Rescue Orphaned Primates

Three Orphaned Bonobos Find Safety and Hope

Thanks to your compassion and generosity, three infant bonobos, Lubutu, Sange, and Tshela, are alive today and receiving the care they urgently need. Your support made it possible for PASA and our accredited sanctuary, Lola ya Bonobo, to respond quickly during a critical moment for these vulnerable young apes.

Lola ya Bonobo, located just outside Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is the world’s only bonobo sanctuary. Bonobos are found only in the DRC and face intense threats from hunting, habitat loss, disease, and the illegal wildlife trade. Every orphan rescued represents a family that was likely killed for bushmeat and a life violently disrupted.

At the sanctuary, rescued infants are cared for by dedicated human foster mothers who nurture them through the early stages of recovery before they join social groups of other young bonobos. Lola ya Bonobo has already successfully reintroduced two groups of bonobos to the Ekola ya Bonobo community reserve, an extraordinary achievement that gives hope for the future of the species.

In August and September of this year, three young bonobos were rescued from the wildlife trade and brought to safety.

Lubutu, at four years old, arrived severely malnourished and close to death. Torn from his family and smuggled into the trade, he was fragile and traumatized. Today, thanks to the sanctuary team and his foster mother C’Arrive, Lubutu is steadily recovering.

Sange was only 10 months old at the time of her rescue, with just a few baby teeth. Without emergency intervention, she would not have survived. She is now receiving the focused care she needs to grow and thrive.

Tshela, age three, reached the sanctuary with infected wounds and deep scars, physical reminders of the cruelty he endured. He is now healing in a safe, nurturing environment.

The rescue of three infants in such a short period placed immense strain on staff, especially the foster mothers, at a time when the sanctuary was already struggling due to catastrophic floods earlier in the year.

Thanks to your generosity, PASA was able to provide emergency funding that ensured these young bonobos received lifesaving rescue, veterinary care, round-the-clock nurturing, and emotional support.

Your kindness ensured that these three babies are no longer alone, afraid, or at risk. They are safe, loved, and beginning to heal.

Your support protects some of the world’s most vulnerable animals. Because of you, Lubutu, Sange, and Tshela now have a second chance at life, and the possibility of one day returning to the wild where they belong.

Thank you for standing with PASA. Your generosity has changed these bonobos’ lives and given them hope. We are deeply grateful for your compassion and look forward to sharing the healing your kindness continues to make possible.