Bonobos abroad and while traveling: are they dangerous, where do you encounter them, where can you see them?

What are bonobos?

Bonobos (Pan paniscus) are one of our closest relatives, sharing about 98.7% of their DNA with humans. They are often called the "hippie apes" because they are known for their peaceful and cooperative behavior. Unlike chimpanzees, bonobos have matriarchal societies, meaning females lead the groups.
They are endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.

Bonobos are not considered dangerous to humans in the same way that chimpanzees can be. They are gentler, more playful, and rely on social bonding rather than aggression to resolve conflicts. However, they are still wild animals and should be treated with respect.
In captivity, they can show aggression if they feel threatened or if their social structure is disturbed. Direct contact is usually not allowed for volunteers or researchers to prevent disease transmission.

Bonobos live only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in dense rainforests south of the Congo River. They are endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
Best Places to See Wild Bonobos:
- Lomako-Yokokala Faunal Reserve – One of the best places for bonobo tracking.
- Salonga National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, but difficult to access.
- Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve – Community-run and focused on conservation.

If you encounter a bonobo in the wild, follow these guidelines:
Keep Your Distance – Bonobos are generally not aggressive, but they are still wild animals. Stay at least 7 meters (23 feet) away to avoid disturbing them.
Stay Calm and Quiet – Sudden movements or loud noises can startle them. Observe from a distance without interfering.
Do Not Make Direct Eye Contact – Like many primates, bonobos may interpret direct staring as a threat.
Follow Local Guides' Instructions – If you’re on a guided trek, listen to your guide. They know how to safely observe bonobos.
Do Not Feed or Approach Them – Feeding wild animals can change their natural behaviors and make them dependent on humans.
Respect Their Habitat – Stay on designated paths and avoid damaging the forest.
If a bonobo gets too close, stay still and avoid sudden movements. Unlike chimpanzees, bonobos are not aggressive towards humans, but respect is key.

If a bonobo shows aggression, stay calm, avoid direct eye contact and do not show fear. Slowly back away. If it attacks, do not run, do not fight back but curl into a ball and protect your face, neck and vital organs.

Bonobos have sharp teeth and strong jaws, so even a small bite can cause deep wounds. Scratches can also lead to infections.
Wash the wound, disinfect the area and control the bleeding. Seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent a serious infection.

Rabies – Though rare in bonobos, rabies is fatal if untreated. Immediate post-exposure vaccination is needed after any bite.
Herpes B Virus – A virus that can cause severe brain infection in humans.
Tuberculosis (TB) – Bonobos can carry human strains of TB, which can be transmitted back to people.
Hepatitis B – Some wild bonobos carry hepatitis B, which can be transmitted through bites.
Parasites & Bacterial Infections – Including Salmonella, Shigella, and Giardia, which cause severe digestive problems.

Yes! There are opportunities to volunteer or intern with bonobo conservation projects, but these positions are limited due to the bonobo’s endangered status. Most programs focus on habitat protection, research, and rehabilitation rather than direct contact with the animals.

Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary (DRC) – The only bonobo sanctuary in the world. Rescues orphaned bonobos and reintroduces them into the wild.
Friends of Bonobos (DRC & Global) – Offers research and conservation internships.
Max Planck Institute (Germany & Field Research in DRC) – Focuses on bonobo behavior research.

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