Photographer Christian Ziegler captured this unusual photo of a wild bonobo that looks as though it is cuddling a mongoose. While the species is known to be gentle, the truth behind the photo may be much darker than what appears to be affection.
The photo is of a young male bonobo gently holding a mongoose pup deep in the rainforest. The still capture may look as though it depicts a tender moment and while the pup was eventually released unharmed, this story may have had a much darker beginning.Seigler works for the Max Plank Institute of Animal Behavior as a photographer and coordinated with one of the institute’s scientists, Barbara Fruth, to document the behavior of wild bonobos in the Congo where they are native.
The group that Fruth and Ziegler were studying has been the subject of research into behavior for over 20 years and as such, humans are able to get as close as five or 10 meters to the animals. He draws on Fruth’s experience to explain the photo, as it isn’t clear what the ape’s intentions were. “In the wild though, bonobos face many constraints such as food shortage, diseases, competition, and pressure from human activities. Bonobos live largely from plants, but also hunt diverse mammals including duikers, small forest antelopes, squirrels, various species of monkeys, and species such as this mongoose. Attacks happen in ambush. Occasionally more than one individual is captured and this may include animals that are mothers with dependent offspring.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
2024 Renault 5 EV Mule Spotted For The Very First TimeIt may look like a chopped up Clio, but it’s actually a mule Renault’s upcoming retro-inspired electric city car that should reach the market in 2024.
Read more »
Kanye West Walks Away From Gap Deal After Vowing to Drop GrudgesAfter weeks of criticizing Gap, it looks like Kanye West’s partnership with the clothing company is over.
Read more »
Celebrate the flavors of Spain with seafood paella and white sangriaPaella may be a showstopping dish, but it's actually easy enough to make on a weeknight.
Read more »
iOS 16.1 beta adds Apple’s ugly new battery percentage indicator to the iPhone MiniIt may not look good, but at least Mini users will be able to try it.
Read more »
Is Reverse Catfishing Ethical in Dating? Experts Advise | Well+GoodThere might not be drawbacks to kicking off a potential new relationship by intentionally presenting a less-than-flattering version of yourself, according to experts 👇
Read more »