COLUMBUS — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is mourning the loss of its 42-year-old bonobo named Toby.
According to the zoo, Toby was diagnosed several years ago with high blood pressure that was being treated. He sustained a significant stroke on Wednesday afternoon and did not regain consciousness.
“After emergency intensive care and consultation with specialists, the conclusion was reached that Toby would not recover, and the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize him,” the zoo said.
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Toby, who was estimated to be 42-years-old, exceeded the median life expectancy of 31.3 years for male bonobos in human care by almost a decade, the zoo said.
The zoo said Toby was among four bonobos that arrived at the Columbus Zoo in 1990 from a zoo in Belgium. Toby was considered the second most genetically valuable male in the globally-managed bonobo population.
Bonobos are also one of the least-known great ape species, the zoo said. Bonobos are listed as endangered, mainly due to habitat destruction through logging and bush meat hunting.
According to the zoo, only 5,000-20,000 bonobos are estimated to be living in a very small range in the equatorial forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which makes protecting them more critical.
“Toby was beloved by his Animal Care team and our guests, and he will always hold a very special place in our hearts. As one of the original founders of the Columbus Zoo’s bonobo program, Toby had a tremendous impact on the future of his species,” said Audra Meinelt, curator of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Congo Expedition region.
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