The_Bonobo_Trust

The Bonobo Trust is a non-profit initiative working to elevate awareness and support for the bonobo. Bonobos are a great ape - alongside gorillas, chimpanzees and orangutans. But unlike their primate cousins, bonobos are relatively unknown. They are endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world! Despite this, research has shown that up to 45% of trees in the Congo Basin were "planted" by bonobos, making them a critical keystone species to the second lung of the planet - Africa's Congo rainforest. Bonobos are famous for making love, not war. Unlike other great apes, bonobo society is built around peaceful cooperation. They are generous with their food and resources, and are known to be "xenophilic," meaning they love to meet new faces. Where most great apes are territorial and aggressive to strangers, bonobos are more likely to welcome new friends with curiosity and shared food. Bonobos are matriarchal and build social structures based on strong female leadership. When conflicts arise, they use physical affection and even sex to ease tensions and restore peace. Baby bonobos are reared by their community, with grandmothers, aunts, dads and brothers all stepping in to help with their care and learning. Bonobos share 98.7% of their DNA with humans, but in many ways their humanity surpasses our own. That's why The Bonobo Trust is working to ensure their survival through direct support for frontline organizations. The proceeds of your purchase will go directly to one of our frontline bonobo initiatives. Learn more about the species and our current conservation projects at www.TheBonoboTrust.org.