OUR SCIENCE

Together, Kanzi, Elikya, Nyota, Maisha, Teco, Clara and Mali are helping our research scientists uncover the origins of human language, cognition, and behavior, as well as gain a deeper understanding of the closest living relative to humans - the bonobo. Every day, all of our bonobos can choose to participate in behavioral and cognitive research. Research projects, like touchscreen computer tasks, tool-use tasks, and food preference tests, keep the bonobos’ minds engaged and are another form of enrichment for our apes. Teco is especially fond of our science program and will ask to participate in research projects multiple times throughout the day. Science is also the foundation of our care program. We monitor the bonobos’ health and behavior, and use data to create individualized behavioral management plans for all of our bonobos. At Ape Initiative, we believe science and welfare go hand-in-hand.