Friends of Bonobos

Meet Sange, considered the baby of the group the Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary. He learned how to walk properly after transferring to the nursery and the whole group supports him.

Learn more about how your support provides sanctuary for bonobos like Sange in our Annual Report, bonobos.org/yourimpact!

On World Bonobo Day, we are celebrating what they teach us and recommiting to ensure they do not disappear in our lifetime.

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Happy World Bonobo Day! 🎉❤️

Bonobos are endangered and found only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Protecting them is about conservation and safeguarding a living model of empathy, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence.

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Lesson 5️⃣: Bonobos teach us cooperation outperforms competition

Bonobos thrive because cooperation is embedded in daily life. Play, care, and collaboration are not extras. They are essential systems that support long-term survival and well-being.

#WorldBonoboDay

Here are two actions you can take to become a Bonobo Ambassador raising awareness this World Bonobo Day!

1️⃣ Share one of our Countdown to World Bonobo Day Posts, featuring lessons we can learn from bonobos

2️⃣ On Instagram, share a photo of your community using our special photobooth story template!

Lesson 4️⃣: Bonobos teach us sharing strengthens communities

At Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary, research shows bonobos willingly share food, especially with strangers. They extend care beyond immediate circles, reinforcing the idea that generosity builds stronger, more resilient communities.

#Countdown

Lesson 3️⃣: Bonobos teach us inclusive leadership creates balance

Bonobo societies are matriarchal, with females collectively maintaining order. Leadership in bonobo societies provides a powerful case study in how shared governance reduces harm and increases cohesion!

#WorldBonoboDay #Countdown

To continue your impact and get involved:

    1. Donate at give.bonobos.org
    2. Buy Eliot’s book! eliotschrefer.com
    3. Learn more about our Kid’s programs and resources at bonobos.org/kids/

Thank you to everyone who tuned in for our special LIVE event featuring Eliot Schrefer, author of Lulu and the Others, and Ariel Rogers, Executive Director of Friends of Bonobos!

Missed the session? Don't worry - you can watch the recording here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjVB...

Lesson 2️⃣ Bonobos teach us conflict can be de-escalated

Unlike other primates, bonobos actively avoid violence. When competition arises, they prioritize reassurance and social bonding over aggression. The takeaway is clear. Sustainable communities invest in resolution, not retaliation 💚

Her example inspires women and girls in science everywhere to apply research, innovation, and resilience to solve complex environmental challenges and expand the boundaries of what is possible! 🔭

Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science! 🔬👩‍🔬

Today we honor Claudine André, founder of Friends of Bonobos, whose work in conservation science and species protection helped transform orphan bonobo care and rewilding in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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Lesson 1️⃣ Bonobos teach us to use compassion as a survival strategy 💚

Bonobos respond to stress by seeking connection rather than escalating tension. Their instinct to comfort others reinforces trust and stability across the group, proving that compassion is a strength, not a weakness!

Countdown to World Bonobo Day with us! ⏰

Over the next 5 days leading up to World Bonobo Day, we’ll share 5 things we can learn from bonobos, our closest living relatives!

#WorldBonoboDay #Bonobos #Countdown

Join us on Thursday, Feb 12th from 1PM -2PM for a LIVE discussion with author Eliot Schrefer & Ariel Rogers, our Executive Director!

Don’t forget to register here: forms.gle/7WqBXHigJxN2... to submit your question and be entered in our draw to win a signed copy of Eliot's book!

At a ‘Tea Party’ With Scientists, This Ape Showed Some Imagination

News and Research Spotlight!

Check out this interesting article published on the New York Times this week:
"At a ‘Tea Party’ With Scientists, This [Bonobo] Ape Showed Some Imagination"

www.nytimes.com/2026/02/05/s...

Thank you for your incredible support of Friends of Bonobos throughout January! Thanks to your generosity, we met our matching goal, ensuring rescued baby bonobos receive urgent care.

We are truly grateful to have you by our side, standing with us, and with the bonobos!

#FriendsofBonobos

Join us on Thursday, February 12th from 1PM -2PM for a LIVE discussion with author Eliot Schrefer and Ariel Rogers, Executive Director of Friends of Bonobos!

Register here: forms.gle/7WqBXHigJxN2...

Our triple match extension ends tonight! Don’t miss this chance to triple your impact and rescue a bonobo.

Donate before midnight tonight savebonobos.org/TripleMyImpact

#BonobosRescue #BonoboConservation

When Ikoto arrived at Lola ya Bonobo, he needed round-the-clock care. He was paired with Mama Huguette who was with him 24hrs/day, 4 days a week.

Because of you, Ikoto received veterinary care and constant support during his most vulnerable months.

Learn more: www.bonobos.org/your-impact/

There is still time to save an orphaned baby bonobo. Until January 31st, your donation will be tripled to support rescue operations, veterinary treatment, and surrogate mothering. Act now before the match ends: savebonobos.org/TripleMyImpact

#SaveBonobos #TripleYourImpact

Thousands of visitors come to Lola ya Bonobo each year, and your support helps children and youth discover the importance of bonobo conservation and protecting the Congo rainforest!

Learn more about your impact in our annual report: www.bonobos.org/your-impact/

#YourImpact #LolayaBonobo

Your support helps ensure trained local staff and essential resources are in place to feed all the bonobos at Lola ya Bonobo, monitor their health, treat injuries and illnesses, and maintain their night dormitories.

Read our annual report to learn more about your impact: www.bonobos.org/your-impact

At Ekolo ya Bonobo Community Reserve, men who once hunted bonobos now defend them. Poverty once drove them to kill, but today, they have steady jobs and healthcare thanks to you, and a new pride in protecting wildlife.

Learn more about your impact in our annual report: www.bonobos.org/your-impact/

Thanks to your support, local farmers grew fresh food for the bonobos at Lola ya Bonobo. Farmers also sell their crops to Lola, which provides training in sustainable farming techniques along the way.

Learn more about your impact in our annual report: www.bonobos.org/your-impact/

In 2024, bonobos including Ikoto, Lenda, Lombo, Djeka, and Emongo grew up in the nursery at Lola ya Bonobo. Each one arrived as a fragile orphan, but because of you, they received care helping them recover from the traumas of their early life.

Learn more: www.bonobos.org/your-impact/

Bonobos face severe threats from poaching, habitat loss, and the illegal wildlife trade. Without urgent protection, wild populations will continue to decline.

Learn more about the work Friends of Bonobos does to support the future of bonobos at bonobos.org

Ikoto loves banana, apple, and papaya.

In 2024, Ikoto grew up in the nursery at Lola ya Bonobo after arriving as a fragile orphan. Because of you, he received expert veterinary care and the care of surrogate mamas who helped him heal and grow.

To learn more, visit bonobos.org/your-impact/

Thank you for your generous support throughout December! Because of you, rescued baby bonobos are receiving the urgent care they need to survive and heal. 

We’re deeply grateful to have you standing with the bonobos, and wish you all are having a great start to your New Year!

#HappyNewYear

Countdown to the New Year—and to saving bonobos.

Final day! This is your last chance of the year to protect bonobos—and your gift is TRIPLED. Don’t miss the final hours ⏰

Donate here: savebonobos.org/TripleMyImpact

Fast Fact: Bonobos are one of our closest living relatives.

#FriendsofBonobos