![]() Research has shown that bonobos and chimpanzees are more closely related genetically to humans than they are to gorillas. ![]() In fact, the Columbus Zoo is one of only eight facilities in North America that currently house bonobos, the last ape species discovered by western scientists in 1929. Toby was also a favorite among Zoo guests, who are in the unique position of having the opportunity to learn more about this important and rare species right here in Central Ohio. His devoted care team fondly remembers Toby for his squeals and grunts of excitement (especially when he had a mouthful of food and biscuits) the way he nodded his head and reached his hand out to greet his care team how he spent quality “boy time” with Gander (an adorable duo with one of the smallest males hanging out with one of the largest males) his friendly, easy-going nature and ability to bring a smile to everyone’s faces and for being the king of “bed head” due to his “crazy” hair. While living at the Columbus Zoo, Toby sired three offspring, including female, Elikia (born in 2000 to mother, Lucy, and who since passed away at the Milwaukee County Zoo in 2016) male, Andy (born in 2004 to mother, Lucy, and now lives at the Fort Worth Zoo) and female, Lola (also born in 2004 to mother, Susie, and now lives at the Milwaukee County Zoo). He was considered to be the second most genetically valuable male in the globally-managed bonobo population. Estimated to be 42 years old, Toby exceeded the median life expectancy (31.3 years) for male bonobos in human care by almost a decade.Īlong with fellow bonobos, Jimmy, Lady, and Susie, Toby arrived at the Columbus Zoo in November 1990 from the Limburgse Zoo in Belgium. After emergency intensive care and consultation with specialists, the conclusion was reached that Toby would not recover, and the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize him. He sustained a significant stroke on Wednesday afternoon and did not regain consciousness. ![]() Toby was diagnosed several years ago with high blood pressure that was being treated. Powell, OH-The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is morning the loss of Toby, a beloved male bonobo who was one of the first four bonobos providing the foundation of Zoo’s successful bonobo program.
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