Ape cracks exhibit’s glass as it launches at Memphis Zoo visitors


The Memphis Zoo has closed its bonobo exhibit for glass repairs after it was damaged by a primate that launched toward onlookers.

Video verified by NBC News shows a bonobo strike the safety glass amid a leap toward patrons who are laughing and giggling at the animal.

In a statement, the zoo said the incident happened Thursday and suggested the bonobo may have been taunted or set off by visitors.

“Disruptive behavior at exhibits does not just damage property,” the zoo said. “It has meaningful consequences for the animals’ daily routines and wellbeing, which is why respectful conduct is essential.”

The zoo said the barrier was not breached, but damage to the reinforced safety glass, produced in layers and sometimes including acrylic as well as glass, would result in a prolonged closure to wait for a replacement for the “specially fabricated” item.

No guests were harmed; likewise for the bonobo, the zoo said.

A bonobo eats an orange.
A bonobo at the Memphis Zoo in 2023. The zoo urged visitors to always behave — for the animals’ sake.Stu Boyd II-The Commercial Appeal / USA Today Network via Imagn

“The habitat is constructed with multiple layers of reinforced safety glass that meet rigorous safety standards,” the zoo said. “The additional layers remained fully intact, and there was no breach of the habitat.”

During the closure, bonobos will not have a full run of the habitat, the zoo said.

“The bonobos will have limited access to portions of their outdoor habitat, which directly affects their ability to fully utilize their space,” it said.

The zoo urged visitors to always behave — for the animals’ sake.

“We welcome families and guests of all ages, and we ask everyone to be respectful when visiting exhibits,” the zoo said. “That means not striking the glass, shouting at animals, taunting them, or crowding exhibit barriers.”

The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources classifies the primate, about the size of a chimpanzee and able to walk occasionally on two feet, as endangered. The Wisconsin National Primate Resource Center says some of its habitat, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is covered under protected status, but enforcement is not assured.



Source link

  • Related Posts

    Rents falling in B.C. as demographic changes curb rental demand, says report

    But falling apartment starts could lead to a future rental housing crunch, says Liv.rent Source link

    China’s Solar Power Generation Overtakes Wind for First Time

    China produced more electricity using solar last year than Japan’s entire grid, and panels now account for 11% of the nation’s total generation, compared to less than 1% a decade…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    Padres Spring Training Notebook: Health, roster battles come into focus as stars depart for WBC

    Padres Spring Training Notebook: Health, roster battles come into focus as stars depart for WBC

    Step Into the Retro-Futuristic World of We Were Here Tomorrow

    Step Into the Retro-Futuristic World of We Were Here Tomorrow

    In their own words: Texans vote under redrawn maps ordered by Trump

    In their own words: Texans vote under redrawn maps ordered by Trump

    Rents falling in B.C. as demographic changes curb rental demand, says report

    Rents falling in B.C. as demographic changes curb rental demand, says report

    Trump orders federal agencies to drop Anthropic’s AI

    Trump orders federal agencies to drop Anthropic’s AI

    Kelowna mayor does not ask for more RCMP funding during Victoria trip – Okanagan

    Kelowna mayor does not ask for more RCMP funding during Victoria trip – Okanagan