The fence construction is continuing, with the mesh up on over half the fence today! We are moving forward, which is a relief, but still have some way to go. If you would like to contribute to the fence appeal, 100% of the funds donated through the blog go directly to the fence construction! Watch this space for more updates!
Bernard arrived on the 8th of May at the CRPL. She was the pet of Congolese military; however the commanding officer surrendered her into the care of the Congolese conservation authority (ICCN). He then accompanied the ICCN to the sanctuary to see where the young Owl-faced monkey would live. Bernard was in good health on arrival and will spend one month in quarantine before we integrate her into a group with other monkeys.
We now have a total of 64 monkeys! Space is very limited, but we give them the best food and health care we possibly can. We are working toward improvements in housing for all animals of the CRPL!
Once again we would like to thank the International Primate Protection League for their continued support of the CRPL! They have awarded us yet more funds to continue our work here with the 111 primates in our care! What an amazing organization!
Thank you IPPL and supporters of IPPL, we are so grateful.
Roots and Shoots Lwiro now has a new instructor – Roger! Roger did an amazing job at teaching the children about World Forest Day and the importance of forests in the lives of people and animals! And most importantly, what the children can do to save their own forests in The children had such a fantastic time they couldn’t stay in their seats! Roger also used story telling and songs in his lesson. The children were keen to share their own stories and songs as well.
The International Primate Protection League US– a fantastic supporter of the CRPL - awarded us one of their end of year grants. While the International Primate Protection League
Chester Zoo awarded a grant for the completion of a parasitological study working within the CRPL and Kahuzi-Biega National Park. 
And Columbus Zoo have awarded the CRPL a grant to cover the costs of the electric and solar power system for the ‘Chimpanzee Habitat for Conservation and Education’. 
The assistance of these organizations is so appreciated. We can not thank you enough. It is a challenge to find the right food and enough of it here in Lwiro to feed the 100 plus primates in our care. In the dry season, food can be hard to find or the quality isn’t fantastic. Generally we purchase all of our dry stock in bulk from Bukavu (the city 60km from Lwiro). And we purchase all of our fresh fruit and vegetables from local farmers either from the twice weekly markets or when they come to the door to sell us their goods. However, even with this system, sometimes we found it hard to get enough food. So, as the sanctuary was growing, we decided it was time to start a farm of our own. Still 80% of our food is purchased from local people, but our farm gives us a little security and the opportunity to grow items not found here in Lwiro already. Having a farm also means more employment in the local area – so everyone wins.
Here at the CRPL we grow:
Custard Apples
Orange
Banana tree
Zinziber
Papaya 
Corn (mais)
Pumpkins
Maiko
Julius
Papy our caregiver grooming the babies! Aketi waits for his turn.
Papy tickling Aketi!
Misisi!
Maiko chasing the others...
The CRPL is officially managed by a committee of three organisations:
Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de
The ICCN is the wildlife authority in DRC. They are in charge of protected areas and community conservation development around these areas. As well, they fight against the illegal animal trafficing and confiscate animals from poachers or private individuals who are housing endangered animals illegally. http://www.iccn.cd
Centre de Recherche en Sciences Naturelles (CRSN) represented by Jacques Mwanga, Chef du département de Biologie du CRSN;The CRSN was established on July 1, 1947 by Prince Charles of
NGO Coopera represented by Carmen Vidal, Technical Director.Coopera is a Spanish NGO which was established in
During this time we have stated that the exploitation of natural and biological resources; together with its loss, is one of the main causes of poverty.
For this reason, we use the conservation of biodiversity as a key strategy for the social and economic development of local communities. COOPERA NGO has always used education as the main tool for the interventions’ durability.
Coopera NGO has been working in DRC since November 2006 developing a “Community Conservation Program” in
The Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) has extended its conservation network across central
Lwiro is the first new member admitted to PASA since 2008. The facility was accepted into PASA following a detailed application process that included a site inspection and a vote of the PASA advisory council. http://www.pasaprimates.org/
We also are certified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.
The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) was formed in 2007 by nationally and globally recognized leaders in the animal protection field for the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries in the
http://www.sanctuaryfederation.org/gfas/home
Coopera NGO, is also the representative in the field for other international NGO which supported the CRPL since the beginning. These are:
· Venner av Lwiro from
· Rainfer, a Spanish primate rescue center from
· Friends of Lwiro from
·
We have received funds from different organizations. Without their help our work could not continue. All the animals from
· IPPL: International Primate Protection League,
· AWARE
· ISP: International Primatological
·
· AIZA: Asociación Ibérica de Zoológicos y Acuáriums, Spain
·
· Sea World and
·
· Zoo
· FAADA: Fundación para
· MONUC: United Nations Peace Keeping
· Fundacion MONA,
·
· Rotary
· JGI
· JGI
· JGI
· JGI
·
·
· Spanish Ministry of Environment
· Equip
AND TO ALL OF OUR PRIVATE DONORS WHOSE CONTRIBUTIONS MEAN A GREAT DEAL TO ALL OF US! THANK YOU!
The CRPL management is very sad to announce the passing of Monuc. Monuc was a very beautiful female chimpanzee who was always a gentle soul. She lived in a group with other adult chimpanzees and enjoyed watching the outlook from the cage! Monuc arrived in July 2002 and was most likely born in 2001. Like all chimpanzees at the CRPL Monuc was poached from the wild – loosing her family and suffering greatly in the process. We gave her the best life we possibly could and only wish that she is in a better place now. Our veterinarians are following up results, but it seems she has passed away from an infection. We can not express our sadness at loosing Monuc – there are no words for it!
