Lombo's Long Journey to Lola 

Lombo, like many other orphaned bonobos rescued by Lola ya Bonobo, was confiscated by authorities in the Sankuru region - a hotspot for wildlife trafficking and poaching for bushmeat. Lombo traveled for over 9 days on the motorcycle of the environmental inspector who came to collect him from the remote forest village where he had been spotted.

 

Once in the safe hands of the authorities, Lombo was paired with Lenda, a female bonobo who was rescued around the same time as Lombo. Together their journey to Lola began, both young victims of the illegal wildlife trade now facing the aftermath and trauma of losing their families. 

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When Dr. Jonas arrived to carry out the rescue mission, both Lombo and Lenda were in bad shape. Lombo looked to be about 2 years old and was full of parasites. He had a severe cold and wounds on his hips from a rope that poachers used to tie him up.

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Lombo cuddled close to his new family and to Dr. Jonas throughout the rescue journey as they made their long way to the safety of Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary.