Bonobo Behaviours

As you know, bonobos are the only great ape, with the possible exception of humans, that has the females in charge. Sons stay with their mums their entire life, and get their social status from her. They have the reputation of being peaceful but in reality they fall out just as much as chimps but have better conflict resolution. There used to be two groups here, one led by Lina, one by Diatou. Matriarchs use their powerful sons to do their will, and as Diatou lost her son, Keke, last year her role has been taken by Cheka, who still helps support and defend her. Moving to this big space has been beneficial as they now have room to form fission/fusion groups as they would in the wild - deciding who they want to be with. Social relations are complex, they fall in and out of friendship. #bonobo #bonobos #apes #greatapes #primates #primatesarenotpets #twycrosszoo