Kanzi, Pioneering Bonobo in Ape Cognition Research, Dies at 44

Known for his groundbreaking use of lexigrams and understanding of spoken English, Kanzi's unexpected death leaves a profound legacy in science and ethics.

• Kanzi, a bonobo renowned for his ability to communicate using lexigrams and comprehend spoken English, passed away on March 18, 2025, at the age of 44.
• Born in 1980, Kanzi spontaneously began using lexigrams as a young bonobo, eventually developing a vocabulary of around 3,000 words and demonstrating creative use of language.
• He participated in toolmaking studies, showcasing innovative techniques but highlighting the biomechanical and cognitive challenges faced by nonhuman primates in replicating human tool use.
• The Ape Conservation and Cognition Initiative announced his death, noting that he showed no signs of illness that day; necropsy results are pending, though he was being treated for heart disease.
• Kanzi's life and achievements continue to fuel debates about the boundaries of language, the nature of ape cognition, and the ethical responsibilities of studying intelligent nonhuman animals.

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