The bonobo exhibit at the Memphis Zoo is currently closed for repairs following an incident where a male bonobo shattered a layer of safety glass during an interaction with teenage visitors. The event, which took place on Thursday in the Primate Canyon exhibit, was caught on video and has since raised concerns about visitor interactions with the animals.
Fortunately, the zoo reported that the bonobos were not harmed in the incident, and only one layer of the glass was broken. The damaged pane has now been boarded up while repairs are made. Melissa Peterson, the associate curator for primates at Memphis Zoo, indicated that the group of teenage boys appeared to be engaging with the bonobos, which led to the male bonobo, Mobali, slamming the glass in response.
One visitor, Josiah Long, described how he and his friends from Missouri were surprised by the bonobos’ reactions. They intended no disrespect, merely trying to see if they could attract the animals’ attention. Long humorously recalled, “We see one of them start to approach us and I’m like, oh my gosh. That thing is coming right for us.” After the glass broke, he and his friends quickly alerted zoo staff.
Peterson emphasized that while she does not blame the teenagers for the incident, it serves as a reminder that bonobos can experience stress similar to humans when provoked. She stressed the importance of treating the animals with respect in their habitat, noting that such interactions can lead to frustration or anger in the animals.
Despite the temporary closure, Peterson mentioned that the bonobos have been keeping themselves occupied with the activity around their exhibit as repairs are underway. She explained that the sight of workers and the boards being put up provides a new form of stimulation for them.
The Primate Canyon exhibit is expected to remain closed for several weeks while the glass is replaced. This incident highlights the delicate balance of interaction between humans and wildlife and serves as a call for responsible behavior in zoos, fostering understanding and respect for the animals that share our planet.