Cincinnati Zoo mourns loss of 3-year-old bonobo Amali

The Cincinnati Zoo is mourning the loss of 3-year-old bonobo Amali.The zoo said Amali died after a week of supportive care following a respiratory syncytial virus outbreak within the bonobo troop.Zoo care team said bonobos are especially susceptible to the RSV and the secondary infections that happen alongside it. “People say the best things come in small packages, and after working with Amali, I’m here to tell you… they’re right. Amali was small but mighty. She had a huge personality," one of her keepers said.Amali was nicknamed "Lil Bit" by her keepers and was always eager to interact with them, as well as zoo visitors.The zoo care team allowed each member of the troop to say a final goodbye to Amali."It’s hard for everyone, and while her keepers and troop continue to grieve the loss, we’re comforted by the idea that she is reunited with her father Vernon. And despite only being 3, she has inspired countless guests to take action to help wild bonobos," one of her keepers said.The Jungle Trails team said they are prioritizing supportive care for the rest of the symptomatic members of the troop and are seeing signs of recovery and remain hopeful that the infection has mostly run its course.

The Cincinnati Zoo is mourning the loss of 3-year-old bonobo Amali.

The zoo said Amali died after a week of supportive care following a respiratory syncytial virus outbreak within the bonobo troop.

Zoo care team said bonobos are especially susceptible to the RSV and the secondary infections that happen alongside it.

“People say the best things come in small packages, and after working with Amali, I’m here to tell you… they’re right. Amali was small but mighty. She had a huge personality," one of her keepers said.

Amali was nicknamed "Lil Bit" by her keepers and was always eager to interact with them, as well as zoo visitors.

The zoo care team allowed each member of the troop to say a final goodbye to Amali.

"It’s hard for everyone, and while her keepers and troop continue to grieve the loss, we’re comforted by the idea that she is reunited with her father Vernon. And despite only being 3, she has inspired countless guests to take action to help wild bonobos," one of her keepers said.

The Jungle Trails team said they are prioritizing supportive care for the rest of the symptomatic members of the troop and are seeing signs of recovery and remain hopeful that the infection has mostly run its course.