The oldest mammal at the Cincinnati Zoo turned 49 this weekend. Vernon the bonobo has been at the zoo since 1992. It was named after a primatologist named Vernon Reynolds who founded the Budongo Conservation Field Station. Vernon has fathered 17 offspring since 1978, eight of whom were born at the Cincinnati Zoo. Now 28 have grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. According to zoo officials, bonobos are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to deforestation and poaching. Hence, any birth is vital to the survival of this species. The zoo runs an annual cell phone recycling program to help endangered species. Cell phones contain coltan, which is broken down in endangered bonobo habitats in Africa. To learn more, click here. Zookeepers say Vernon still enjoys playing with the young bonobos even at his age. The zoo will host a Facebook Live on February 12th to celebrate World Bonobo Day.
CINCINNATI –
The oldest mammal at the Cincinnati Zoo turned 49 this weekend.
Vernon the Bonobo has been resident at the zoo since 1992.
It was named after a primatologist named Vernon Reynolds who founded the Budongo Conservation Field Station.
Vernon has fathered 17 offspring since 1978, eight of whom were born at the Cincinnati Zoo.
He now has 28 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
According to zoo officials, bonobos are listed on the IUCN Red List as Endangered due to deforestation and poaching. Hence, any birth is vital to the survival of this species.
The zoo runs a cell phone recycling program annually to help endangered species. Cell phones contain coltan, which is broken down in endangered bonobo habitats in Africa.
To learn more, click on Here.
Zookeepers say Vernon still enjoys playing with the young bonobos even at his age.
The zoo will host a Facebook Live on February 12th to celebrate World Bonobo Day.
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