We now support 5 associations including Friends of Bonobos.
Discover the sanctuary and the history of Lola ya Bonobo in the Land of Bonobos with its founder Claudine André through this short 7-minute documentary.
Touched by the commitment and support that this association brings to the Bonobos of Congo, we wanted to help them at our level by donating funds to them each year, through each pair of shoes. The money raised will go directly to the various local projects implemented by Friends of Bonobos to improve the living conditions of this endangered species.
"We are the one who destroys, but we are the one who has the intelligence to save."
1. Lola ya Bonobo Shrine
Needing love and attention to grow, a surrogate human mother is then given to each little bonobos . A veterinarian and amazing staff are also there to support them.
Upon reaching adulthood, adult bonobos are released into the wild and enjoy full protection offered by the nature reserve . The staff on site work to protect their home, the rainforest.
2. The goal? Heal, release and protect
The Ekolo ya Bonobo community reserve is the only natural site that protects and supports the Bonobos of Congo.
After growing up in Lola ya Bonobo, adult bonobos are released into the wild and enjoy full, long-term protection. Friends of Bonobos conserves their natural habitat, the rainforest, and works tirelessly with local communities to alleviate poverty, the main reason for poaching . The staff on site is also committed to providing care, education, and raising awareness among local populations of the need to preserve African biodiversity.
3. Ekolo ya Bonobo - Land of the Bonobos
Ekolo ya Bonobo means "Land of the Bonobos" in Lingala, the predominant language of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Today, around 30 bonobos live in the community reserve of Ekolo ya Bonobo . This 120,000-acre (35-hectare) reserve in Equateur Province, DRC, is a protected rainforest – a safe place where bonobos and many other animals and plants thrive.
The Ekolo y Bonobo reserve borders a river that joins the water transport network in Congo. The bonobos emerge from the forest and can be seen on elevated viewing platforms on the shore.
Every year, thousands of people come by canoe and motorboat to see them . For most, this is the first time they have seen a bonobo in their natural habitat. The people of Basankusu have become “bonobo guardians” who protect the bonobos in their new wild home.
" Through your participation in the conservation of bonobos, you not only protect them, but you also contribute to the environmental, social and economic development of the only country in the world where there are bonobos, the Democratic Republic of Congo .",
Fanny Minesi, General Manager, Friends of the Bonobos of Congo.
Friends of Bonobos is committed to engaging local community members in all project activities, and works with local people to make all decisions that affect the surrounding population.
Discover the collection that supports Friends of Bonobos. 👇
