Bonobos produce high-pitched 'baby-like' cries when they are attacked

Bonobos are our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, sharing about 98.7 per cent of our DNA - and it seem they have picked up a few human-like characteristics along the way. A new study has revealed that the apes produce high-pitched 'baby-like' cries when they are attacked, in order to attract comfort from others. The study by psychologists at Durham University reveals that adult bonobos are also less likely to be re-attacked by their former opponent when they display these 'baby-like' signals following a conflict. Bonobos' displays of distress resemble those typically used by infants - such as pouting, whimpering and showing tantrums FEMALE BONOBOS 'ADOPT' ORPHANS FROM OTHER SOCIAL GROUPS In an astonishing display of altruism, female bonobo apes will 'adopt' and take care of unrelated orphans from other social groups, a 2021 found. a) Adult female victim crouching with bared teeth face expression/scream vocalisation, being consoled by an adult female; b) Example of bared-teeth facial expression; c) example of pout-face expression; d) example of victim scream/bared teeth plus hair bristling The researchers also found bonobos are sensitive to their audience - producing more signals if more bononos are nearby.