Bonobo Bliss Lola and Upendi's Social Bonding and Playful Day at Twycross Zoo

Bonobo Apes Lola and Upendi from the Twycross Zoo have some fun playing.
Female Lola the older one has made her bed with some wood wool. Baby Upendi jumps at Lola to play with her. Lola wiggles with Upendy on her belly.

Info: When bonobos engage in rubbing against each other, it is often considered a form of social bonding and communication. Bonobos are highly social primates, and physical contact plays a crucial role in their interactions. Rubbing against each other can serve various purposes, including establishing and reinforcing social bonds, reducing tension or conflicts within the group, and expressing affection or reassurance. Additionally, such behaviour can contribute to the overall cohesion of the bonobo community.

Bonobos are very playful great apes. The youngsters always seem to have fun. Lola keeps trying to make her bed and Upendi keeps interrupting her. She pushes him away but that doesn't stop him coming for more. Lola holds him up on top of her and then pushes him off. Upendi keeps coming for more. They have a little wrestle and Lola sits on the little Upendi for a couple of seconds and then rolls away. A few more rolls from Lola. Then another wrestle and Lola pulling Upendi's leg. They having a lot of fun, but Upendi's mum has seen enough. She is known to keep a tight rein on her son. She tries to grab him, but Upendi isn't finished with playing. Eventually, she gets hold of him and gets the wiggle on with him, which I believe is often referred to as "social grooming" or "allogrooming."
#bonobos #bonoboape #greatapes