THE LOLA YA BONOBO PROJECT
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Bonobos, sometimes called pygmy chimpanzees, were one of the last great apes to be discovered and named, but could very well be the first to disappear. Bonobos exist in the wild solely in the Democratic republic of Congo (DRC), and are currently under the threat of extinction due to deforestation, poaching, hunting, and civil unrest. While there was a viable wild population estimated at 100,000 in 1980, their current numbers are thought to be below 10,000.
Lola Ya Bonobo, located near Kinshasa, is a bonobo sanctuary run by The Friends of Bonobos, a Congolese organization. Lola ya Bonobo is a one-of-a-kind project designed to protect wild bonobos via the education of local Congolese youth, and through lobbying for the enforcement of wildlife protection laws, such as the CITES treaty. The sanctuary also strives ensure the physical and psychological rehabilitation of orphaned bonobos confiscated from poachers.
Over many years of involvement with the Kinshasa Zoo, The Friends of Bonobos organization learned just how big an impact live animals can have on children's connection to and appreciate of the natural world. Thus, Lola ya Bonobo offers Congolese students the opportunity to come visit the sanctuary and discover a species unique to their country, and to learn why bonobs need their support and protection. Young visitors can observe bonobo behavior in the semi-natural environment of the sanctuary, and learn about connections between primates and humans.
In 2002, Lola ya Bonobo moved their facilities to a new site that boats 20 acres of enclosed, intact forest, offering the sanctuary bonobos the opportunity to live together in a natural social group with minimal human interference. The youngest bonobos and new arrivals stay in the care of sanctuary staff until they are deemed ready to join the main group.
The Oakland Zoo's support of Lola ya Bonobo helps to ensure that the sanctuary center can continue to offer educational programs to Congloese youth and advocate for a secure future for these little-known, very unique apes.
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