Bonobos   at    TASOK

 

Born only in the Congo, Pan paniscus are described as the rarest of all great ape species, being geographically confined to the humid forest of the Equator Province on the left side of the Congo River, currently under military occupation. This has increased the "bush meat" trade, with Bonobos being poached and sold in towns for meat. Their forest habitat is also under logging pressure. The government is cooperating by relocating orphaned Bonobos sold on the streets as pets to TASOK, where they get medical attention and nourishment, and begin the long rehabilitation process as they bond with their new foster mother and other orphans. Carrying around blankets and bottles as they come for hugs, the orphans look much like their human counterparts.

Bonobos baby Kalina, age one 1/2, finds comfort with Harriet, who comes seven days a week to provide the nurturing these orphaned Bonobos babies need to emotionally develop and survive. Giving hugs and bottles, safety and discipline, she maintains that these orphans are little different from the care she gives raising her own children. The orphans come into the sanctuary traumatized, and must bond immediately with a foster mother to find the will to live. 3Mouse-over photos6

Jean Claude with Bandudundu, age 2 1/2 and Isiro, age 2

 

 

 

 

Many of the students and faculty at Tasok come to play and bond with the orphans, providing an extended family and entertainment for both the students and the Bonobos.

 

 

.The Bonobos sanctuary staff at The American School Of..Kinshasa

Crispin is the biologist for the sanctuary................... ....C.laudine Andre'............................ Mbo worked with the zoo "cats" at Nagliema.

Click here for viewing plans for an eco-touristic park where guests can come live and study among the Bonobos in their natural habitat

According to:

the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species,

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the IUCN Red Data Book,

the Pan Paniscus are one of the most endangered species in the world.

 

How to HELP : e-mail: claudine@ic.cd