Bonobos – Wednesday 28th August 2024

Bonobos – Wednesday 28th August 2024

I noticed an article yesterday and again today about Bonobos and their reaction to sounds of another Bonobos group and their not getting into a threatened posture upon hearing those sounds.

I thought well they would know that other Bonobos would be the same as them, so they’d know the other group wouldn’t be a threat. Rather, they would be interested to meet up because the younger ones (teenage equivalent) might like a member from the visiting group and then the much younger ones would want to play, so their reaction would be more of a happy anticipation. Whereas the other primates would likely presume that a nearby group of same would behave similar to themselves and so represent a possible threat.

I’ve not observed Bonobos but I would presume they share well, are respectful to each other and wouldn’t consider beating up another Bonobos and stealing his fruit. Whereas other primates, humans included, would, or might try to.

Fiona MacLeod (C)