The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is welcoming Budir, its newest member of the endangered bonobo family.
The great ape infant was born Saturday to Kuni, who has now successfully birthed five offspring.
Supervisor of mammals Tracy Fenn said its use of human pregnancy tests and ultrasounds helped the keepers detect Kuni’s pregnancy early on and they’ve been monitoring her closely ever since.
Fenn said bonobo’s generally give birth in the evening — when the keepers aren't around — so witnessing a birth is very special.
“It's often a once in a lifetime experience. There’s no guarantee even the bonobo keepers themselves will have another opportunity to see a bonobo birth," Fenn said.
Fenn said, since bonobos are endangered, the breeding of bonobos is important to ensure it doesn't become extinct.
Budir is on exhibit with his mother each day for certain parts of the day, weather permitting. For more information, call 904-757-4463.
