The Memphis Zoo bonobo exhibit is temporarily closed after an incident caught on TikTok damaged an interior pane of the exhibit glass, the zoo confirmed. In the video, a group of teens appear to be taunting one of the bonobos, named Mobali, who then lost its temper and charged towards them at full speed cracking the glass that separated the zoo goers. The footage has ignited a firestorm of online engagement, with reactions ranging from visceral shock at the animal’s raw power to a serious debate over the stressors that might trigger such an aggressive display. Many viewers are using the platform to call for increased awareness regarding primate welfare, the impact of large crowds on exhibit behavior and admonishing the onlookers for mistreating the animal, and calling for their ban at the Memphis Zoo. Mobali, who has been at the Memphis Zoo since its birth in 2013, has been known to charge towards the glass from time to time, but this is the first time we are aware of that he’s managed to crack it.
The Memphis Zoo emphasized that the bonobo habitat is built with multiple layers of reinforced safety glass, the remaining layers stayed intact, and there was no breach of the enclosure. The zoo also said the bonobo was not injured and no guests were harmed.
As a precaution, the zoo has temporarily closed the area while the pane is replaced. Because the glass is specially fabricated, repairs will take an extended period of time. During that time, the zoo said the bonobos will have limited access to portions of their outdoor habitat, affecting how fully they can use the space.
The Memphis Zoo’s message to guests
The zoo used this update to reinforce a simple rule that applies across every animal habitat: be respectful. The Memphis Zoo specifically asked visitors not to strike the glass, shout at animals, taunt them, or crowd exhibit barriers, noting disruptive behavior can stress animals and disrupt daily routines and wellbeing.
Bonobos are an endangered species with a declining population and a very limited natural range. As of today, bonobos are confined to the tropical rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Memphis Zoo’s bonobos are featured within the zoo’s broader primate experience (often referred to as Primate Canyon), one of the zoo’s long-running signature zones. Primate Canyon itself opened in 1995, reflecting a shift toward more naturalistic, outdoor primate habitats.
And that’s what makes the bonobo space worth protecting: bonobos are intensely social, and a good habitat lets you see real group dynamics—bonding, communication, problem-solving, and the constant “who’s in charge right now?” energy that makes primates so fascinating to watch.
When will the Memphis Zoo bonobo exhibit reopen?
As of now, there’s no announced reopening date. The timeline depends on replacing the damaged pane with custom fabricated glass. The most reliable updates will come directly from the zoo as repairs progress.
What to Do at the Memphis Zoo While the Bonobo Exhibit Is Closed
The bonobo exhibit area may be temporarily closed, but the Memphis Zoo is still a great outing if you plan around the experiences that are running today and this weekend. There’s still plenty to do! You can setill check out the following exhibits
African Veldt (big animals, big payoff)
This is the Memphis Zoo’s heavy hitter zone: giraffes, rhinos, elephants, plus bongos, zebras, red river hogs.
Link: https://www.memphiszoo.org/wildlife (then “African Veldt”)
Northwest Passage (polar bears + sea lions + that underwater viewing)
Home to polar bears, sea lions, black bears, bald eagles, ravens—and it’s tied to the amphitheater for sea lion shows.
Link: https://www.memphiszoo.org/wildlife (then “Northwest Passage”)
Teton Trek (grizzlies + wolves + Yellowstone vibes)
A four-acre Yellowstone-inspired exhibit with grizzly bears, timber wolves, elk, and more.
Link: https://www.memphiszoo.org/wildlife (then “Teton Trek”)
Zambezi River Hippo Camp (hippos + crocodiles + okapi)
If you want “wow” animals without trekking the whole zoo: hippos, Nile crocodile, okapi, mandrill, flamingos are listed here.
Link: https://www.memphiszoo.org/wildlife (then “Zambezi River Hippo Camp”)
Animals of the Night (indoor reset + bats)
This one is clutch for locals on cold days: a dedicated nocturnal exhibit with a center bat flight (over 400 bats listed) plus animals like vampire bats, two-toed sloth, armadillos, slender loris, aardvark.
Link: https://www.memphiszoo.org/wildlife (then “Animals of the Night”)
CHINA (culture + primates + a breather spot)
A three-acre area with animals listed like Sulawesi macaques, Pere David deer, Francois langurs, plus birds and a pagoda entry.
Link: https://www.memphiszoo.org/wildlife (then “CHINA”)
Herpetarium (snakes, frogs, turtles—surprisingly good)
If you’ve never actually slowed down in here, it’s stacked: the zoo describes dozens of species including venomous snakes (example: green mamba) and favorites like the reticulated python.
Link: https://www.memphiszoo.org/wildlife (then “Herpetarium”)
Aside from checking out the exhibits, there’s also plenty of action with shows and rides:
Sea Lion Show (free with admission)
Listed showtimes: weekdays 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM; Saturdays/Sundays 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Link: https://www.memphiszoo.org/rides-attractions
Zipline: Zoomazing Race (race-style dual zip line)
Open daily (weather permitting) starting 10:00 AM, last sale/ride 4:00 PM; $10 single ride (or included in certain options).
Link: https://www.memphiszoo.org/rides-attractions
Giraffe Feeding (returning in March)
The zoo lists giraffe feeding as returning in March, with posted hours and pricing when in season.
Link: https://www.memphiszoo.org/rides-attractions
Total Experience (returning in March)
The zoo notes Total Experience returns in March and includes items like giraffe feeding + rides when operating seasonally.
Link: https://www.memphiszoo.org/rides-attractions
Get real-time updates from the zoo (closures, event changes)
Good to include in any closure-related article so readers can check status without guessing.
Link: Memphis Zoo texting club / updates info
Even with the Memphis Zoo bonobo exhibit temporarily closed, this is still one of the best “easy yes” outings in the city for locals — especially if you go in with a plan. Hit the big animal zones, build your visit around the Sea Lion Show, and use the Wildlife and Rides & Attractions pages to keep your day moving without wandering. We’ll update this story as the zoo shares a timeline for the bonobo habitat repairs. Until then, Memphis: let’s treat our animals like the hometown treasures they are — because one bad moment at the glass can turn into weeks of closures for everybody.
FAQ: Memphis Zoo Bonobo Exhibit Closure
Why is the Memphis Zoo bonobo exhibit closed?
Damage to an interior pane of exhibit glass prompted a temporary closure while the pane is replaced.
Was anyone hurt?
The zoo says no—no guests were harmed and the bonobo was not injured.
Was there a breach or escape risk?
The zoo says the reinforced, multi-layer glass remained intact beyond the interior pane and there was no breach.
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