Ape Action Africa, a non-profit devoted to the protection of endangered gorillas, chimpanzees, and monkeys, was established in 1996, yet their ape residents continue to amaze even the most seasoned caregivers. Bobo, a Western Lowland Gorilla rescued by the group in 1996, has met a new friend, and their bond is arguably the most odd you could imagine.
Our gorilla caregiver saw Bobo cuddling a small, wild bush baby during his morning checks,” Ape Action Africa spokesperson Elissa O’Sullivan told Bored Panda. “The bush baby displayed no fear of Bobo, moving about his body and hopping around in an open grassy area before returning to Bobo.”
Image credits: Ape Action Africa/Alex Benitez
Bobo is the dominant male in his group, which consists of three females and three males. Kibu and Nkamum, two younger men, have attempted to challenge Bobo for his position, but have never been successful, and no longer try to take control. However, it is now clear that the giant has a soft side as well.
“Bush babies are normally nocturnal, so seeing one during the day is quite uncommon.” At Mefou Sanctuary, we’ve never seen a wild ape interact with a rescued one.”
Image credits: Ape Action Africa/Alex Benitez
Even Bobo’s crew was curious about what was going on. “Bobo’s groupmates were interested in the bush baby and thought he would share it with them, but Bobo kept the bush baby to himself.” They spent at least two hours together until Bobo returned his new companion to a wooded area within his cage and the bush baby vanished.
Ape Action Africa is currently one of Africa’s greatest conservation programs, with over 300 primates under its care. Because of the illicit bushmeat and pet trades, many of the animals arrive to the refuge as orphans. Deforestation and worldwide demand for unusual meat and live animals as pets and zoo exhibits have worsened these problems in recent years.
Image credits: Ape Action Africa/Alex Benitez
Bobo is a Western Lowland Gorilla that was rescued by Ape Action Africa in 1996 at the age of 24.
Image credits: Ape Action Africa/Alex Benitez
Bobo acquired a new friend recently, and their odd friendship astonished everyone.
Image credits: Ape Action Africa/Alex Benitez
“Our gorilla caretaker saw Bobo cuddling a newborn, wild jungle baby during his morning inspections.”
“The bush baby exhibited no fear of Bobo by moving about his body and hopping around in an open grassy area before returning to Bobo.”
Image credits: Ape Action Africa/Alex Benitez
They were together for at least two hours until Bobo returned his new friend to a grove of trees within his cage, and the bush baby vanished.
