Bonobos are our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom. However, many people confuse them with common chimpanzees. For instance, these peaceful apes prefer hugs over fighting. Furthermore, females run their society with strong bonds. Consequently, learning about them reveals much about ourselves. Therefore, step into the jungle to meet the forgotten ape.
Bonobos
Bonobos share 98.7% of their DNA with humans. Therefore, they are our closest living relatives alongside chimpanzees.
Uniquely, females rule the Bonobo society. Even though males are physically larger, the mothers and sisters run the show.
They live only in one specific country. Specifically, you can only find them wild in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bonobos resolve conflict through affection. Instead of fighting, they hug, kiss, or engage in intimacy to restore peace.
They walk upright more often than other apes. Consequently, their bipedal walk looks eerily human-like over short distances.
Their voices are very distinct. While chimps grunt, Bonobos make high-pitched peeping sounds to communicate with each other.
Interestingly, they style their hair naturally. They are the only animals born with a neat part down the middle.
They are incredibly altruistic animals. For example, they will happily share their food with strangers they have never met.
Scientists call them “self-domesticated.” Because they are so gentle, they kept juvenile traits similar to domesticated dogs.
Unlike chimps, they do not kill each other. In fact, lethal aggression between Bonobo groups is almost non-existent.
Their name is likely a mistake. Legend says a shipping crate from the town of Bolobo was misread as “Bonobo.”
They are masters of empathy. For instance, if one yawns, others around them yawn too, showing deep connection.
Bonobos build nests to sleep in. Every night, they construct a fresh bed high up in the trees.
Mothers and sons stay close for life. Thus, the mother helps her son climb the social ladder.
Finally, they are critically endangered. Sadly, poaching and civil unrest threaten their existence in the wild.
