Rare Ape Gets Hernia Surgery

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) —A unique surgery was scheduled to be performed Friday on a 27-year-old male bonobo ape living at the research center Great Ape Trust.

The operation, to fix a hernia on the ape's lower abdominal wall, is believed to be one of the world's first such surgeries on a great ape, and the first on a bonobo, according to a news release from the ape sanctuary.

The surgery on P-Suke (pronounced PEACE-kay) was to be conducted at Des Moines University.

Scientists at the Great Ape Trust said they noticed an egg-sized bulge on P-Suke's right side about five weeks ago. After an evaluation, veterinarians and physicians recommended surgery to alleviate the hernia _ a condition which can develop when the abdominal wall weakens and a portion of tissue or intestine protrudes through the weakened area.

Scientists do not know the cause of the hernia, but said in the release that P-Suke has shown no signs of discomfort.

The laparoscopic procedure was expected to last between 30 and 45 minutes.

Bonobos are among the closest human relatives and are also on the verge of extinction due to being extensively hunted.

LiveScience staff contributed to this report.

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