I saw this program online of Nova the other day that blew my mind.
Researchers are just now discovering that the ape species is much smarter than we ever thought.
They create and use tools and weapons, they have the ability to cooperate, they have culture and in some tests they're much smarter than 3 year old children!
Bonobos particularly are very special when it comes getting along with one another, showing affection and protection.
Though being our closest related species on this planet, apes are missing a few important traits that keep them from being much closer to humans. But through evolution, the a planet of apes could not exactly be science fiction...
You can view the whole fascinating episode at this link below.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/apegenius/program.html
rockets redgalore