Welcome to the bonobo habitat at the Columbus Zoo!

As one of our most cherished groups, these fascinating primates embody the spirit of family and play a crucial role in our conservation efforts. Each bonobo has a unique personality, from the playful antics of Max to the respected leadership of Susie. 

Can you spot them all during your visit to the Columbus Zoo?

Visit the Bonobos Learn More about Bonobos

bonobo Ana

Ana Neema

Ana Neema, the dominant female bonobo born in 1992, is one of the largest members of her group. She is the devoted mother of Bila Isia and Wilber and is often seen spending quality time with her sons.

blurred bonobo pic

Belle

Stay tuned to meet the newest bonobo at the Columbus Zoo...Belle!

bonobo Bila Isla

Bila Isia

Bila Isia, born in 2001 and son of bonobo Ana Neema, loves spinning and can often be seen twirling on the firehose in the habitat. He has prominent ears, a family trait he shares with his brother.

bonobo BobBob

Born in 2023, Bob is the son of bonobo Faith. Despite his small size, Bob has a big voice and is starting to explore more away from his mom, enjoying his time interacting with other members of his troop.

bonobo Donnie

Donnie

Born in 1993 to bonobos Susie and Jimmy, Donnie was the first bonobo born at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. He is reserved and sometimes enjoys spending time away from other members of the troop.

bonobo Faith

Faith

Born in 2008, Faith is an acrobatic bonobo who loves walking on two feet on the habitat firehose! She can often be seen clapping her hands with her feet when she is excited.

bonobo Gander

Gander

Born in 2003, Gander is named after the city in Canada where the plane carrying his mother, Unga, was diverted to on September 11, 2001. Gander is also the sire of Bob.

bonobo Jerry

Jerry

Born in 2008, Jerry is the son of Donnie and is named after the President Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Jerry Borin. He gets along well with all members of the troop and can often be seen in different sub-groups.

bonobo Jimmy

Jimmy

Born in 1979, Jimmy is the oldest of the Columbus Zoo's bonobos and can be distinguished by his salt-and-pepper coloration. Despite his age, he has a youthful personality and enjoys playing with the younger members of the troop. He is also the Sire of Donnie and Max.

bonobo Kibibi

Kibibi

Born in 2013, Kibibi joined the Columbus Zoo group in 2023. Spunky and full of energy, she is working to solidify her role in the group, particularly with the other adult females.

bonobo Max

Max

Born in 2015, Max has a big personality and loves climbing and swinging in the habitat!

bonobo Nadine

Nadine

Born May 8, 2013, Nadine is the granddaughter of Toby, one of the four original bonobos that lived at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. 

bonobo Susie

Susie

Born in 1981, Susie is the mother of Donnie and Bertie and the oldest of the female bonobos at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. She is greatly respected by the rest of the group.

 

bonobo Wilber

Wilber

Born in 2010, Wilber is the son of Ana Neema and Donnie, and a half-sibling to Bila Isia. Like his brother, he has prominent ears, which is a family trait.