Kanzi, the iconic bonobo who redefined our understanding of ape intelligence, passed away on March 18, 2023, at the age of 44. His death, while not unexpected given the average bonobo lifespan of around 40 years, marks a significant loss for the scientific community and for those who knew him. Kanzi resided at the Ape Cognition and Conservation Initiative (ACCI) in Des Moines, Iowa, where he was being treated for heart disease. According to the ACCI, Kanzi seemed well on the day he died, engaging in typical bonobo activities like playing, foraging, and grooming. His legacy, however, extends far beyond his final days.
Kanzi’s life was a testament to the remarkable cognitive abilities of bonobos. Born in 1980 and initially raised at the Yerkes Field Station in Georgia, Kanzi’s journey led him to Georgia State University’s Language Research Center and eventually to the Great Ape Trust, later becoming the ACCI. He lived alongside his sister, Panbanisha, until her passing in 2012.
Unlike Koko the gorilla and Washoe the chimp, who used sign language, Kanzi communicated through lexigrams—geometric symbols representing words. Under the guidance of primatologist Sue Savage-Rumbaugh, Kanzi’s vocabulary expanded to reportedly comprehend around 3,000 spoken words. This remarkable feat challenged the traditional understanding of language acquisition and communication outside the human realm.
Kanzi’s intellectual prowess wasn’t limited to language. In the 1990s, archaeologists Nicholas Toth and Kathy Schick introduced Kanzi to stone toolmaking using early human techniques. Kanzi not only mastered these techniques but also innovated his own methods, offering invaluable insights into the cognitive processes behind this fundamental human skill.
At the Great Ape Trust, Kanzi and his fellow apes lived in an enriched environment. They controlled hydraulic doors, accessed a kitchen with amenities like a vending machine and microwave, and enjoyed a recreational room with a TV and VCR. Kanzi reportedly enjoyed films like Every Which Way But Loose, Quest for Fire, Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, and Babe.
Kanzi’s aptitude extended to the digital world. A video showcasing his proficiency and enjoyment playing Pac-Man captivated audiences in 2006. More recently, in 2023, Kanzi explored the world of Minecraft, demonstrating his quick learning and adaptability. Amanda Epping, a research coordinator at the ACCI, noted Kanzi’s enthusiasm for the game and his remarkable ability to grasp new skills.
Kanzi’s life and accomplishments shattered preconceived notions about the boundaries of intelligence. He demonstrated that the cognitive gap between humans and our closest ape relatives is narrower than we often assume. His ability to communicate, create tools, and engage with technology underscores the complex cognitive landscape shared by both humans and nonhuman primates.
Kanzi’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire future research into ape cognition and conservation efforts. He was more than a research subject; he was a unique individual whose life challenged our understanding of intelligence and blurred the lines between human and animal minds. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the shared cognitive heritage we have with our closest relatives and the importance of their continued protection and study.
