Welcome to Twycross, Love!
NEWBORN’S TIMELY ARRIVAL FOR WORLD BONOBO DAY
A NEW bundle of joy has been welcomed into the world at Twycross Zoo - and it’s a special arrival too.
Named Upendi, which is Swahili for “love”, the newborn bonobo was unveiled by staff at Twycross Zoo just in time to mark this year’s World Bonobo Day, which is today.
However, there is much more to Upendi’s arrival than good timing – they are very special in terms of their species’ survival.
Born to 25-year-old Cheka, Upendi is the first new baby bonobo born in the UK since 2019.
Cheka was found to be pregnant by the zoo’s in-house veterinary team during a regular health check in preparation for her and Twycross’ family of 13 bonobos being transferred to their new habitat last September.
Since then, she has been closely monitored by the ape and veterinary team, who say mother and baby are doing well.
Dr Rebecca Biddle, of Twycross Zoo, hailed the arrival of Upendi.
“The arrival of our new baby bonobo is an amazing achievement for the zoo,” she said.
“As a conservation charity acting to preserve the future of these incredible animals, the new baby is a significant boost for the European population of this endangered species.
“Twycross Zoo is home to 10 per cent of the entire European population of bonobos, so it’s vital that we work closely with other European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) zoos to ensure this population is sustainable for the long term.”
An endangered species, bonobos are the closest living relatives to humans in the animal world, but much about them remains unknown.
Predominantly a female-led group, bonobos are known for their caring and affectionate nature. As a group they are always quick to make up with one another and their nurturing behaviour sees them holding hands and hugging.
It is one of the reasons why World Bonobo Day falls on Valentine’s Day.
Upendi and her fellow Twycross bonobos are part of the EAZA Ex Situ Programme (EEP), which scientifically manages bonobos to ensure they maintain a healthy population.
Jeroen Stevens, Bonobo EEP coordinator, said: “The birth of this bonobo is a reason to celebrate because they are an endangered species.
“Bonobo populations are undergoing significant declines due to habitat loss and hunting and are becoming increasingly small and fragmented.
“That is why EAZA work with zoos across the continent, like Twycross Zoo, to support the management of populations in zoos alongside other conservation actions in Africa to ensure the bonobos’ long-term persistence.”