On 60 Minutes, correspondent Anderson Cooper travels to the Democratic Republic of Congo to meet the women who take care of baby bonobos. The bonobo, formerly called the pygmy chimpanzee, is an endangered great ape. Along with the common chimpanzee, the bonobo is the closest extant relative to humans. These primates are capable of altruism. compassion, empathy, kindness, patience, and sensitivity.
[Primatologist Frans de Waal wrote the book on Bonobos: Bonobo: The Forgotten Ape
The DR Congo orphanage, Lola Ya Bonobo, rescues baby bonobos from the illegal bushmeat trade, rehabilitates the babies who are often traumatized, ill and/or injured, and when possible releases them back to the wild at the safe haven of Ekolo ya Bonobo. There are currently 3 bonobos up for adoption on the Lola Ya Bonobo website – 7-year-old Lukuru, 2-year-old N’Djili, and 4-year-old Sinji. Donors may make a one-time donation or monthly donations. Anderson Cooper’s report from Congo will air on 60 Minutes on December 6 at 7pm on CBS.
