- What are Great Apes?
Great apes belong to the Hominidae family, including humans, chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans. Dr. Tara Stoinski explains that humans are also part of this group and share many similarities with other great apes. - Caesar – The Intelligent Chimpanzee:
Caesar, the main character in the film series, is a chimpanzee enhanced by the ALZ-113 virus, which boosts his intelligence. Dr. Stoinski emphasizes that raising chimpanzees as pets is inappropriate since they need a natural environment to develop properly. - Koba – The Abused Bonobo:
Koba is a bonobo who was severely abused by humans. After receiving the virus, he became smarter but carried deep hatred towards humans. This highlights how abuse affects animals’ behavior and psychology. - Gorillas and Orangutans – Less Featured Apes:
Gorillas and orangutans appear less often in the films, but Dr. Stoinski explains that they have unique traits important for understanding social behavior and intelligence in great apes. - Conservation Message:
The video ends with a call to action to protect great apes, especially gorillas, which are endangered due to habitat loss and illegal hunting.
