Kimia gave birth just before 10 p.m. Tuesday, according to zoo officials. Both mother and infant are reported to be doing well, and the zoo's Animal Care team is monitoring their progress while allowing them time to settle in.

Visitors may be able to see Kimia and her newborn in her habitat, the zoo said. Kimia has access to both indoor and outdoor spaces and can choose where she and her baby spend their time, a setup that gives the pair flexibility and privacy as they bond.

The infant's sex has not yet been determined.

Bonobos are one of humanity's closest living relatives, sharing nearly 99 percent of our DNA. They are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with wild populations threatened by habitat loss, bushmeat hunting, and civil unrest in their native range in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Every birth in a zoo setting contributes to the genetic diversity of the managed population and helps safeguard the species against extinction.

The birth is a notable event for the zoo's primate program and for local families who visit the Riverside facility. Bonobo infants are entirely dependent on their mothers for the first years of life, and the zoo's decision to let Kimia choose her location reflects modern animal-care practices that prioritize natural behavior and maternal bonding.

Zoo officials said they will continue to monitor the pair closely and will share updates as the infant grows. For now, visitors hoping to spot the newest member of the troop should keep an eye on Kimia's habitat — and be patient, as new mothers often keep their babies close.