The Bonobo Enclosure

The bonobo enclosure at the Foundation is where the bonobos live and play during the day, while tourists and researchers watch them through Plexiglas. The roof is also Plexiglas, and it is often cranked open to let in fresh air. The enclosure has a large hill, made of concrete, that separates the viewing areas of the tourists and the researchers so they cannot see each other. On top of the hill is a climbing structure, made of rebar and metal I-beams. The enclosure also has a tire swing and a pond.

The keeper hides the bonobos’ food in the enclosure to keep them entertained. Frankie often sits in the tourist area to watch the bonobos, but she has access to video cameras on the research side. Unfortunately, those images are often grainy, and the feed sometimes stops.

A staff member can only enter the enclosure by...