20-03-2025
Bonobo at Ape Initiative in Des Moines has died
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Ape Cognition & Conservation (Ape) Initiative announced on social media Wednesday that one of their bonobos has died.
In a post on Facebook, the initiative said that Kanzi, a 44-year-old bonobo, died Tuesday afternoon. According to the post, Kanzi didn't show any signs of discomfort or illness, and had even been chasing another bonobo around their tower that morning.
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Staff located Kanzi unresponsive after he and another bonobo were laying down and grooming each other. The initiative said in the post that the cause of Kanzi's death is not known, but he was being treated for heart disease. A necropsy is being performed.
The initiative said that the world lost a treasure and that their staff is grieving the loss of Kanzi.
'Our team is absolutely devasted,' the Facebook post says in part. 'We are focused on ensuring Kanzi's bonobo family members and human caregivers receive the care and support that they need. We ask for time and patience as we grieve the passing of our dearest friend, Kanzi. Kanzi means so much to so many people.'
The initiative also announced that it's been working with Wildstar Films to create an exclusive documentary about Kanzi's life. More details about the film will be released at a later date.
Ape Initiative is a non-profit organization located in Des Moines that's solely dedicated to the conservation and study of bonobos, an endangered species. To learn more about the organization or to donate visit their website.
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