Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Fun Fact: Did you know that chimpanzees have a DNA similarity of around 98.7% with humans3? These great apes are more closely related to modern humans than other primate species.
Bonobos (Pan paniscus)
Fun Fact: Did you know bonobos have a matriarchal society? They use social bonding and sexual activities to resolve conflicts and maintain group cohecsion. Moreover, these great apes are the only non-human species that engage in sexual intercourse for communication1.
Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)
Despite their massive size, gorillas are peaceful, shy, and reserved. The genus gorilla comprises both the eastern and western gorilla species. Unfortunately, both are critically endangered species due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease.
Eastern Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri)
Fun Fact: Did you know the Eastern Gorilla is the largest gorilla subspecies? These massive apes can reach up to 6 feet tall when standing upright. With their muscular build and powerful arms, they can weigh up to a whopping 400 pounds.
Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei)
You can find the mountain gorilla in the heart of the Virunga mountains and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These great apes have long hair, formidable jaws, small noses, and a dense coat that helps them survive freezing temperatures. Moreover, this old-world monkey lives 7,200 to 14,100 feet above sea level, where it gets pretty chilly.
Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)
Fun Fact: Did you know that orangutans are the largest tree-dwelling mammals on Earth? These creatures spend most of their lives high up in the rainforest canopy, rarely touching the forest floor.
Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii)
Fun Fact: Did you know that orangutans can travel up to 100 feet in a single swing? These incredible acrobats use their long arms and strong hands to navigate the dense rainforest.
Tapanuli Orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis)
Fun Fact: Did you know that the Tapanuli orangutan is the newest great ape species2? In 2017, experts officially recognized it as a distinct species. With only 800 individuals in the wild, they are also the world's rarest apes.
Siamang Gibbon (Symphalangus syndactylus)
Fun Fact: Did you know that Siamang gibbons are the largest among the gibbon species? They can be twice as large, reaching up to 3.3 ft.
Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock)
You can find the Hoolock gibbon in the lush forest canopies of Northeastern India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China. Moreover, they are the only apes native to India, dancing amid the trees with agility.
