Friends of Bonobos

FRIENDS OF BONOBOS

We're on a mission to save and protect bonobos and their rainforest home - forever.

We do this through rescue, sanctuary, and rewilding, by partnering with local communities to tackle root causes and save rainforests, and by raising the profile of bonobos locally and globally.

Visit us at BONOBOS.ORG 

OUR STRATEGY

We have a comprehensive approach to bonobo conservation. We're in this for the long haul.

RESCUE AND CARE

Lola ya Bonobo is the world's only bonobo sanctuary. 

At Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary, orphaned bonobos are rescued from the illegal trade in wildlife. Bonobos are nursed back to health and cared for as long as needed, sometimes for the rest of their lives. Bonobos who are able are released back to the wild.

REWILD AND PROTECT

Ekolo ya Bonobo Community Reserve is the world's only bonobo release site. 

We save rainforests where bonobos live. At Ekolo ya Bonobo, bonobos are released back into the wild and provided comprehensive and long-term protection. We conserve their rainforest home and work with local communities to reduce poverty, provide healthcare and education, and raise bonobo awareness.

EDUCATION & AWARENESS

Education and awareness are key to long-term success. This has been a hallmark of the programs in the DR Congo from the start. We work with communities and the government to tackle the root causes of bonobo endangerment. We also raise awareness for bonobos and their plight globally.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Bonobos are primarily killed for bushmeat. The root cause of the bushmeat trade is extreme poverty. We work with communities living near bonobos to build a better future through conservation instead of the bushmeat trade. We are also committed to hiring local community members in all project activities, and we work within communities to make all decisions that affect local people.

Our goal is to see bonobo numbers rebound in the wild until they are no longer endangered or threatened by poaching and the illegal wildlife trade.

Learn more at BONOBOS.ORG