Photo Courtesy of Pan African Sanctuary Alliance

The Salonga National Park is one of the last and grandest refuges for bonobos within the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Zoological Society of Milwaukee has been managing the Bonobo Congo Biodiversity Initiative in Salonga for more than a decade, conducting ecological research on bonobo distribution, park capacity-building in support of anti-poaching efforts, and community outreach and poverty reduction in villages along the Salonga River.  Dr. Gay Reinartz directs the program.

Years of civil warfare have left a disrupted social and economic system, creating intense demand for the meat of wild animals (including bonobos). There are 12,000 decommissioned soldiers in DRC with little else than guns and bullets. Scientists have been unable to monitor bonobo populations, and have only very rough estimates of post-war numbers and distribution.  DRC conducted a peaceful presidential election in 2006, and a peacetime government is being established. While political stability is being restored, this is a critical moment for bonobos in legally protected areas like Salonga National Park.

The Trust’s financial contribution supported the remote research and patrol camp at Etate, provided research and camping supplies, and food and salaries for the guards.