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Memphis Zoo Closes Bonobo Exhibit After Glass Breaks

2/28/2026

50 7 Full Breakdown

Center

Bonobo Exhibit Repairs

The Memphis Zoo closed its bonobo exhibit for repairs after a male bonobo broke a layer of safety glass during an interaction with teenage visitors on Thursday.
Video footage recorded the incident.
The group attempted to provoke a reaction from the bonobos.
No injuries were reported.
The exhibit will remain closed for several weeks while the glass is replaced.

Left

Jock's Legacy Remembered

The Bristol Zoo Project announced the death of Jock, the UK's oldest male gorilla, at age 42.
He was euthanized after his health declined ten days after relocation to a larger enclosure.
Jock had health issues typical for his age.
The zoo will review the illness to determine its cause.
Curator Sarah Gedman highlighted Jock's role in conservation and his legacy of several offspring.

History

Historical Context

The Endangered Species Preservation Act of 1966 marked a pivotal moment in U.S. wildlife conservation, leading to programs aimed at protecting critically endangered species like gorillas, which now number around 5,000 in the wild. The recent death of Jock, the UK's oldest male gorilla, highlights ongoing challenges in animal care and the urgent need for continued conservation efforts to preserve these iconic primates.

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Bonobo Exhibit Repairs

The Memphis Zoo closed its bonobo exhibit for repairs after a male bonobo broke a layer of safety glass during an interaction with teenage visitors on Thursday.
Video footage recorded the incident.
The group attempted to provoke a reaction from the bonobos.
No injuries were reported.
The exhibit will remain closed for several weeks while the glass is replaced.

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