Meet Our Apes

“When I look into the eyes of an ape, I see the universe. I see a magnificence in nature and in beings that I can’t see any other way. One can begin to sense there is a greatness beyond the ape that we need to work hard to understand.”

Dr. Duane M. Rumbaugh
Scientist Emeritus, Great Ape Trust

  • Matata

    Matata

    The matriarch and uncontested dominant member of Great Ape Trust's bonobo group.

  • Elikya

    Elikya

    Like her mother, Matata, Elikya is primarily used as a control subject, comparing the competencies of apes raised in a language-rich environment to those who are not.

  • Maisha

    Maisha

    On May 28, 2000, Matata gave birth to one of the newest members of Great Ape Trust's bonobo family — Maisha.

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