National Geographic’s documentary Queens captures this astonishing behavior with unmatched detail. A group of female-led bonobos quietly moves through the canopy, their eyes fixed on a troop of unsuspecting colobus monkeys. Unlike solitary hunters, bonobos rely on teamwork. With coordinated movements, they spread out, cutting off escape routes and forcing the colobus into vulnerable positions.
The hunt is fast, tense, and filled with strategy. Some bonobos chase and corner, while others lie in wait, anticipating the leaps of the fleeing monkeys. The moment of capture is intense—prey is quickly subdued and shared among the hunters. For the bonobos, this is not just survival, but a powerful expression of cooperation and hierarchy.
What makes this scene particularly striking is that it challenges the common perception of bonobos as purely gentle, peace-loving primates. They may resolve social tension with bonding behaviors, but in the hunt, they demonstrate intelligence, strength, and predatory skill.
For the colobus monkeys, survival depends on speed, agility, and constant vigilance. But even their swift leaps across the treetops are not always enough against the relentless coordination of their pursuers.
This remarkable footage is a reminder that in the wild, survival is a constant struggle. Even species renowned for harmony and compassion have moments of raw intensity—where instinct takes over and the forest reveals its untamed drama.
