Originally Posted by
OrphanPip
There's amazing research done on bonobos. I've seen video of them playing Pac-Man, lighting fires with cigarette lighters, and learning sign language. They're amazingly smart, I can't help but wonder how people disbelieve humans evolved from apes when you see the bonobo.
The use of sex in bonobo social structures is really interesting too. Although, they fondle their offspring to calm them when stressed, so I wouldn't be too quick to model our society after theirs lol. Mutual masturbation is also a common greeting amongst bonobo, males will often present erections to human keepers.
Unfortunately, they're endangered and happen to be located in one of the most dangerous countries in Africa.
Edit:
@Jozanny
Male, there's extensive information about me on my blog if you're really curious haha. (and two very bad poems)