Bonobo: Here Fishy, Fishy

Sharp eyes will spot the "Here Fishy, Fishy" wording on the T-shirt that Kaleb, a bonobo at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is wearing. He enjoys his rubber duck toy as well. The bonobos at the zoo are provided the maximum of enrichment outdoors, and this includes toys made of plastic, articles of clothing, and other man-made items.

Many zoos have a "natural only" policy for enrichment on exhibit, believing that the animals should be seen only with those things found in nature. Purists might be offended, but apes have a great need to manipulate objects for psychological stimulation. The Jacksonville zoo primate staff feels that the animals are healthier with a variety of both natural and artificial enrichment. This is interpretated by education guides stationed at the bonobo overlook.

Photo by M. Brickner