Wildlife enthusiasts generally know a lot about our closest cousins in the natural world, chimpanzees. But often they know less about a primate that is equally close and just as fascinating — the bonobo, “the forgotten ape” or “pygmy chimp”.
Found only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, bonobos were one of the last of the great apes to be scientifically described—in 1929—and therefore are still a bit of a mystery. The bonobo, also historically called the pygmy chimpanzee and less often, the dwarf or gracile chimpanzee, is an endangered great ape and one of the two species making up the genus Pan; the other being the common chimpanzee.
Like chimpanzees, bonobos share more than 98 percent of DNA with humans. But bonobos, though sometimes violent, are more peaceable. They live in matriarchal groups and famously use sex as a social tool — to manage conflict and tension or even just say “hello.” This behaviour aligns bonobos with humans, who also notably have sex for reasons besides reproduction — emotional bonding, for example. Because of bonobos’ mellow ways, some call these great apes “hippie chimps” — the primates that make love, not war.
“Bonobos are fascinating creatures and little understood. They have the only great ape society led by females, with a sophisticated social structure that encourages cooperation and peace” – Dr. Richard Carroll Vice President, Africa Programme – WWF
What about physical differences between bonobos and chimps? To an untrained eye, it can be hard to distinguish them. But there are differences — bonobos are slender, with longer legs. Their faces are usually black, and their lips are bright pink as opposed to dark. Their hair is relatively long and often frames their faces from a natural middle part. Bonobos are also distinguished by tail tufts.
Bonobos’ vocalizations are higher-pitched — “peeps,” and “peep yelps.” You can hear these vocalizations and a breathy laugh when bonobos are on the receiving end of a tickle. Bonobos really like to play, even as adults — so much, that some researchers think the bonobo is the most playful species of all.
In recent decades, bonobos have shed new light on human evolution and the cognitive capacities of nonhuman animals. In studies they demonstrate cooperation, sharing fruit treats and helping other bonobos — even strangers — access treats for no apparent reason other than helpfulness. Such findings help fill in our picture of wild animal capacities and teach us about ourselves since we share an evolutionary ancestor with bonobos.
Bonobos are unique, yet still “the forgotten ape.” Why are these gregarious, helpful primates lesser known than chimps, gorillas, and orangutans? Perhaps mainly because they live only in one place, and it is a remote place — deep in the rainforest of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Democratic Republic of Congo
The DRC is known world-wide for its links to the great apes and other important primates, as well as the classically “deep and dark” African jungles of legend and myth. Beautiful and protective of her secrets, the DRC still guards many mysteries by a mixture of physically challenging access and a discouraging political situation – it is thought that many, many species of flora and fauna are yet to be discovered in her borders.
With tropical rainforests, glacial mountains and open savannahs, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a secretive wilderness sheltering a number of rare and endemic species including the rare bonobo chimpanzee. The forest bais play host to the great numbers of forest elephant and lowland gorillas, which populate the rainforests.
The Democratic Republic of Congo includes part of the large and fertile Congo Basin. This is the second largest tropical rainforest in the world. Here you’ll find species of mammal, birds and plants that are scarce or non-existent elsewhere in Africa.
The Most ecologically diverse region on the planet
With some incredibly rare species, as well as plenty of endemic ones, the Democratic Republic of Congo is the naturalist’s dream.
- This is the only place in the world to see the rare bonobo (they’re also sometimes called Pygmy Chimpanzees)
- both species of chimpanzee can be found here, as well as mountain gorillas and okapi
- the Okapi is an animal endemic to this region of Africa, and it looks like a zebra, although it is most closely related to the giraffe
- other native animals include the buffalo and forest elephant, all can all be found in the forests
- nearly 90% of the world’s remaining eastern lowland gorillas are found in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park
- about a quarter of the remaining mountain gorillas are found in Virunga National Park on the DRC’s eastern border
- the DRC has a great reputation for birding. Specials include the black-collared lovebird, blue-headed dove and handsome francolin.
An epic expedition travelling deep into the jungle’s heart in the Democratic Republic of Congo to find human’s closest relatives, the bonobos, is like no other offered. Travelling by plane, boat and foot, the journey to reach the bonobos is an expedition in itself. Led by Steve Turner this is the one of the first official expeditions offered into the reserve with the opportunity to witness these incredible animals in their natural habitat.
· Trek and camp within the natural habitat of wild bonobos.
· Embark on an exclusive frontier wildlife expedition which hasn’t been attempted before.
· Endless jungle wildlife as you travel via dugout canoe through incredibly beautiful but remote jungle.
Best time to visit Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo could be a year-round destination because it has a constant equatorial climate. With an average daytime temperature of 24°C and around 16-21°C at night.
- June to August – dry season
- March to May and September to November – maximum rainfall.
Join Origins Safaris to a region of the continent rarely visited by others.
ABOUT ORIGINS SAFARIS
At Origins Safaris we are passionate about wildlife, cultural heritage, adventure and exploration. We customize each and every safari to your personal requirements and expectations, ensuring an exclusive, unique and authentic experience every time.
Origins Safaris is a family business, founded in 1963 by Don and Margaret Turner. It is managed today by two subsequent generations of the family, and predominantly by Don’s son, Steve. We are so much more than just a travel broker – our years of experience, professionalism and reliability means that we go the all-important extra mile, to make sure your dream safari is safe, memorable, educational and most of all great fun. We are renowned for our meticulous safari planning from start to finish, and the highest standards of natural history interpretation.
Contact us on www.originsafaris.com for more information and pertinent itinerary advice.
Origins Safaris – Authentic African Experiences Since 1963.