Rare sanctuary in Congo looks after baby bonobos away from poaching threat

Congo Bonobo Conservation — FILE - A group of Bonobo stand around behind an electric fence at the Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary outside of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo on April 30, 2005. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam, File)

LOLA YA BONOBO (CONGO): (May 13) Micheline Nzonzi cradled a small and sleepy bonobo, an orphan whose life she will try to save over the next three years or so.

The 1-year-old’s chances are good, with motherly affection, milk from a bottle and frequent play with other babies.

“Without me, without us, these bonobos cannot survive,” said Nzonzi, who has been a bonobo foster mother for 24 years. “They survive thanks to human affection.”

Known as the “make love, not war” ape, bonobos are a matriarchal, highly peaceful species. Scientists study them to understand human evolution, empathy, and cooperation. Losing them would mean losing a key piece of Congo’s biodiversity — and a mirror to ourselves. For now, this sleepy 1-year-old has a chance. In Nzonzi’s arms, away from poachers, the baby is safe. The next three years will decide if it can return to the forest.