The open-air primate park, Vallée des singes (Valley of the Monkeys), in the Poitou-Charentes region of France has added five Bonobo chimpanzees to the roster, reports Routard.
Instead of cages, the park’s primates are free to roam the grounds, or are kept securely separated on artificial islands.
With over 350 primates across 30 different species, Vallée des singes is home to the biggest group of gorillas in all of France. The grounds span 15 hectares, reserving more land for chimpanzees than anywhere else in Europe.
The park is also the first in France to host the Bonobo chimpanzee. The exhibit, which is now open, runs until November 13.
With only a few thousand Bonobos left in the world, they are currently listed as an endangered species. Highly expressive animals, Bonobos are peaceful and intelligent, and thought to be capable of empathy and altruism.
Not until 1929 were Bonobos discovered to be a separate species from the common chimpanzee. Bonobos can be distinguished from their common cousin by their longer legs, pink lips, dark face and a tufty tail which lasts into adulthood.