This intelligent bonobo is named Kanzi, and he resides in a charitable sanctuary in Iowa (Congo).
Bonobos are very closely related to humans, and this clever bonobo has changed the way people perceive the animal kingdom.
Primates in general, and bonobos in particular, are among the most studied mammals. These studies provide profound insights into the evolutionary process of humanity.
And Kanzi, a male bonobo, is particularly famous for developing language as well as possessing life skills that have taken humanity through various evolutionary stages. The most remarkable behavior exhibited by this bonobo is his ability to start fires, cook, and communicate with humans in an understandable manner.
Kanzi shows off his cooking skills.
Kanzi knows how to light fires for cooking, creates tools from stones, blows up balloons, and even plays the harmonica. Although Kanzi is not fully proficient in making fire, he has learned to protect himself from burns by keeping a safe distance from the flames. Researchers state that this bonobo does not face environmental pressures for warmth, as he is cared for by humans and has a warm bed to sleep in every night.
Not stopping there, this bonobo also enjoys playing the Pac-Man video game and knows how to use a computer for communication. Through a computer keyboard, Kanzi can freely select from 400 symbols representing objects and ideas to express his thoughts.
According to scientists who have studied bonobos for many years, Kanzi can “speak” 500 words (through the keyboard) and understands about 3,000 English words, equivalent to a 2.5-year-old child. Moreover, he can pronounce some words like grape, banana, eat, run, and toy.
Despite his ability to communicate with humans, Kanzi is not very open to first-time visitors; he doesn’t enjoy small talk and prefers to avoid rhetorical questions.
Kanzi collects firewood.
Scientists believe that this bonobo’s vocabulary is gradually increasing. Kanzi can combine words to self-“invent” new terms. His intelligence and charm have captivated many, and he is often regarded as a miracle of the animal kingdom.
The anatomical differences between common chimpanzees and bonobos are minimal, but the behavioral differences in their communities are quite pronounced. Common chimpanzees are omnivorous and may display predatory behaviors by gathering males in their group, typically led by a dominant male. In contrast, bonobos primarily have a herbivorous diet and live in a matriarchal society. The skin on their faces, hands, and feet ranges from pink to very dark. Bonobos have longer arms, a more slender and graceful body, and tend to stand upright for most of the time.
The status of the mother in the group influences the respect given to males.
In the bonobo population, females manage all affairs. They form alliances with other females to care for and raise their young. The respect given to males largely depends on the status of their mothers within the group. Although called “pygmy,” bonobos are not significantly smaller than other chimpanzees. In fact, the term “pygmy” does not refer to their size but rather to the pygmy people living in the same region.
In bonobo society, a female always seeks ways for her “son” to acquire many wives. The higher the status of the “mother,” the more opportunities her “son” has to “marry” numerous “wives.” Most bonobo mothers take their “sons” with them wherever they go. Upon encountering other females, they act as “bodyguards,” ensuring that the loving pair is not disturbed.
