About Us

Friends of Bonobos works with Les Amis des Bonobos du Congo to save bonobos and their rainforest home.

Our Mission

Rescue, care for, and release endangered bonobos.

Partner in the development of Congolese communities near bonobo habitat to help ensure wildlife and rainforests are protected for the long term.

Raise global awareness of bonobos and their plight. Educate people about bonobos and the threats to their survival.

An International Collaboration

Friends of Bonobos (US) was founded by Claudine André, who also founded Les Amis des Bonobos du Congo (ABC) or 'Friends of Bonobos in Congo.'

Friends of Bonobos is the US-based nonprofit that supports the work of ABC, which includes Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary and Ekolo ya Bonobo Community Reserve. We raise funds for ABC globally and we raise awareness in the US and internationally about bonobos and their plight and ABC's critical work to save and protect them.

The on-the-ground work in DRC is managed and run in the DR Congo, originally led by Claudine André, and now led by her daughter, Fanny Minesi, both of whom grew up in the DR Congo and have spent most of their lives there. They are the powerhouses behind this mission and these programs - some of the most effective and comprehensive bonobo conservation work on the planet.