The UK's only bonobo baby born at Twycross Zoo

"The birth of this baby bonobo is a truly extraordinary moment, not just for Twycross Zoo, but globally."

A baby bonobo has been born at Twycross Zoo.

The newborn bonobo, arrived safely on Thursday 11th September, to first-time mother, 11-year-old 'Yuli' as part of a coordinated conservation programme for endangered species. 

Bonobos, which are listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, are humans closest living relatives, sharing more than 98% of our DNA.

Dr Rebecca Biddle, Chief Conservation Officer at Twycross Zoo and Vice Chair of EAZA, said: “The birth of this baby bonobo is a truly extraordinary moment, not just for Twycross Zoo, but globally.

“Bonobos are human’s closest living relatives, yet they remain one of the most endangered and least understood apes on Earth. Every birth is a true milestone and a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when zoos work together.

“It is only through the dedication, expertise, and collaboration of conservation zoos, that moments like this are possible. As the only UK zoo caring for bonobos, here at Twycross Zoo, we are immensely proud and feel a great responsibility to play our part in protecting this incredible species.

“The arrival of this baby is not just a joyful sign of hope, but a vital step forward to ensuring bonobos have a future for generations to come.”

In the wild, their population is decreasing, due to many human-caused threats such as poaching, and deforestation.

The baby can already be seen by visitors, where he remains safely in mums’ arms, offering them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness one of the rarest newborns in the world.