Bonobos Spill the Beans When You’re Clueless!

A groundbreaking study from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, has revealed that bonobos can recognise when someone lacks information and will actively assist them.

This ability, known as the Theory of Mind, was long believed to be unique to humans.

Researchers worked with three bonobos at the Ape Initiative research centre in Iowa. The apes took part in an experiment in which a human researcher either saw or did not see a treat being hidden under one of three cups.

When the person was unaware, the apes pointed to the correct cup more quickly and frequently, demonstrating their understanding of the human’s ignorance.

This experiment suggests that bonobos can hold two perspectives simultaneously — they know the treat’s location while realising their partner does not. This builds on previous research showing similar cognitive skills in chimpanzees and suggests that these abilities evolved millions of years ago in our common ancestors.

The findings challenge the belief that complex language is required for forming perspective. Researchers now aim to explore whether bonobos communicate purely to change behaviour, or if they also seek to influence beliefs.

These insights highlight the intelligence of bonobos and reinforce the importance of their conservation.

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