Lucy Bonobo Bonded to Mother

Lucy, a five year old bonobo at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is still bonded to her mother, as seen in the top photo where Lucy has her arm draped over Lorel's back. In the middle, the two each have an arm over the other, while Lorel carries a coconut in her other hand. In the bottom image, the two have reverted to a earlier time when the mother carries her baby, piggy-back style. Lucy is getting too heavy for this, but the behavior is still seen from time to time. The weaning of a young bonobo is a slow, gentle process.

Photos by M. Brickner