The Language of Bonobos

Inspired by Kanzi, MSL Linguistics students took a field trip to the Milwaukee County Zoo today where Director of Conservation Education James Mills gave a whirlwind lecture that lead us through evolutionary biology, anthropology, and linguistics.  We then headed over to the Primate Building where we got to see bonobos in action--the Milwaukee Zoo is home to 20 of the 90 bonobos in captivity in the U.S.-- and then listen to a talk by the orangutan keeper about their enrichment program with iPads.  (Turns out M.J. enjoys This Old House and Tommy paints along with Bob the Painter on PBS.)