Zoo bonobo exhibit closed after ape cracks safety glass in Memphis

A bonobo at the Memphis zoo struck and cracked a layer of reinforced safety glass Thursday afternoon ET while lunging toward a group of visitors, prompting the Primate Canyon exhibit to close for repairs. No guests or animals were harmed, but the break damaged a specially fabricated pane and will keep the exhibit shuttered for weeks.

Zoo exhibit closed for repairs

The facility temporarily closed the bonobo habitat after a primate launched toward onlookers and struck the viewing barrier. The broken component is one layer in a multi-layer reinforced safety assembly; an additional layer remained intact and the barrier was not breached. Staff boarded up the affected pane and said replacement requires a specially fabricated panel, extending the closure while repairs are arranged.

What happened during the incident

Video of the interaction shows a male bonobo leap toward patrons and make forceful contact with the safety glass. Zoo staff said the group of visitors included several teenagers, and animal-care personnel suggested the bonobo may have been provoked by taunting or other disruptive behavior. A witness present described the moment as sudden and said they alerted staff immediately after the strike.

Curator and witness responses

The zoo’s associate primates curator noted that guests sometimes seek reactions from great apes and that taunting can cause stress, frustration or anger in animals. The curator emphasized the need for respectful conduct in the animals’ home and said the bonobos have been observing repair activity during the closure. A witness who was at the exhibit said the visitors did not intend to be disrespectful and that their initial reaction was shock and nervous laughter as the animal approached.

Animals’ access and welfare impact

While repairs are underway, the bonobos will have limited access to portions of their outdoor habitat, which directly affects their ability to fully utilize their space. The zoo warned that disruptive behavior at exhibits can damage property and has meaningful consequences for animals’ daily routines and wellbeing. Staff described the restricted access as a temporary measure until the replacement pane is installed.

Outlook and next steps

The exhibit is expected to remain closed for several weeks while the custom-fabricated pane is obtained and installed. once the replacement is in place and safety checks are complete, the habitat will reopen. In the meantime, the institution urged visitors not to strike glass, shout at animals, taunt them, or crowd barriers to avoid further incidents and to protect animal welfare.

• Key takeaways: No injuries; one layer of safety glass cracked; exhibit closed for several weeks; bonobos have limited outdoor access.