Zoo officials believe the bonobo was “taunted” by visitors
NEED TO KNOW
- A bonobo cracked the glass while lunging at visitors at the ape enclosure at the Memphis Zoo on Thursday, Feb. 26
- The incident resulted in a “prolonged closure” of the bonobo exhibit
- The primate was not hurt in the incident and did not escape the enclosure
A bonobo cracked the glass while lunging at visitors of the apes’ enclosure at the Memphis Zoo on Thursday, Feb. 26.
Video of the incident obtained by local outlet Action 5 News shows a group of three of apes near the glass, when one grabs what appears to be a ball of hay and lunges into the safety glass, causing a large crack as visitors can be heard reacting in the background.
“Disruptive behavior at exhibits does not just damage property,” the zoo said in a statement to NBC News. “It has meaningful consequences for the animals’ daily routines and wellbeing, which is why respectful conduct is essential.”…