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. Bonobos share almost 99% of our DNA, making them highly susceptible to the same pathogens. A coronavirus outbreak could spell the end for this already endangered species. The good news is that you can help stop the spread today.
Like other workers around the world, our team in the Democratic Republic of Congo is racing to adjust to these challenging times. We are taking immediate steps to protect bonobos, as advised by the IUCN guidelines for disease control in great ape populations. These measures include educating field teams and local partners about COVID-19, implementing new protocols to maintain proper distance from bonobos, obtaining hygiene and medical supplies, and providing home-based office equipment for our Kinshasa staff so that operations can continue without interruption.
You can make these vital interventions possible by contributing to GlobalGiving's Little by Little campaign. All donations under $50 will be matched at 50%. This campaign ends tomorrow (March 27th) at 11:59PM ET, so please give now if you can. Your gift will have an immediate impact in the fight to save our sister species.
We wish you health and comfort in this difficult time. Thank you for continuing to support our mission.