Orphaned bonobos can develop social skills and empathy

Bonobos (along with chimpanzees) are the closest surviving relatives to humans. They live solely in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Central Africa. Bonobos are listed as endangered due to habitat loss and poaching for meat and pets. Unfortunately, poaching has left many bonobos orphans. On December 18, 2024, Durham University in the U.K. said a new study showed orphaned bonobos in a sanctuary in Africa have overcome trauma to develop social skills and empathy.

The researchers published their results on December 18...