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Cincinnati Zoo Announces Death of 3-Year-Old Bonobo

The zoo said each member of the tight-knit bonobo troop was given the chance to say goodbye to Amali.

Nov 20, 2023 at 3:18 pm

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Photo: Michelle Peters via The Cincinnati Zoo

The Cincinnati Zoo is mourning the loss of a young ape, Amali the bonobo.

The Cincinnati Zoo is mourning the loss of one of its young bonobos, an endangered ape species.

"We are devastated to share that 3-year-old bonobo Amali passed away," the zoo wrote on Facebook.

According to the zoo, Amali died after a week of receiving supportive care for respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV. The infection of the lungs and respiratory tract is common for human children, but the zoo said bonobos are especially susceptible to secondary infections from RSV.

"The Jungle Trails team is prioritizing supportive care for the rest of the symptomatic members of the troop," the zoo said. "We see signs of recovery and remain hopeful that the infection has mostly run its course."

Amali was born on July 23, 2020. She is the daughter of Kesi and Vernon. She was the 11th bonobo to be born at The Cincinnati Zoo.

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One of Amali's keepers described her as "small but mighty" in the Facebook post announcing her death.

“People say the best things come in small packages, and after working with Amali I’m here to tell you…they’re right," the post reads. "Amali was small but mighty. She had a huge personality. [...] The entire bonobo troop adored her; from our large adult males to her half-brother Bo, everyone was a playmate but made sure to be gentle and tender with her."

The zoo said each member of the tight-knit bonobo troop was given the chance to say goodbye to Amali.

"The Jungle Trails team allowed every member of the troop to say a final goodbye and start the grieving process after this unexpected loss," the zoo said. "It’s hard for everyone, and while her keepers and troop continue to grieve the loss, we’re comforted by the idea that she is reunited with her father Vernon."

Videos posted to the zoo's YouTube channel in February show Amali playing among the members of her troop.

"We ask you to join us in celebrating her life by sharing your favorite moments or stories of Amali, and continue to be a champion for bonobo conservation in her honor," the zoo said.

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Madeline Fening

Madeline Fening is CityBeat’s investigative news reporter. Proudly born and raised in Middletown, she attended Bowling Green State University before moving to Austin, Texas where she dabbled in documentary filmmaking, digital news and bartending. Madeline then moved to Cincinnati to work for WCPO 9 News as an...