Bonobo Cracks Glass at Memphis Zoo Exhibit

The zoo has closed the bonobo exhibit for repairs after the primate struck the safety glass.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A bonobo at the Memphis Zoo struck the reinforced safety glass of its exhibit, leading to the closure of the exhibit for repairs. The zoo said the incident was likely caused by disruptive behavior from visitors, and that the additional layers of glass remained intact with no breach of the habitat. The bonobos will have limited access to their outdoor space during the closure.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the importance of visitor behavior and respect for zoo exhibits, as disruptive actions can have consequences for the animals' wellbeing and routines. Bonobos are an endangered species, making the care and protection of these primates at zoos critical.

The details

Video footage shows a bonobo striking the safety glass of its exhibit at the Memphis Zoo, apparently launching toward onlookers. The zoo said the glass was damaged but not breached, and no guests or animals were harmed. The zoo will need to replace the "specially fabricated" reinforced glass, resulting in a prolonged closure of the bonobo exhibit.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday, February 27, 2026.

The players

Memphis Zoo

A zoo located in Memphis, Tennessee that is home to a variety of animal species, including the endangered bonobo.

Bonobos

An endangered primate species, about the size of a chimpanzee, that is native to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Memphis Zoo has a bonobo exhibit.

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What they’re saying

“Disruptive behavior at exhibits does not just damage property. It has meaningful consequences for the animals' daily routines and wellbeing, which is why respectful conduct is essential.”

— Memphis Zoo (nbcnews.com)

“The habitat is constructed with multiple layers of reinforced safety glass that meet rigorous safety standards. The additional layers remained fully intact, and there was no breach of the habitat.”

— Memphis Zoo (nbcnews.com)

What’s next

The zoo has not provided a timeline for when the bonobo exhibit will reopen after the glass is replaced.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for zoo visitors to be respectful and mindful of their behavior around animal exhibits, as disruptive actions can negatively impact the animals' wellbeing and lead to exhibit closures for repairs.