You've changed lives

You've helped bonobos and people

We all love the rewilded bonobos of Ekolo ya Bonobo reserve!

And we know conservation isn't just about wildlife and wild spaces - it's also about the people who share the same habitat.

We believe that when a community thrives, environmental and bonobo conservation will too.

And because you share our vision of a better future for both bonobos and people, Ekolo ya Bonobo has been a community-based reserve from the very beginning.

Sankuru, one of the bonobos returned to the wild at Ekolo ya Bonobo Community Reserve.

You've helped local communities

The people living near Ekolo deal with severe poverty. They struggle to feed their families, educate their children, and access medical care. They are also an essential part of the solution to bonobo endangerment.

Our community partners share our commitment to protecting bonobos and forest biodiversity.

We work hand-in-hand. Because community-based conservation values local knowledge and actively seeks to benefit local stewards of the land.

A staff meeting at base camp. Local people are employed in jobs as managers, forest guards, bonobo trackers, and much more.

You are giving children an education

For the Baenga, one of the Ekolo Reserve partner communities, an important priority was to expand, repair, and upgrade their school.

You provided new buildings, classrooms, desks, and chalkboards for 200 children!

Construction began in 2022 and was completed last year. Six new classrooms were built from durable materials -- bricks and vented metal roofs rather than traditional thatch roofs that must be regularly replaced.

Students and teachers were so excited, they began using the new classrooms before they were finished!

You provided health care

Even the most basic dental care is unavailable in the communities near Ekolo ya Bonobo Community Reserve.

Last year, you brought dentists to provide consultations and care to local residents, most of whom have never seen a dentist.

You gave 128 local people exams, dental care tips, and, when needed, extractions and medications.

You also provided solar panels to power lights and a refrigerator used to store vaccines for a health center (previously built by you - our amazing supporters)!