The bonobo is one of the most rare and intelligent animals in the world. The social structure of this magnificent ape is unique and complex: in the largely peaceful bonobo society, the females rule the roost. Bonobos are members of the great ape family, along with gorillas, orangutans, and chimpanzees. Find out more!

Bonobos live in the rain forests of the Congo Basin in Africa. They prefer old-growth forests, with trees that bear fruit at different times throughout the year. By all sleeping in the same area, they can help each other look out for predators such as leopards and snakes, and this could also be a way to exchange information.

Can you imagine living in an all-you-can-eat salad bar? When it comes to finding food, bonobos have it pretty easy in their rain forest home. They are nimble climbers and can swing from tree to tree searching for tasty fruit.

Bonobos forage during the day for food both in trees and on the ground. Working in small groups, they often share the food they’ve found and then gather together in larger groups to build their sleeping nests.

In bonobo society, the females take charge and keep lifelong bonds with their sons. When a daughter is old enough, she must leave the troop and find another one to join. She breeds with all the males in the new group, and she gains permanent membership when she gives birth.