DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A research facility in Des Moines wants to bring more bonobos to central Iowa in hopes of breeding the animals and learning more about the apes’ abilities and behaviors.
The Des Moines Register reports that the Ape Cognition & Conservation Initiative has applied for accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Accreditation would give the initiative permission to breed with other captive bonobos in the U.S.

The initiative’s goal is to learn more about human evolution through the study of bonobos. Researchers say bonobos are the closest genetic relative to humans. The nonprofit hopes to hear back on its application next year. There are less than 100 bonobos living in captivity in the U.S. Philanthropist Ted Townsend brought five to Des Moines in 2004 through the Great Ape Trust.