The Bonobos

Since my arrival in Congo, I've been hearing about the bonobos, a type of monkey that lives in a sanctuary in Lukaya, just outside of Kinshasa. Last Friday, I was able to go with a couple of Marines, and Barbara Conaty, the Director of American Corners in Africa.
You can see that the bonobos are the closest animals genetically to man in the way they respond to each other and to people. They tease and play and are very social. Until just a few years ago, their species was diminishing due to the slaughtering of them for food, the upsetting nature of war on their habitat, the introduction of forestry in their habitat, and their slow reproductive cycles. Several individuals have organized to save the bonobos in Congo and are working very hard to preserve this unique breed of monkey.

I'm scheduled to see them again this coming Friday when daughter Grace and her husband Jon will be able to go with me. I can't believe I'll be with them at this time tomorrow. Don't worry. I'll take lots of photos!