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Only found south of the Congo River, Democratic Republic of Congo, bonobos are subject to illegal trafficking for their meat and babies, which are sold as pets. 

Saving bonobos with local communities 

More than 25 years ago, Claudine André created Les Amis des Bonobos du Congo to look after orphan bonobos, handing over the reins to her daughter Fanny Minesi in 2016. The association works with local law enforcement agencies and other conservation NGOs to locate and rescue bonobos needing assistance. The Lola ya Bonobo refuge looks after them and, when they are ready, releases them into Ekolo ya Bonobo. This 120,000-hectar protected zone with tropical rainforest is managed and protected in partnership with local communities. To help the local population, ABC also works with volunteers to provide medical supplies and school materials. 

Les Amis des Bonobos du Congo makes education and awareness raising a priority. Each year, thousands of Congolese adults and children visit the refuge and take part in programmes to learn more about bonobos. Since the initiative was launched, local communities have an increasingly positive attitude to these animals and their protection. 

What about you? Are you keen to support local communities and protect bonobos in the Democratic Republic of Congo?