"In Bonoboville, the females gently but firmly rule the roost, keeping the males gentle and firm." - Dr. Susan Block, The Bonobo Way.
During my professional career in the corporate world, I first learned about different leadership types; one discussed was how female bonobos "run the show" in the "matriarchal" society. I also had an opportunity to meet bonobos housed in the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Powell, Ohio -- one of the eight zoos in the US where rare bonobos resided and studied.
Thank you, Brian L. Sirota, Esq. for the inspiration in suggesting the topic of Bonobo, an incredible ape that shares more than 98% of human DNA -- fascinating animals genetically closest to humans yet, undeservedly, remain relatively unknown.
What Are Bonobos?
Wild bonobos can only be found in remote forests in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Today, bonobos are rare and endangered, and current estimates range from 10,000 to 20,000 bonobos left in the wild.
When you look at bonobos, what probably pops into your mind are chimpanzees. Although they are sometimes mistaken to be chimps, bonobos are quite different.
Compared to chimpanzees, they are smaller and have black faces, pink lips, and black hair. Unlike their distant relatives, bonobos have a much higher-pitched voice.
But the most significant difference is not in their looks. In the world of chimps, males are in charge, and things can often get violent. In some cases, they may even kill one another.
Bonobos, however, are peaceful, governed by females, and rarely showcase any forms of aggression. Scientists and researchers have found no evidence that bonobos kill their own kind.
So what can we, humans, learn from these incredible animals?
This short video illustrates the rare footage of bonobos in the wild and what we have learned about them.
Living In The Moment
Bonobo society is inclusive. They spend time with family and friends practicing empathy, loving, and living in the moment.
Bonobos live in female-led societies. They create their leadership by forming a female alliance. Their connection is strengthened by sharing mothering duties, grooming, and many other activities. They spend part of the day working, playing, showing love, and living in harmony, for they know how to balance their lives.
Yesterday has come and gone. It doesn't mean that yesterday was not significant. Tomorrow will be here whether you want it or not. Time marches on. Every day is unique. Live for today because you don't know what tomorrow will bring. Stay focused. Many people live in a state that bounces between the two-time frames of past and future, missing today completely!
Sharing is Giving: Be a Giver
According to scientists, bonobos are natural sharers, which means they are willing to share their food with other family members. And even with strangers.
A life without regret is a life connected to people who are important to you. Show them what you love about them. Speak from the heart. Tell each person whom you love how important s/he is to you. If you want to be loved, give love. If you want to be trusted, be trustworthy. Practice compassion!
Give help to someone who needs it. Don't expect anything in return. Experience the joy of giving. It's priceless!
Peace Is The Ultimate Goal
Love, harmony, compassion, and loyalty – bonobos are true advocates for all of these things. Unfortunately, these fascinating animals are endangered, and little is known about their extraordinary life as they inhabit highly remote places. But from what information is available to us, it is clear we can learn many valuable lessons from these gentle, fascinating, and emphatic apes.
To learn more about these remarkable creatures, click HERE.
"What might happen if we could somehow reorient ourselves toward our more loving, bonobo side rather than our inner mad chimpanzee?" Dr. Susan Block, The Bonobo Way.
Enjoy Your Day! And every day after that! Photos By Shutterstock
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