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Meet Ikoto

teal block

Gender:

Arrival Date:

Surrogate Mama:

Fun Facts:

Male

March 2023

Huguette

Ikoto is the youngest bonobo Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary has ever rescues. When he came to us, he only had 6 teeth!

A furry baby bonobo ape is held by a surrogate mother caretakers at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in the DRC.
The youngest rescue ever - Ikoto! 

 

Ikoto was rescued from the illegal wildlife trade in March of 2023.

 

He made it to Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary after being rescued by one of our partners in the field, Héritier Mpo. Loto stayed with Mama Elando (a trained caretaker) in Lodja briefly while awaiting cross-country transport.

Orphaned baby bonobo with caretakers in car on the way to Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in DR Congo
Orphaned baby bonobo Ikoto with caretaker during rescue in DR Congo 2023
Orphaned baby bonobo Ikoto in poor condition during rescue in DR Congo 2023
Ikoto's Big Trip

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We were lucky to receive a call about an available flight for Ikoto within days of his rescue. The team in Lodja said goodbye to Ikoto and brought him to the aiport to make his journey to Kinshasa. He was met by Dr. Jonas who evaluated traumatised Ikoto and helped make him feel safe after a long and lonely trip. 

Orphaned baby bonobo Ikoto boarding airplane to Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in DR Congo 2023
Orphaned baby bonobo cuddles doctor on the way to Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in DR Congo
Ikoto's First Teeth!

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After evaluating Ikoto's health, Dr. Jonas determined that Ikoto was only about 3 months old - and had only 6 teeth! 

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He is the youngest bonobo that Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary has ever rescued, and it was clear he needed round-the-clock care. Overall, Ikoto was in good health and was adapting well.

 

The team had high hopes for his recovery. 

A baby bonobo with very few teeth is shown during rescue to Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in the DRC.
A baby bonobo with very few teeth is shown during rescue to Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in the DRC.
All Eyes on Ikoto

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Ikoto spent his first night at the sanctuary cuddled up with Dr. Jonas. Because he was so young, he needed a lot of attention. He was paired with surrogate mama, Huguette, who spent most days and nights with him while he was really small. His care was shared by Director of Bonobo Wellness Suzy Kwetuenda, as well as Dr. Jonas and Dr. Raphael. 

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Ikoto quickly gained confidence and trust in his caretakers. He drinks baby formula and eats fruit. His mama Huguette is teaching him about different foods, and helping to build his courage!

A furry baby bonobo is held by a veterinarian at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in the DRC.
Adjusting to his New Life

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So far, Ikoto is doing well adjusting to his new life at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary with Mama Huguette and Mama Yvonne. But, he has a long road ahead of him! Ikoto is just at the start of his journey to rehabilitation and has many hurdles to overcome before he can make it back to the wild one day.

 

Ikoto has grown a lot since his rescue at 3 months old - including his hair! 

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At Lola ya Bonobo in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), we have a team of caregivers for rescued bonobos. Meet our other Bonobos Omandja, Balangala, Diyoko, Tshimbulu, Lutula, Semendwa, Lolabu, Loto, Ikela, Maya, Bola, Owila, Ikoto, Lenda, Lombo.

To join our mission to save lives and Rain forest please Donate here.

A furry baby bonobo is held by a surrogate mother at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in the DRC.
A furry baby bonobo is held by a surrogate mother at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in the DRC.
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