Bonobos are among our closest relatives — their welfare in fragmented habitat is a critical conservation concern.
Bonobo welfare in the wild is threatened by hunting and habitat destruction in one of the world's most politically unstable regions. Orphaned bonobos whose mothers are killed for bushmeat suffer profound psychological trauma — bonobos have long maternal dependency periods and complex social needs. Sanctuaries provide intensive rehabilitation but release into suitable habitat is extremely challenging. Protecting bonobo welfare requires protecting the forests and communities of the Congo Basin in one of the world's most challenging conservation contexts.