A combination of things. Up until recently no other zoos were massively interested in bonobos - to the public they’re just skinnier chimpanzees. There was also an issue with there not being enough for multiple zoos to get them, and the former CEO of Twycross kept on blocking any other UK zoos from getting them so that they could keep the ‘only zoo with all four “types” of great ape’ moniker. Thankfully Sharon Redrobe isn’t as biased, so more UK zoos will be getting bonobos in the next few years.
Some bonobo news: Cologne’s latest baby (born to Binti and Kivu) is a girl and has been named Balina. Meanwhile at Wilhelma/Stuttgart, Liboso has had a baby boy during the lockdown.
Thank goodness he didn't get them! And are Twycross really that influential they could have stopped another UK zoo from receiving Bonobos if they really wanted them? Vallee des Singes FB on 20 May announced a baby born to Khaya (Kinshasa as was). Does anyone know if the separate group are moving, or have moved to, Rhenen? There was a baby in that group, born in November, and I'm anxious to find out how he/she is doing. Also, is there are chance I'd be in any way successful if I contacted Antwerp and asked for a copy of the ISB (with historical section)? [Sorry, a rhetorical question forget I asked! Too long in lockdown].
Neither la Vallée nor Rhenen have announced that the bonobos has been transfered so I assume not. But as the new enclosure in Rhenen is already finished/will be finished soon the transfer must be on the way ! I could answer you definitelu after my friday's visit to la Vallée.
The baby born to Omanga late last year is male, he’s doing well from what I’ve heard. The bonobo’s haven’t moved yet, the move has been postponed due to the virus but hopefully might be happening soon. @WanderingDragon you’re welcome to try and get a copy of the studbook but others have tried before you and failed. A lot of people use homemade studbooks. There is a group for bonobo fans on Facebook called BONOBOGROUP, I would try asking your questions there. Twycross certainly USED to be that influential, but not anymore.
@EsserWarrior They did not receive the group yet. A keeper told the group from Romagne is going to arrive in september. The indoor enclosure is almost completed, the outdoor enclosure is still in construction. Any idea whether the two girls from San Diego (KALI and MADDIE) will arrive in Rhenen too or is it no longer up to date?
According to the website of Rhenen the following bonobos come to Rhenen: 1.0 BONDO 1.0 LUEBO 0.1 KUTU 0.1 LINGOYE 0.1 OMANGA 0.1 LISALA 0.1 VISOLA I don't know where they all come from.
Hard to believe that a bonobo is still being held by a travelling circus in the 21st century. Quite disgusting to find this out actually.
Why are you thankful that this didn't happen ? I'm not being critical of your view but I'm curious to know your opinion.
I was pleased Aspinall didn't get bonobos because they would probably now be part of DA's experiments at re-introduction. I am not opposed to re-introduction if it is done properly, such as by Lola Ya Bonobo, but feel that the Aspinall Foundation, had they got Bonobos, would not have followed that route due to the lack of PR opportunities. The new arrivals at Rhenen are from Vallee des Singes, where they were off-show awaiting transfer. They were waiting so long that Nginga (f) was born to Lingoye on 9 August 2018 and a male baby born Omanga in November 2019, and they should also part of to that group? I've looked at the Rhenen website/FB and cannot see their arrival mentioned (as an aside isn't Fan Xing just unbelievably cute!).
On their website they indeed speek about 9 animals. 6 adults and 3 young, but they only introduced the animals i mentioned before. So yes those last born animals also go to Rhenen. I believe the animals in that group of 9 come from different european zoos right?
@MennoPebesma Bonobos in menschlicher Obhut Bonobos in menschlicher Obhut - Google My Maps Have a look here...
