Bonobo Eye Contact | Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Africa | Edward Mikol Photography

A bonobo looks out from its perch in a tree during its morning food foray in the DRC, Africa — Bonobo Eye Contact

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Africa

Evidence suggests bonobos possess the ability to think, particularly demonstrating "theory of mind". This is the capacity to understand that others have different thoughts, beliefs, and knowledge. They have the ability to infer the mental states of others, showing a level of social cognition previously thought to be unique to humans. This complex cognitive skill forms the basis for many human social behaviors like empathy, deception, and cooperation.

Bonobos have highly individuated facial features so one individual may look significantly different from another. Research suggests that bonobos can mentally track familiar individuals, including humans. This visual facial recognition plays into complex social interactions seen amongst bonobo populations. This wild bonobo in the DRC makes eye contact, peering out through the foliage as it feeds nestled amongst the trees.
Photo © copyright by Dr. Edward Mikol.

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