Go Ape: Playful Bonobos Make A Splash

The boisterous primates went ape at the Lola Ya Bonobo sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In one photo a bonobo seems to pull a funny face as it looks through a gap in its own legs.

In another two apes hold hands and appear to be dancing.

The shots were taken by primatologist Emilie Genty while she conducted field research at the sanctuary between January and April 2012.

Emilie, 36, said: “I am a keen photographer and when I am conducting my behavioural observations for my own research on bonobo communication, I always carry my camera around to capture interesting moments.

“I also like to take photos of the bonobos during my days off. "

The primates are the closest relative to humans in the animal kingdom, and have been known to communicate with each other using a range of different sounds.

French primatologist Emilie continued: “When I see them play, my first feeling is a scientific interest in what is going on, but I have to admit that beyond my cartesian mind and my intention to avoid anthropomorphism, I am always entertained when watching them play and impressed by their ingeniuty and crazy acrobatics.”