Big milestone alert at the Cincinnati Zoo—Daisy the baby bonobo has taken her very first bites of solid food! This adorable moment marks an exciting step in Daisy’s growth and development as she begins to explore new textures and tastes beyond her usual milk diet.

Bonobos, like Daisy, are one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. These intelligent and socially complex great apes are native only to the Congo Basin Rainforest in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the second largest rainforest on Earth. Their diet in the wild consists of fruits, vegetation, and sometimes small animals, making this transition to solid foods an important part of learning the ways of bonobo life.

As Daisy continues to grow, the zoo’s dedicated care team ensures she thrives in an environment that mimics the natural behaviors and experiences of wild bonobos. Each step—from first foods to future friendships—is a vital part of both her journey and global conservation education.

Courtesy of Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden