Bonobos are found only in the Democratic Republic of Congo and face serious threats to their welfare from hunting, habitat loss, and political instability.
Wild bonobos suffer from hunting, capture for the pet trade, and habitat loss. Orphaned bonobos from bushmeat hunting require decades of rehabilitation before any possibility of release. Their complex social bonds mean the death of family members causes lasting stress. Political instability in DRC makes conservation efforts challenging. Sanctuaries care for orphans in costly, resource-intensive programs.