Extraordinary care brings Balangala back from the brink
Sometimes, Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary must save a bonobo’s life more than once.
In 2023, veterinarians Raphael Belais, Jonas Mukamba, and Dalton Akamba put their heart and soul into saving 7-year-old Balangala.
Balangala’s life began like most of his fellow orphans at Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary - he was a victim of poaching. His family was killed for bush meat and he was held captive, destined for an illegal pet market. He was named for the place where he was rescued, the village of Balangala. Terrified and malnourished, the one-year-old orphan had painful wounds from being tightly bound with ropes.
In time, thanks to loving care from Mama C’Arrive and Lola’s veterinarians, he healed. That's when his feisty spirit emerged. A natural leader, he instigated chase games that got all the orphans running and jumping. Mischievous and rambunctious, he challenged the mamas by climbing high in the swaying bamboo stalks bordering the nursery. They had to keep a sharp eye out to make sure he didn’t take his explorations too far.
When Balangala matured enough to leave the nursery, his big heart helped him transition easily to Enclosure 1. Dominant females Semendwa and Bandundu accepted him into the group and he learned they were in charge. For two years, Balangala lived happy and healthy, exploring the forest and content in his new bonobo family.
Balangala Falls Ill
Then, in February 2023, Lola caretakers noticed 7-year-old Balangala was separated from his group. His gait was off, and he appeared listless. When his group came into the dormitory that night, the vets confined Balangala to the infirmary. The diagnosis: amoebic dysentery. It would turn out to be one of the worst cases they'd ever seen.
It would turn out to be one of the worst cases they'd ever seen.
The care team started Balangala on antibiotics and oral and intravenous rehydration serums. Yet over the next few weeks, he got worse. He became critically ill. The vets mashed soft fruits with protein power and hand-fed him. Immobile and unable to absorb nutrients from the foods he was given, Balangala quickly became emaciated.
At times he had respiratory distress and needed oxygen.
As the weeks wore on, a new problem arose: bed sores. To alleviate his pain, the vets frequently repositioned him on his straw and cloth bed. They kept trying different medicines and, bit by bit, with round-the-clock care, Balangala began to improve. But his skin remained in terrible shape.
Dr. Dalton Akama tends to Balangala.
Turning a corner
A breakthrough came In April. A visiting researcher, Stephanie Kordon, arranged shipment of a small anti-ulcer mattress. It provided airflow around the bonobo’s body to promote healing.
A breakthrough: a small anti-ulcer mattress.
Then, another stroke of luck: After one of Dr. Belais’ children had suffered an injury, they were referred to a plastic surgeon in Kinshasa who sometimes treated burn patients. Dr. Belais contacted him to consult with him about Balangala’s care.
The doctor advised Lola’s team on wound care techniques and a combination of salves for Balangala’s severe skin ulcers. Every day they had to painstakingly remove necrotic tissue, cleanse the wounds, and apply the special concoction.
“His recipe worked quite well,” Dr. Belais said.
Tender loving care and a long recovery
Little by little, with the care and attention of the veterinary staff, Balangala recovered. When he was able to, he would sit outside the infirmary on his bed to get fresh air. Suzy Kwetuenda pitched in to help the veterinary staff tend to Balangala.
After his brush with death, Balangala needed months to regain strength enough simply to stand on his own. When he was able to move about, he entered a small enclosure next to Enclosure 1, where he could see and hear his troop.
A happy ending
Throughout his illness, Balangala seemed to understand his caregivers were not the cause of his pain, Dr. Belais said. “He trusts us.”
Six months after his ordeal began, on August 28, 2023, Balangala returned to his group. His friends readily welcomed him back and even honored him by letting him walk in front, Dr. Mukamba said.
What made Balangala so sick?
The veterinarians don't know exactly what made Balangala so sick. Severe dysentery can result from drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. Because of this risk, all the foods that bonobos receive at Lola are washed before they are fed to bonobos.
Bacteria can also be transmitted by birds or other animals in the environment, or bonobos may carry certain bacteria in their system that only becomes a problem when their immune system weakens for some reason.
Lola’s vets have treated similarly severe cases of dysentery only three or four times before. A Lola-born bonobo who had a similar illness also recovered -- but she required sedation for treatment. The bonobos who are born at Lola and cared for by their natural mothers rather than human substitute mothers are far less trusting. “It was a nightmare,” Dr. Belais said.
As a rescued orphan, Balangala had close contact with Lola mamas and veterinarians early in life. He had no fear of his caregivers. Throughout his painful and difficult illness, he had trust on his side.
As for Balangala, he's now back with his troop where he belongs, with his terrible sickness a fading memory.
