One of the draft pages that Kizito and I did for "The Fascinating Animals of Zaire" was about chimpanzees, as many educated people knew that there were two sorts -- the black-faced and the white-faced. In remote areas, however, villagers recognized their local species only.
Roughly translated, the main character, (a self-portrait of Kizito) is introducing our cousin, the chimpanzee. He explains that the "Mokomboso" or "Sokumutu" means "like a man", and we share 99% genetic material.
The explanation continues with a description of the large brain and intelligence, and the opposable thumbs for manipulating objects. The panel Kizito points too explains how chimpanzees prepare a stick for fishing in the termite mounds. The termites grab on ... and ... bon appetit!
The final image explains, "Like humans, their life is based on a complex social system. Baby chimpanzees must learn the customs of their group, to appreciate the edible foods (and what is toxic), to avoid predators, and how to care for their infants. All of this requires a long apprenticeship".
What is unusual about this cartoon is that we did not have any photographs of the termite sequence. To make it as understandable as possible, a young chimp that was anesthetized for veterinary purposes was placed in realistic poses, while sleeping, for us to draw the position of the hands.
This artwork was never published, but the project cemented a relationship with a Congolese artist that has lasted to this day.
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