About the Project
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium embarked on a transformative project to improve the habitat for its bonobo troop, addressing both the animals’ unique needs and visitor experience. Bonobos, close relatives of chimpanzees, are less aggressive and more arboreal, with complex social structures that shift frequently. However, their previous habitat posed significant challenges for both animal wellbeing and keeper management.
The original space included two dayrooms with concrete floors and CMU walls, outfitted with children’s playground equipment that detracted from a naturalistic presentation. The hard surfaces amplified the bonobos’ vocalizations, creating a challenging environment for both animals and staff. Furthermore, the climate-controlled indoor facility, necessary to maintain temperatures above 60°F for half the year, did not provide sufficient flexibility to manage the bonobos’ fission-fusion social dynamics.
The renovation addressed these issues through strategic design improvements:
- Expanded spaces for better social management
- Improved acoustics and flooring
- Arboreal-focused furnishings
- Enhanced visitor experience
“I have observed clear behavioral changes that suggest a reduction in overall stress … the bonobos are more relaxed, rarely vocalizing or displaying, which was previously more common,” — Audra Meinelt, Curator, Congo Expedition and Orangutans at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Animal Care team reports that the bonobos are calmer, healthier, and more active in the renovated space, and the project has elevated the zoo’s ability to care for this complex and fascinating species. The enhancements demonstrate the Columbus Zoo’s commitment to advancing animal wellbeing and fostering meaningful connections between visitors and wildlife.
