The Matriarchal Society of Bonobos

In the past, little was known about the bonobos. They were referred to by the name(and incorrectly I might add) pygmy chimpanzees. The difference between bonobos and other primate societies is that their society is run by the females. Their rule is so subtle and so tolerable that many who have studied them view their units as an equal partnership or as gender equality.

When bonobo research became a serious science, the thing that first made humans uncomfortable was their public demonstrations of affection. These displays are quite graphic. Bonobos make love not war quite freely with every type of combination possible including females with females, males with males and even youngsters and infants become part of the act.

Bonobos use sex as a way to bond, to soothe and to make amends after a disagreement. Sex is the way they strengthen their alliances and as a way to diffuse tension. Scientists have claimed that without this excess of sex, that the society that bonobos created would crumble. Sex in bonobo society is not what it seems. It is a social interaction that can be compared to backslapping among men and hugs and kisses among women friends.

Bonobos are the least known in the primate family and it is said that there are approximately one hundred of them that can be found in zoos. Similar to chimpanzees in many ways, their differences make them seem more human than any other primate. Their backs are straight with a build that is slender. They have heads that are smaller than their chimpanzee cousins and they are not as heavily built.

Bonobo society differs from that of the chimpanzee in that it is a much less aggressive atmosphere. Power and status are not as important to bonobos as they are more interested in the art of love than the intricacies of war. Humans and bonobos both use sex for other purposes than reproduction and this links them in an intimate way.

Another way in which the society of bonobos differ from others is that when the females reach adolescence they are the ones to leave the group and forge new relationships with virtual strangers. In other primate societies, it is usually the male that is the one to look for greener pastures.

Girl power is the phrase that comes to mind when one thinks of bonobos. They form tight bonds with females that are not related to them and will stick up for each other against a marauding male and are usually the first to eat and be offered food.

Many of the males in human society when faced with the truth about the bonobo lifestyle feel a sense of indignity, as if their place in the world is being questioned. Perhaps they recognize that women in fact need them for just one thing and with modern technology, we don't even need them for that anymore.

Polar Ice Babies

There is nothing cuter than a seal pup. They rate right up there with kittens and canine puppies. Newfoundland and the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence is where a third of all seals gather to give birth to these adorable seal pups. The Magdalen Islands of Canada and Labrador is where they gather in order to mate and reproduce.

We are now in the time of birthing and there may be more than 500,000 seal pup births in a season. The ice floes are where their birth often takes place and it is one of the most amazing events that happens in the wilds of North America.

When the pups are born, they are just about two feet long and weigh just fifteen pounds. Their growth is quick as they gain about four pounds per day. The milk that their mothers feed them has a 45% fat content as opposed to cow's milk which only has 4%. Within a short span of twelve days they can weigh as much as seventy five pounds.

It may seem cruel to hear these adorable babies calling for their mothers as mama takes off to join the males and begin to journey north. The pups are left to follow all by their lonesome. The ice floes that were so safe for their birth now become a killing field for seal hunters. Hunters can kill these babies as soon as they start to moult and develop the white hair that so many of us are used to seeing. This happens approximately two weeks after they are born.

The media has helped the general public to realize what is happening in the frozen north as most people don't realize the slaughter that can happen when it is unchecked. More and more tours bring thousands of animal lovers to the ice so that they may take the baby seals picture instead of their lives.

The public outcry against this practice has been phenomenal. The clubs once used to beat the life out of these innocent creatures have been replaced with flashing bulbs and avid video equipment. Only we as humans can demand an end to this savage practice. Consumers can boycott the fur trade that features seal coats, stoles and other products made from the skins of baby seals.

Do your part and find out what you can do to stop this senseless slaughter. Imagine if it was your child that was hunted only for their skins. Let's join together to stop the killing of such beautiful and necessary animals, and ensure that out of the many seal pups born this spring, more than ever will survive to live another day and produce more seal pups for the next generation.

Pets and People: 3 Ways They Enrich Our Lives

Nowhere will you find unconditional love you receive from a pet. Of course fish, snakes and reptiles will not give you the same type of love you would receive from a dog, cat, bird or other such animals. Your pet doesn't ask for very much; just that you love them and give them the proper care. Animals do a lot for humans besides just loving us. They can be trained to learn a wide range of tasks that help humans live a richer, more fuller life.

1. Take Advantage of The Lessons They can Teach Us

Owning a pet can teach your children as well as the whole family some valuable life lessons. Children are naturally selfish creatures that think the world revolves around them, and having a pet can teach them the skills they will need in order to succeed in life. Children that are brought up with pets are more caring, empathetic, loyal and more willing to share than those growing up without pets. These skills are vital for children to grow up to build healthy relationships with their fellow creatures and man.

Adults too can learn from their pets. You don't stop learning just because you think you are all grown up. Life is a school and if you pay careful attention, your pets may surprise you by teaching you a thing or two.

2. Pets as Helpmates

There are many dogs that are trained to aid the disabled. Blind people use a seeing eye dog to help them live a fuller life as do those that are deaf or have other types of disabilities. One of the most amazing feats that dogs perform is their ability to sense when their master is going to have an epileptic episode. This allows the suffer more freedom as no longer will they be afraid that they will have a seizure in a public or dangerous place. The dog usually alerts his owner when a seizure is eminent. They can predict an episode well in advance and this allows the patient to get to a safe and secure place to wait out the seizure.

3. Animal Assisted Therapy

Scientists now have proof of what pet owners have long known; pets are excellent therapists. There are many animals that are certified therapists for patients in a hospital, nursing home or other type of care facility. Animals are given specialized training in order to give the patient the love and affection they may have longed for in the past. Children and the elderly benefit greatly when an animal trained for this type of work comes to their facility. It improves patient morale and can sometimes get a silent patient talking and laughing again.

Humans are much better people because of their association with animals. It is too bad that the whole world doesn't realize what an untapped resource we have in the animals that share our world.