Bonobos (or Pan paniscus) live in the forests and wetlands of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and are most closely related to the common chimpanzee (or Pan troglodytes). Out of any species in nature, these two types of ape have the most DNA in common with humans. Bonobos have pink lips and dark, forward-facing eyes, small ears, a flat nose with wide nostrils, as well as black hair. Male bonobos are larger than females – averaging 73 to 83cm tall and weighing 39kg – whereas a female stands 70 to 76cm tall and weighs 31kg.
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Pan paniscus
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bonobo
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Animal Facts
Bonobos use tools such as stones as hammers and have been known to fashion sticks into spears using their teeth.
Bonobos have very high empathy, and will help 'stranger' bonobos even when there is no reward for themselves.
Bonobos communicate through many expressions, gestures and vocalisations and are the most vocal of the great apes (excluding humans).
Bonobos are very uncomfortable with conflict, and competing for food or mates is likely to be solved by sharing rather than fighting.
Bonobos are very physically affectionate to their counterparts, and are the only species other than humans that 'tongue kiss'.