Sharing 98.4% of the genes of a human bonobos are our closest living relatives and are found in a small park south of the Congo river, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa). Bonobos (and their cousins the chimpanzees) are more closely genetically linked to humans than they are to gorillas.

 

Differentiated from the common chimpanzee by its rounded head, lighter build and longer legs the bonobo is also socially more varied being more acrobatic with frequent sex characterizing their society.

Living in large communities of up to 120 individuals their "make love not war" attitude helps to manage and diffuse tension within the group. Their diet consists mainly of leaves, flowers and seeds; unlike their cousins they have rarely been observed hunting for meat.

 

Estimates suggest fewer than 30,000 may be left, although this figure is not accurate given the difficulty in obtaining up to date research in the area in which they live.

BONOBO TRIPS

DRC BONOBO EXPEDITION