What type of animal is BONOBOS?

Bonobos are one of humankind's closest living relatives, sharing more than 98% of our DNA. These great apes are complex beings with profound intelligence, emotional expression, and sensitivity. In contrast to the competitive, male-dominated culture of chimpanzees, bonobo society is peaceful, matriarchal, and more egalitarian. Sex transcends reproduction, as it does in human society, and serves to promote bonding, reduce tensions, and share pleasure.

Bonobos are also the most vocal of the great apes, using complicated patterns of vocalizations to communicate detailed information. Because of their caring and compassionate society, bonobos serve as a powerful symbol of peace and cooperation. Sadly, these amazing apes are highly endangered, classified by the IUCN Red List as facing possible extinction.

They only live in one country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and their numbers are declining every day due to human threats such as hunting and logging. We must act now to protect our primate cousins before it's too late. We have much to learn about them, and they have much to teach us about ourselves.