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Meet Owila

teal block

Gender:

Origin:

Arrival Date:

Surrogate Mama:

Fun Facts:

Female

Sankuru Province

March 31st, 2022

Peguy

Owila  has a close bond with her surrogate mama and enjoys climbing.

A young bonobo faces the camera, our closest relative at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in DR Congo
A Difficult Rescue

Owila was rescued during a raid by the military in Sankuru province and the trafficker who held her was arrested. Working with the local government, we were able to take her into our care.

 

Our partner in the field, Héritier Mpo, aided in her transport to the sanctuary. It took over a month to bring her to Lola due to the remote location and problems with Héritier's motorbike.

A young bonobo in poor condition during their rescue faces the camera in DR Congo
A young bonobo in poor condition during their rescue being held by caretaker in DR Congo
Doctor and orphaned baby bonobo on the way to Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in DR Congo
Her Journey

Lola Veterinarian, Dr. Jonas, then finished the rescue mission to get Owila to the sanctuary. They have formed a great bond.

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When she finally arrived, Owila was paired with Mama Peguy in quarantine. She was very weak and dehydrated, weighing just 3 kg (6.6 lbs) and had sores on her feet. She quickly became attached to Peguy and has a healthy appetite.

Surviving to Thriving

Owila is a survivor! Although she started out extremely underweight, she is thriving in the nursery. She has grown so much this year, and has made remarkable progress.

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She's gained confidence and enjoys climbing, although she stays under Peguy's watchful eye!

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At Lola ya Bonobo in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), we have a team of caregivers for rescued bonobos. Meet our other Bonobos Omandja, Balangala, Diyoko, Tshimbulu, Lutula, Semendwa, Lolabu, Loto, Ikela, Maya, Bola, Owila, Ikoto, Lenda, Lombo.

To join our mission to save lives and Rain forest please Donate here.

Doctor and orphaned baby bonobo smile and touch heads at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in DR Congo
Baby bonobo foot / hand at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in DR Congo
Orphaned baby bonobo smiles while holding onto surrogate mother at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in DR Congo
A young bonobo smiles at camera, our closest relative at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in DR Congo

Find out more about Owila on our social media!

Orphaned baby bonobo eats fruit and sits on the lap of a caretaker at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in DR Congo
Orphaned baby bonobo climbing tree at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in DR Congo
Orphaned baby bonobo reaches out for camera while holding onto surrogate mother at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in DR Congo
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