John, a sweeping oil auction is now underway in the Congo, threatening to rip apart one of the most unspoiled, carbon-rich rainforests on the planet and the only home of wild bonobos.

To save the last bonobos, local partners are racing to create a million-acre community-managed nature reserve -- and we can help!

Lilungu is an incredibly important stretch of forest, and one of the rare places where bonobos can be observed daily for conservation research. It’s strategically positioned, linking with other protected areas to form a critical corridor for bonobos and countless other species.

But this is the most aggressive push yet for oil in the Congo, and time is running out. If we rush a donation, we can help make Lilungu Nature Reserve a reality before it’s too late. Can you chip in to help us save the world’s last bonobos? 

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Nestled on the banks of the Tshuapa River, Lilungu is a lifeline for bonobos and other species teetering on the brink. It lies between the Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve to the north and the Sankuru Nature Reserve to the south and links a critical wildlife corridor in a vital area of bonobo habitat in the Congo.

Here bonobos coexist in harmony with the Bakela people, who for generations have honoured and safeguarded these gentle apes. As a community, they care deeply about protecting bonobos and are the most dedicated defenders of this forest that is their shared home.

The Bonobo Conservation Initiative (BCI), Congolese partners and Bakela community are working hand-in-hand to create Lilungu Nature Reserve: a million-acre conservation and research haven that will expand the network of community-managed nature reserves in bonobo habitat and give bonobos, the local community and this living forest a chance to thrive in harmony once again.

But their work is at critical risk. The DRC is now auctioning an area larger than California for oil drilling. With the threat of oil companies swooping in at any moment, they urgently need our help.

John, the Congo is the only place on Earth where wild bonobos exist. If enough of us chip in, we can get them the funds they need without delay -- and continue the work of defending nature and wildlife from exploitation. 

Let’s help expand this beautiful vision and protect a million acres of bonobo habitat right away -- and continue to help save forests and endangered wildlife everywhere. Can you chip in to help us save the last bonobos?

I'll donate $3I'll donate $4 I'll donate $5I'll donate $9I'll donate another amount

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