Wildlife

Bonobo Welfare: Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in DRC

Bonobos, our closest relatives alongside chimpanzees, are found only in DRC and face poaching and habitat loss, with sanctuary welfare representing a critical intervention.

Key Facts

Bonobos are found only in the Democratic Republic of Congo, south of the Congo River
Estimated 15,000-50,000 bonobos remain in increasingly fragmented forest
Lola ya Bonobo holds over 70 bonobos, the world's largest bonobo sanctuary
Some Lola-raised bonobos have been successfully reintroduced to protected forest

Welfare Considerations

Bonobos rescued from the bushmeat and pet trade arrive traumatised and often physically injured. As highly social, emotionally sensitive primates, bonobos in sanctuary require close social bonds, play opportunities and gradual rehabilitation. Reintroduction programmes must establish bonobos in protected forests with adequate food resources and minimal hunting pressure. The welfare of sanctuary bonobos is inseparable from the protection of remaining wild habitat.

What You Can Do

Support Friends of Bonobos and Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary
Donate to the Bonobo Conservation Initiative protected area management
Advocate for strengthening DRC wildlife law enforcement
Learn about bonobo behaviour and conservation through Vanessa Woods research