On Sunday, August 24, our sanctuary lost one of its great figures.
Makali, the oldest bonobo at Lola ya Bonobo, passed away peacefully in the forest at an estimated 45 years old. True to his gentle and independent spirit, he stepped away from the group and left us quietly. Caregivers saw no signs of pain, only a final farewell chosen on his own terms.
Makali: A survivor who helped shape Lola’s story
Makali arrived in 2004 with three other bonobos – Etumbe, Tshilomba, and Keza – transferred from the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa. Their arrival marked a turning point for Lola, since a new forest enclosure was built especially for them.
At first, Makali struggled to adapt. He didn’t know electrified enclosures and even managed to escape, traveling nearly a kilometer before the team brought him back. Over time, however, he learned to trust this new world and eventually found his place in the Lola family.
Father of the First Lola Baby
Makali made history by fathering the very first baby born at the sanctuary, Mbano ya Lola, with Etumbe. That baby grew strong, became independent, and in 2009 joined the first group of bonobos reintroduced into Ekolo ya Bonobo Community Reserve. Today Mbano thrives in freedom, carrying his father’s legacy forward.
A Thoughtful, Respected Elder
Makali earned respect for his calm and steady presence. He rarely sought conflict and often sat apart, as if lost in deep reflection. Caregivers remember him as “a thinker, a philosopher bonobo.”
His striking appearance made him instantly recognizable. Muscular and hairless from self-plucking during his early captivity, he carried visible scars of trauma. Yet, despite that difficult past, he became a beloved figure at Lola and a favorite among visitors.
A Lasting Legacy
Makali lived through many of Lola’s milestones. He saw the construction of the first enclosures, the birth of the sanctuary’s first baby, and the historic return of bonobos to the forest.
He leaves behind children, grandchildren, and an enduring influence that continues in the wild today. To us, Makali will always remain a pioneer, a patriarch, and a symbol of resilience.
May he rest in peace. 💔
Kendra is a creative problem-solver who provides executive and operational support across the organization. As Executive Assistant to Ariel Rogers, she manages scheduling, communications, and day-to-day priorities while also supporting the development and communications teams with administrative and operational needs.
Kathleen Cook brings more than eight years of experience working across Africa, with a focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo, where she has traveled over twenty times to support projects spanning conservation, clean energy, and community development. Her career has centered around using storytelling, strategic marketing, and relationship-building to create meaningful impact.
