The story of Lowe – JACK Primate Sanctuary

Traumatic Beginnings

During a stopover in Lowedi on a journey to Kinshasa, a representative of APPACOL-PRN found himself in the midst of a dramatic scene: a raid by the port authorities, supported by police and the DRC’s intelligence agency (ANR). The authorities had just apprehended a person attempting to smuggle bushmeat along with a live baby bonobo.

Mr. X, who wishes to remain anonymous, quickly reached out to Héritier Mpo of APPACOL-PRN to relay what had happened. Héritier took immediate action, contacting both the Provincial Ministry of the Environment and the ANR in Sankuru. His efforts ensured that the team in Lowedi could detain the individual and seize the illegally transported wildlife.

Confiscation and Rescue

Thanks to the teamwork between APPACOL-PRN and J.A.C.K., the young bonobo, who was very frail, was transported first to Bena Dibele and then to Lodja, where APPACOL operates and has created a temporary holding facility. There, he joined 15 other primates also recently rescued by the Sankuru Province Authorities, all awaiting expeditious transfer to J.A.C.K.

This baby bonobo, scarcely a year old, was destined for the exotic pet market. Even more horrifying, it was discovered during the arrest that he had been concealed beneath the remains of his own mother—who had been slaughtered and reduced to bushmeat.

He is named Lowe

When the baby arrived at J.A.C.K., we decided to name him “LOWE.” The name is a tribute to the region where he was rescued, Lowedi, and a symbol of “LOVE” with a double “V.” It serves as a reminder that these innocent creatures, who have endured so much loss, deserve twice the love and care as they begin to heal from their traumatic pasts.

Gravely ill

As if this little bonobo hadn’t already been through enough, within 24 hours of arriving, he faced yet another major hurdle—a serious lung infection. His throat was swollen, and he was struggling with serious breathing issues and a persistent, painful cough.

Luckily, our Sr vet, Mr. Calvin, immediately started him on treatments and monitored him closely, providing him with the constant care he required.

Lowe shows signs of improvement

Over a week’s time. Baby Lowe showed positive signs of recovery, responding well to his treatments and growing stronger each day. During the day, he finds comfort in the arms of Mama Mireille, and at night, he is cradled by Roxanne, the founder of J.A.C.K. Primate Sanctuary.

This constant physical contact is crucial in helping him cope with the deep emotional and physical trauma he has endured.

While nothing can replace the loss of his mother, the sanctuary remained hopeful that the love and care from Mama Mireille and Roxanne would be enough to help him heal—both body and soul.

Bonobos in the wild

Bonobos, often called the “gentle apes,” are one of our closest living relatives, sharing about 98.7% of their DNA with humans. They are native to the dense, tropical forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), thriving in the lowland rainforests south of the Congo River. Unlike other great apes, bonobos are known for their peaceful and cooperative social structures. They live in matriarchal societies, where females often play a leading role, and they use social bonds to maintain harmony within their groups. Playful and highly intelligent, bonobos communicate with a wide range of vocalizations, gestures, and facial expressions.

In the wild, bonobos play a crucial role in their ecosystem. As frugivores, they consume a diet rich in fruits, leaves, and occasional small animals, which aids in seed dispersal and maintaining the health of their forest home. Their presence helps to support the intricate balance of life within their habitat. However, their range is restricted to a single region in the DRC, making them vulnerable to disruptions in their environment. With a low reproductive rate—females give birth to one infant every 4 to 5 years—any threats to their population can have long-lasting impacts.

Call to Action

Today, bonobos face an uncertain future due to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trafficking. The rapid expansion of logging, agriculture, and human settlements has led to significant deforestation in the DRC, reducing the forested areas where bonobos live.

This habitat destruction is compounded by the illegal bushmeat trade, where bonobos are hunted for food or captured for sale in the exotic pet trade. Despite legal protections, enforcement is weak, and poaching remains a serious threat.

As a result, bonobo populations have been drastically reduced, with an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 individuals left in the wild. Conservation efforts are critical to ensure that bonobos can continue to survive in their natural habitat, free from the dangers posed by human activities.

Lowe has a second chance in life

Little Lowe has endured unimaginable trauma in his short life. But with the constant care and dedication of Mama Mireille and Roxanne, he is becoming stronger and healthier with each passing day. His recovery has been far from smooth—filled with ups and downs. Yet, there’s no question that had he remained in the hands of traffickers, he would not have survived such suffering.

By jackprimatesanctuary

Traumatic Beginnings

Confiscation and Rescue

He is named Lowe

Gravely ill

Lowe shows signs of improvement

Bonobos in the wild

Call to Action

Lowe has a second chance in life

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