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Salonga National Park, Congo Basin – An extraordinary moment captured deep within the dense, emerald canopy of the Congo Basin has challenged scientific understanding and touched the hearts of people worldwide. Award-winning photographer Christian Ziegler documented an encounter that suggests compassion is not a uniquely human trait: a wild bonobo was spotted gently holding a baby mongoose.

The sight, which was photographed in Salonga National Park, was startling in its stillness and profound kindness. The bonobo, an ape known for its peaceful, highly social, and empathetic nature—and sharing 98% of its DNA with humans—was not hunting or harming the small mammal. Instead, it was simply cradling it gently, like a mother or a friend.

An Act of Pure Empathy

The photograph captures the bonobo sitting silently, its gaze soft and protective, embracing a creature from an entirely different species. There was no drama, no threat, just an act of pure, quiet empathy unfolding in the middle of the jungle.

After a period of peaceful observation, the bonobo eventually released the little mongoose, unharmed, allowing it to go free.

The astonishing image went on to win a grand prize in the 2023 Nature inFocus competition. Yet, its value extends far beyond photographic excellence. It provides compelling, undeniable proof that the capacity for kindness and compassion is not exclusive to the human race.

The story serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most profound lessons on how to be human are taught by the wild, proving that what we share with these intelligent apes goes beyond genetics—it includes the ability to recognize and value life.