Max, Columbus Zoo's cherished bonobo, dies at 9

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Max, a bonobo at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium who was known for forming strong bonds, has died after a "sudden and complex medical event." He was 9.

The Columbus Zoo announced on Thursday that Max died on June 18 following a wellness check in which he was found unresponsive in his habitat. He was treated by the zoo's on-site veterinary team, and intensive, around-the-clock care was provided over six days in collaboration with outside specialists.

Test results received this week showed medical changes that could be attributed to a combination of factors, the zoo said. These included gastric ulcers, along with signs that were consistent with heat-related illness. While the exact order of events couldn't be determined, veterinarians believe the gastritis could have caused Max to feel unwell and ultimately led to a medical emergency.

"What remains certain is that from the moment Max's condition changed, our teams responded with urgency, skill, and unwavering compassion -- doing all they could to support his recovery," the zoo's social media announcement said. "While we do everything possible to provide the highest standard of care, heartbreaking losses do happen -- each one deeply felt, and never taken lightly."

Max was born at the Columbus Zoo on Nov. 8, 2015. He was an important member of his troop and a beloved part of the zoo family, the social media post said. He was playful, intelligent, deeply social and "known for forming strong bonds both within his bonobo troop and with his Animal Care team."

He was also a powerful ambassador for his species as the Columbus Zoo has cared for bonobos since 1990, making it one of only a few organizations in North America to house this endangered species. The zoo is also actively involved in global conservation efforts to protect bonobos in their native range.

"Max was deeply loved," the zoo said. "He will never be forgotten."