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Updated:
7/31/25
Our baby bonobo is a boy! Zookeepers have selected the name Remi (Reh-mee), which is of French origin and has multiple meanings, including one that derives from an ancient Celtic language from an old French tribe, which translates to “the first.” This is in celebration of Remi being the firstborn to mom, Elema. Zookeepers wanted to select a French or Lingala name, which are the two main languages of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the bonobos’ native habitat. The majority of bonobos born here at MCZ have either French or Lingala names.
On your next visit to Apes of Africa, stop by to visit Remi and the rest of the bonobos.
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Originally Posted:
7/2/25
The Milwaukee County Zoo is thrilled to welcome a baby bonobo to its troop — the first born here since 2016. Bonobos are a species of endangered Great Ape native to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa. Milwaukee County Zoo (MCZ) is home to 19 bonobos, one of the largest populations of bonobos in human care and one of only seven Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoos in North America to manage this species.
Mom, Elema, and baby are healthy and doing well. The baby was born May 30 and is Elema’s first offspring and the 16th successful bonobo birth at MCZ. Bonobos are born small, between 2 to 4 pounds, and are carefully nurtured by their mothers for several years. Elema is a highly attentive mother and holds her baby close or cradles the new addition in her lap. The animal care team noted that the entire troop helped Elema during the birth, gathering around her to support and protect. The troop will play a supportive role in the social development of the baby for many years.
Bonobo mom Elema was born at the Columbus Zoo in 2012 and arrived to MCZ in 2021. After spending time behind-the-scenes bonding, Elema and baby may now be viewed in the Apes of Africa outdoor habitat, weather permitting.
MCZ and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee (ZSM) have also recently joined together with five other organizations to create the 51st SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program, recognized by the AZA. The program will focus on reducing threats including poaching, habitat loss, and disease through field conservation, local engagement in the Democratic Republic of Congo and awareness efforts across AZA institutions. Together with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Memphis Zoo and the Kumamoto Sanctuary, MCZ and ZSM will work to ensure continued high-level management of bonobos in human care with this global initiative in addition to increasing awareness of bonobo field conservation within AZA member institutions.
For more information on the MCZ and ZSM Bonobo Management Partnership, visit https://www.zoosociety.org/conservation/global-initiatives/bonobo-management-partnership.
Photo credits: zookeepers Theresa Wawiorka, Kara DeLanty
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