A glimpse into Congo’s endangered bonobo sanctuary

The use of tools is an astounding characteristic bonobos develop at the sanctuary, going as far as using sticks to test water depth before venturing to get in.

To keep the sanctuary as wild as possible the caretakers use boats to feed and observe their bonobos, always maintaining a safe distance to ensure human interaction is minimal.

When it comes to sexual interaction, bonobos tend to use sex in a variety of ways. It is a key aspect in their communication and it is often used for transactional purposes.

In a baby bonobo’s life the love and care that their mother provides is essential for their development, it is also quite lengthy and can span for up to six years. It is simply impossible for them to survive without their mother’s safekeeping.

The expert staff at Lola Ya Bonobo is composed in the most part of people from the community who through education come to love the bonobos, and hopefully get to pass on their message to the next generation of locals.

Lola Ya Bonobo promotes agriculture within the town and creates much needed commerce by purchasing all the food for their bonobos and staff from local farmers.

Unfortunately, due to poaching, baby bonobos are often left orphaned. At Lola Ya Bonobo, these babies are under the care of the mamas. Incredible women who look after them day and night, provide them with their love and affection and who often form such strong bonds with the babies that it is painful when the moment comes to let them go.

Today bonobos are considered endangered animals, being only found in Congo they have been targeted by the wildlife trade as well as hunted for bushmeat gravely reducing their numbers.