The Wild Ones
Who are the great apes?
Gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos found in Africa. Orangutans are the only great
ape native to southeast Asia. These large primates do not have a tails like monkey's do.
Others in the ape family include:
Gibbons and Siamangs do not have tails either. They are referred to as lesser apes because they are the smallest apes. They are native to southeast Asia as well.
All four species of great apes are endangered due to habitat loss through deforestation, bushmeat, and the pet trade. Although most people don't realize this.
A pilot study done at the St. Louis Zoo asked 1000 visitors which of the three apes were endangered (showing them pictures of orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees) and then, if the subject indicated that any were NOT endangered. They found that individuals who thought that apes (chimps in particular) were not endangered thought so because they saw them in commercials, TV, and the movies. It just shows you that you shouldn't believe everything you see on TV!
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ORANGUTAN
An estimated 6,500 to 7,500 Sumatran orangutans, and 12,000 to 13,000 Bornean orangutans are believed to exist in the wild. Find more facts on orangutans by going to the orangutan fact sheet.
Sanctuaries and dedicated individuals are trying to prevent their extinction. The Balikpapan Orangutan Society is one such group of individuals volunteering their time and expertise to teach people about the orangutan. Through the "Where's Robbie?" outreach project RHWA sends 25% of funds raised by recycling aluminum cans, cell phones, and printer cartridges to orangutan conservation in Indonesia. Check out who we are helping.
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GORILLA
The gorilla is shy vegetarian. The largest and most powerful of the apes they spend their days quietly, in search of food or resting. When threatened gorillas will stand in an erect position and beat their cupped hands against their chest in an attempt to scare away intruders. There are two species of gorilla, the western and the eastern.
The western gorilla includes two subspecies with about 100,000 animals surviving and is located in west and central Africa. This is the species commonly found in zoos.
The eastern gorilla includes three subspecies and is found in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Only around 12,000 eastern gorillas survive today. You may be very familiar with one of the eastern subspecies, the mountain gorilla. Researcher Dian Fossey studied these great apes and spearheaded the world's awareness to their plight. Today there are only about 400 left in the wild. There are no mountain gorillas in zoos.
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CHIMPANZEE
Chimpanzees and humans share 98.4% of their DNA making the chimpanzee our closest relative. These highly intelligent animals have the ability to learn, plan ahead, and use objects as tools to solve problems which has been demonstrated in field and laboratory observations.
Today’s wild population is estimated to range from 100,000 to 230,000 animals, but scientists estimate that just 50 years ago, millions of chimpanzees could be found in central Africa.
Males range from 100 to 150 lbs. and will grow to a height of four feet or more, while females range from 60 to 110 lbs. and about three feet. Chimpanzees may live as long as 30+ in the wild, whereas in captivity, their age may reach 50 or more year.
Rolling Hills Zoo is home to four adult male chimpanzees ranging in age from 24 to 34 years old.
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BONOBO
Bonobos share 98.4% of the same genetic make-up (DNA) with chimpanzees and humans. Bonobos and chimps are more closely related genetically to each other and humans than they are to gorillas.
Males average 70-100 pounds at a height of 3 ½ to 4 feet and females range around 60 pounds and are about 3 feet. Bonobos have slightly smaller heads and ears as well as a smaller brow ridge (where your eyebrows are) than chimpanzees. They have an all black face from birth and red lips. Chimpanzees have pink faces with they are born which turn dark as they mature.
Bonobos also walk upright more easily and for longer periods of time than chimps. Longer legs than arms and the skulls position on the spine make possible.
Females carry the highest rank and their sons are the leaders among the males. Close female bonds and alliances help maintain their power with the males who are physically stronger.
Most famous for their "make love, not war" society the bonobo is known as a most peaceful primate. Showing love and compassion for all members of the troupe.
Click here for the lastest information about their plight in the wild. Go to article.
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