[Paleopsych] AP: Great apes to learn human behaviors

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Great apes to learn human behaviors - Apr 20, 2005
http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/science/04/20/ape.research.ap/index.html

    Kanzi is one of the bonobos taking part in the unique language
    research study.

    RELATED
    [32]The Great Ape Trust external link

    FACT BOX

    Bonobos are the most human-like species of ape.

    The great apes are also known as pygmy chimpanzees.

    A distinguishing feature of the bonobo is the species black face and
    red lips, and a prominent tail tuft which is retained by adults.
    Population estimate: 10,000-50,000
    Natural habitat: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

    Bonobos existence is threatened by bushmeat hunters and habitat loss.

    Source: WWF


    DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Dr. Sue Savage-Rumbaugh sounds like a proud
    mother when she speaks about her brood of bonobos, eight
    ultra-intelligent apes that will take part in unique language research
    meant to shed light on their nature and maybe our own.

    The first two bonobos will make the 16-hour road trip from the
    Language Research Center at Georgia State University to their new $10
    million, 13,000-square-foot home near downtown Des Moines later this
    month. All eight -- three females and five males -- will arrive at the
    Great Ape Trust of Iowa by mid-May.

    Bonobos, a species of ape from the Congo, are the most like humans,
    Savage-Rumbaugh said. They constantly vocalize "as though they are
    conversing" and often walk upright.

    "If you want to find a human-like creature that exists in a completely
    natural state ... that creature is the bonobo," said Savage-Rumbaugh,
    an experimental psychologist who is one of the world's leading
    ape-language researchers.

    If the apes are able to learn language, music and art, once thought to
    be distinct to humans, then "it strongly suggests that those things
    are not innate in us," she said.

    "Those are things that we have created, and create anew and build upon
    from one generation to the next ..." she said. "Then we have the power
    to change it and make it any other way. We could have an ideal world,
    if we but learn how to do it."

    The bonobos will be able to cook in their own kitchen, tap vending
    machines for snacks, go for walks in the woods and communicate with
    researchers through computer touchscreens. The decor in their 18-room
    home includes an indoor waterfall and climbing areas 30 feet high.

    The longevity of the project is unlike any other.

    The animals, which have a life span of up to about 50 years, will be
    allowed to mate and have families -- and develop cultures that will be
    studied for generations to come, Savage-Rumbaugh said.

    Visitors are allowed, but they must understand that the Great Ape
    Trust is not a zoo, she said.

    Using a network of cameras and computers, the bonobos can see visitors
    who ring the doorbell -- and will be able to choose through a computer
    touchscreen who will be permitted into a secured viewing area.

    "Only if they want to open the door can you enter," Savage-Rumbaugh
    said.

    Karen Killmar, an associate curator at the San Diego Zoo, said the
    Great Ape Trust is unlike other research programs.

    "There's studies all over the place in terms of intelligence and
    learning ability and behavior," she said, "but to be able to sort of
    pull it all together in one place I think is a wonderful opportunity
    to give us a much clearer picture of what our closest relatives are."
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References

   32. http://www.iowagreatapes.org/