Little Osanga was in poor health when she arrived at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary. She was dehydrated, underweight, and frail. Her body presented old and new wounds on her hip, foot, arm, and hand. Osanga was so exhausted that she spent the first five days in our care sleeping throughout the day after every meal.

Our educators in the DR Congo do a fantastic job bringing awareness to schools and communities about bonobos, which are found only in Congo. We are always grateful when people come forward after an education session with the news of a bonobo being held illegally - as happened with Osanga. This started her journey toward health and safety.

DR Congo environmental authorities confiscated the little bonobo. She traveled by motorbike and plane to reach Kinshasa, and then by car to arrive, finally, at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary.