COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced Monday it welcomed a new baby bonobo last month.
The male infant, who has not yet been named, was born Aug. 11 to first-time mother Kibibi, according to a statement posted on the zoo’s social media. The newborn is the 18th bonobo to be born at the zoo, which called the birth “a milestone moment for our zoo and for bonobo conservation.”
“Both Kibibi and her baby are healthy and doing well. While it took Kibibi a little time to adjust to motherhood, she’s showing wonderful care and attentiveness to her son,” the zoo said. “In bonobo society, male offspring often remain with their mothers for life, forming strong lifelong bonds.”
Kibibi is the daughter of Kimia, a bonobo born at the Columbus Zoo in 1997. Kimia is the granddaughter of Susie and Jimmy, two bonobos who still reside at the zoo. This makes the new baby the great-grandson of Susie and Jimmy, according to the zoo.
The zoo said the baby’s father has not yet been determined and will be identified through paternity testing in the coming months.
“Every bonobo birth is a vital step toward protecting and preserving this incredible endangered species,” the zoo said. “These births not only support global conservation efforts but also help maintain a strong assurance population for bonobos in their native ranges.”
