We are thrilled to announce that Vie Sauvage—our leading partner in the Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve—has won the 2020 Equator Prize!

We hope this message finds you well amidst this continuing crisis. It is inspiring to see so many people pitching in and doing their part to keep their communities safe.

Today marks the 50th celebration of Earth Day! Does the sky seem a bit brighter? The trees greener? The birds louder? You're not imagining it. Since humans have reduced activity due to the pandemic, greenhouse gas emissions are down, air quality is up, and animals are expanding their ranges.

Most people are becoming aware of the terrible toll that the coronavirus is taking on communities around the world. What many do not realize is that this virus could be devastating to great apes.

COVID-19 is everywhere: on the news, on social media, and in every corner of the globe. It has now reached the Democratic Republic of Congo, and President Félix Tshisekedi has declared a national state of emergency.

What's love got to do with it? Everything! It all starts with the bonobos, whose whole society runs on love and affection—there's a good reason that Valentine's Day is being recognized as World Bonobo Day!

What a way to round off the year! In the giving spirit of the season, we are thrilled to announce a $10,000 Holiday Challenge grant! Long-time supporters Lori Grace and Connie Bernstein have teamed up to present this special Sisters Challenge on behalf of our sister species.

Mark your calendar for October 12th! The Wildlife Conservation Network is holding its annual Wildlife Conservation Expo in San Francisco, CA at the Mission Bay Conference Center. BCI is excited to be returning for our fourth year—we are looking forward to seeing some familiar faces as well as meeting new friends! This gathering provides a unique opportunity for wildlife conservationists from around the world to share their experiences, exchange ideas, and build the conservation community. The exhibitor portion of the event is free and open to the public, giving all wildlife fans the chance to learn more about conservation and discover how everyone can be a part of the solution! Tickets to the presentations can be purchased here.

On Wednesday, June 19, #1 New York Times bestselling author Wednesday Martin will be giving bonobos a helping hand. She’ll be matching book sales dollar for dollar for each copy of Untrue sold to BCI supporters!

May 16 was truly a day to remember! Events kicked off with a press conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York City. H.E. Ambassador Ignace Gata Mavita, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s ambassador to the UN, announced the DRC’s official endorsement of the Bonobo Peace Forest. Actor, author, and activist Ashley Judd gave a passionate speech about the importance of bonobos and the example they set for a gender-equal society. She delivered her Care2 petition on behalf of bonobos—with over 250,000 signatures!—to the ambassador.