Lola ya Bonobo
Kinshasa
Lola ya Bonobo, meaning 'heaven for bonobos' in Lingala, is the only sanctuary in the world exclusively for orphaned bonobos. Founded in 1994 by Claudine André and located since 2002 near Kimwenza in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, the sanctuary spans 30 hectares of primary forest. It provides a safe haven for about 60 bonobos rescued from the bushmeat trade, where infants are confiscated and rehabilitated. These bonobos live in social groups within forested enclosures that mimic their natural habitat, allowing them to exhibit natural behaviors such as foraging, social bonding, and even tool use, which is rare in wild populations. The sanctuary plays a vital role in enforcing conservation laws and educating thousands of visitors annually about the importance of protecting bonobos and Congo’s biodiversity. Through its rehabilitation and rewilding efforts, including the nearby Ekolo ya Bonobo Community Reserve, the sanctuary contributes to the survival and restoration of wild bonobo populations.
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Tip: Visitors are encouraged to visit during daylight hours when bonobos are most active. Booking tours in advance is recommended to ensure access and support the sanctuary's conservation efforts. Educational programs enhance visitor understanding of bonobo behavior and conservation challenges. Discounts or special arrangements may be available for groups or educational visits. Respectful observation and following sanctuary guidelines help maintain a safe environment for the bonobos and visitors alike.
Interesting facts
- •Lola ya Bonobo is the only sanctuary in the world dedicated exclusively to orphaned bonobos.
- •The sanctuary’s bonobos display natural behaviors including tool use, which is rarely observed in wild bonobo populations.
- •Bonobos rescued by the sanctuary typically arrive as young infants confiscated from the illegal bushmeat trade or pet trade.
- •The sanctuary operates in a 30-hectare area of primary forest, providing a habitat similar to the wild.
- •Lola ya Bonobo is a member of the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance, a network of primate sanctuaries across Africa.
- •The sanctuary also runs education programs for Congolese adults and children to promote conservation awareness.
History
Lola ya Bonobo was founded in 1994 by Claudine André as a sanctuary for orphaned bonobos rescued from the bushmeat trade.
In 2002, it relocated to its current site near Kimwenza, Kinshasa, to provide a larger, forested environment more suitable for bonobo rehabilitation.
Over the years, the sanctuary has grown to house around 60 bonobos and has become a member of the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance.
It has expanded its role to include education, advocacy, and rewilding efforts, notably through the nearby Ekolo ya Bonobo Community Reserve, where rehabilitated bonobos are released back into the wild.
Place Guide
Nursery and Quarantine Area1994
This area is where newly rescued infant bonobos are cared for by human surrogate mothers during quarantine and initial rehabilitation before integration into social groups.
Social Group Enclosures2002
Large forested enclosures where bonobos live in mixed-age social groups, allowing natural behaviors such as foraging, socializing, and mating.
Educational Visitor Center
Facility where visitors learn about bonobo biology, threats from bushmeat trade, and conservation efforts through interactive exhibits and guided tours.
Contact
Phone: 0999 381 079
