The UK's only bonobo troop explore new outdoor space at Twycross Zoo

Conservation charity Twycross Zoo has shared exciting footage of the UK’s only bonobo troop exploring their expansive new outdoor habitat for the very first time. 

Earlier this year, the Midlands-based charity announced that its troop of 13 bonobos had successfully moved to a newly refreshed habitat on their 100-acre site. The new habitat, “Bonobos of the Congo Basin”, which opened to the public this weekend, just in time for the Easter Holidays, will allow the team to better-care for its growing community of the endangered ape, and reflects Twycross Zoo’s role as a global conservation charity, connecting visitors with one of the world’s most threatened primates and the rainforest they call home.

This morning, zookeepers watched on as the excitable troop, including 6-month-old baby bonobo ‘Biso’, ventured into their new outdoor space for the first time. Climbing in the open air, foraging for food, and exploring their new environment, which is designed to encourage these natural behaviours. 

Matt Ford, Primate Curator at Twycross Zoo, commented on the bonobos reaction to their new home, saying: “This is a huge moment, not just for our bonobos, but for the wider conservation aim that they represent.

“Seeing them explore, make choices and interact with their environment in new ways is exactly what this habitat move was designed to do, and will allow our vitally important troop to continue to thrive. It’s about giving them the very best care, while inspiring people to care about their future as a species.”

The species is listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List, facing threats of extinction due to human actions, and the charity zoo is the only zoo in the UK caring for the species, safeguarding a healthy and genetically viable population of bonobos, in support of their wild counterparts; and through support of vital field projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – the only place on Earth where wild bonobos are found.

Visitors to Twycross Zoo can see the bonobo troop enjoying the “Bonobos of the Congo Basin” habitat from now.