Amali, the 3-year-old bonobo, passed away, and the Cincinnati Zoo is in mourning.
Amali passed away at the zoo after receiving supportive care for a week due to an outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus in the bonobo troop.
According to the zoo care team, bonobos are particularly vulnerable to the RSV virus and its associated secondary infections.
“People say the best things come in small packages, and after working with Amali, I’m here to tell you… they’re right. Amali was small but mighty. She had a huge personality,” one of her keepers said.
Amali was always excited to interact with her keepers and zoo visitors, earning her the nickname “Lil Bit” from them.
Every troop member had the opportunity to bid Amali a final goodbye thanks to the zoo care team.
“It’s hard for everyone, and while her keepers and troop continue to grieve the loss, we’re comforted by the idea that she is reunited with her father Vernon. And despite only being 3, she has inspired countless guests to take action to help wild bonobos,” one of her keepers said.
The Jungle Trails team stated that they are giving the remaining troop members who are experiencing symptoms priority care. They are also encouraging signs of recovery and are optimistic that the infection has largely cleared up.
