Researchers at the Iowa Great Ape Trust are putting eight intelligent bonobos in a human-like living situation to study how culture may emerge. From the Associated Press:
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…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,” (experimental psychologist and ape-language expert Dr. Sue) Savage-Rumbaugh said.
