Primates | 60 Minutes Full Episodes
In a Nutshell
Bonobos, mountain gorillas, and rhesus macaques are being studied to understand primate social behavior and conservation success. Bonobos demonstrate peaceful, female-led societies that resolve conflicts through frequent sexual contact instead of violence. Conservation programs for gorillas and rhesus macaques show how tourism revenue, community involvement, and scientific research can reverse population decline and build resilience against environmental disasters.
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Most people know that chimpanzees are our close cousin. They share over 98% of our DNA. We also have another primate cousin just as close. They're called bonobos. They may look like chimpanzees, but they are an entirely separate species of ape, and their behavior couldn't be more different. Bonobos are the only great apes that live in female dominated groups. And unlike chimps and humans, which are often violent and aggressive with each other, bonobos would rather make love than war.
Bonobos are an endangered species and only found in one place, the Democratic Republic of Congo. In central Africa, Congo's been torn apart by war for decades, keeping researchers away, which is why bonobos are the least understood apes on the planet.
The world's only sanctuary for bonobos sits on the outskirts of Congo's capital, Kinshasa. It's called Lola Ya Bonobo, the NOBO paradise. This refuge was created by conservationist Claudine Andre. She's Belgian born, but has lived in Congo most of her life. If you ask her why she cares so much about bonobos, she'll tell you, just look into their eyes. The way they look in your eyes deeply in your soul. It's rare that most primates don't maintain eye contact like that. It's a threatening gesture if you do with a gorilla, but bonobos look right at you.
Bonobos may have a brain that's a third the size of ours, but they're remarkably intelligent. Those high-pitched screeches are a sophisticated form of communication, and their gestures are unmistakable. Like chimpanzees, bonobos use tools in a wide variety of ways and are capable of abstract problem solving. They have been observed using sticks to test water depth, selecting longer sticks when shorter ones prove inadequate.
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