< Go Back

First Baby Bonobo Born in UK Since 2019 at Twycross Zoo

The arrival of a baby bonobo at Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire, has sparked joy amongst both staff and visitors, as they welcome a new bundle of joy into the world. The baby bonobo is the first to be born in the UK since 2019.

Together, the team decided to name the baby ‘Upendi’, inspired by a love song from the Lion King II, and ‘Upendo’ which means love in Swahili.    

The new birth highlights the tremendous success of the Zoo’s conservation efforts, alongside several of their other successful breeding programmes. In addition to the new baby bonobo, the zoo has also welcomed a critically endangered Western lowland gorilla, two endangered snow leopard cubs, meerkat pups and a first ever spectacled owl chick, as well as several babies in other primate groups.

Image of the baby bonobo at Tywcross Zoo. Image Credits: Twycross Zoo

Dr Rebecca Biddle, Head of Life Sciences at Twycross Zoo said:

“The arrival of our new baby bonobo is an amazing achievement for the zoo. As a conservation charity acting to preserve the future of these incredible animals, the new baby is a significant boost for the European population of this endangered species.” adding “We can’t wait for everyone to see our beautiful new baby this half term at Twycross Zoo, when visitors can bring their little ones to meet our new arrival. All of our visitors play a vital role in enabling us to continue our conservation work, helping us to build a future for all of our animals.”

Article Credit -
Twycross Zoo