh when they are tickled. But they are also very intelligent. A famous bonobo named Kanzi learned to understand thousands of words and communicate using symbols. He is considered one of the smartest apes ever studied.
4. Champions of kindness
Bonobos are known for their kindness. They enjoy sharing their food, even with bonobos they do not know. Studies have shown that they also help others without expecting anything in return. This ability to understand and care about others is called empathy.
5. A treasure in danger
Today, bonobos are an endangered species. Their numbers are decreasing because of deforestation, illegal hunting, and the fact that they have few babies. Luckily, some organizations work hard to protect them, care for orphaned babies, and help bonobos return to life in the forest.
Did you know?
Bonobos sometimes know how to heal themselves. When they feel sick, they eat special leaves that help their bodies get rid of parasites. This amazing behavior is called self-medication and can also be seen in other animals such as elephants and chimpanzees.
Bonobos show us that it is possible to be strong, intelligent, and peaceful at the same time. Protecting bonobos also means protecting forests and our planet.
