Our Cousins in the Congo

"Bonobo anatomy is eerily similar to that of our early human ancestors. Bonobos and humans share 98% of the same genes."

-The Bonobo Protection Fund

A bonobo deep in thought.

A contemplative mood.

I recently visited the Bonobo reserve, which is located about 1.5 hours outside of Kinshasa. This was my 3rd or 4th trip, but those little monkeys are so cute and animated that it doesn't get old. The trip there and back is the worst part because there is always traffic and then the last 30 minutes or so of the trip is on a terrible, bumpy road that inevitably makes me nauseous. The reserve, unlike the road, is well maintained. It costs a mere $5 to gain entry. There is a nice hike around the grounds and there are several areas where the bonobo are kept. There is a nursery area for the babies and other areas for families and rowdy male youth. An interesting fact about the bonobos, and something that is always amusing for first time visitors, is that they settle all tension and/or conflict with sex. And it's equal opportunity sex. It's just the way it is. No reason to get all shy about it! I don't have photos, however, because that would just be rude.

A young bonobo and his
amazing feet.

It's amazing how human-like the bonobos are. Their feet are the freakiest part. They peel bananas, crack open watermelons, and fill up water bottles and drink from them with their feet. 

He was such a ham!

Bonobos interact with the visitors as well. I think they probably get annoyed with homo sapians constantly snapping pictures, but they have some fun with it.

The reserve also has "bonobo mothers" for orphaned or abandoned baby bonobos. The bonobo babies cling to their human     mothers and she treats them just like a bonobo mother would. The babies actually "groom" their mother, like bonobos do to each other. 

One of the bonobo mothers.

Bonobos grooming each other

The bonobo are only found in Congo and are a super endangered species. For more information and facts on our closest primate relatives check out some of these sites:

http://www.bonobo.org/

http://www.bonoboincongo.com/the-bonobo/

http://www.awf.org/content/wildlife/detail/bonobo