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Rare species of ape dies at Jacksonville Zoo
Last Update: 7/26/2005 9:17:09 AM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - A rare ape at the Jacksonville Zoo has died, probably of heart disease.

Thirty-four-year-old Bosondjo was found dead Friday in his favorite hammock at the zoo. He had been under treatment for heart disease and hypothyroidism.

Bonobos are relatives of the chimpanzee. They were once called pygmy chimpanzees. They are native to the swampy equatorial forests of the left bank of the Congo River. The larger chimps are from the river's right bank.

Bo produced 18 offspring, six males and 12 females, and had 13 second generation offspring. Four are still in Jacksonville. The others have moved on to other zoos around the United States.

There are 83 bonobos at nine zoos in this country and one in Mexico.