It’s Valentine’s Day, which means one thing: it’s World Bonobo Day! Humans’ closest relatives genetically (tied with chimpanzees at 98.8%), but spiritually, much wiser because bonobos are known to make love, not war (also makes this perhaps among the least SFW editions of the awww but I’ll try to keep it PG-13).
They look like chimps (enough at least to be forgiven, like getting any of the Olsen sisters confused) and were thought to be chimps until the 1930s. However, they behave differently, breaking up into groups during the day and reconvening in the evening. Plus, they live in matriarchal societies #girlboss
Bonobos are mostly known for embodying Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get it On” (which is a bop but has a habit of popping up on my Spotify at the most awkward and only the most awkward times). They use sex to resolve conflicts, to deepen relationships, and as a trade chip for food or other favors. A social lubricant, if you will.
And the sex doesn’t follow what we would call ‘traditional’ societal roles - there are many different bonobo parings, including same-sex and adult/juvenile. Their communities tend to be more peaceful than those of the other apes, and there’s more female choice in reproductive partner. I don’t have a joke for this - I think it’s really admirable.
The community vibe doesn’t stop at sex, though. Bonobos share food that they’ve foraged, build their sleeping nests together (and adult bonobos will sometimes share a nest - unique among the Great Apes), and use touch to reassure each other, generally just hang out and enjoy each other’s company.
And y’all, I haven’t even shown you a baby bonobo hairdo.
So yeah, bonobos - humans should be more like them. Happy Valentine’s Day. Take care of yourselves.