Bonobos (Pan paniscus) are our closest relatives. They are a kind of apes, and are found only in the Congo River basin, and hence are highly endangered :(. We share 98.4% of our DNA, and a lot of what many of us think as exclusively human traits (emotions, tool-making, intelligence, language, consciousness, social bonds, morality, love) are found in bonobo societies as well. Pioneering research by Dr. Sue Savage-Rumbaugh and Takayoshi Kano have helped open a window into the behavior of these apes, and helped show (along with Chimp researchers such as Jane Goodall) that we humans are not so unique after all.

Kanzi, the Bonobo (Courtesy: Wikipedia)Now scientists are planning a really ambitious attempt that might shine new light on bonobos, and how much we humans share with them. A group of eight bonobos will take part in a unique language research, at the Great Ape Trust near Des Moines, Iowa.
Panbanisha, 19, and her son, Nyota, 7, will arrive first. Later, the matriarch of the group, Matata, will move in with Kanzi, Nathan, Elikya, Maisha and P-Suke (peace-kay). These particular bonobos can speak with symbols, play music, work video games with a joystick, draw and role-play. They like it when the scientists wear animal masks and when they play "tickle," Savage-Rumbaugh said.
The scientists will test the bonobos' musical abilities, counting abilities, moral decisions, love, communication skills, and so on. The bonobos will control access to part of their building, flush their own toilets, help cook meals in their own kitchen, select their own videos to watch and lounge in their own spa-sized tub complete with waterfall :D:D.