We support in a small way a very worthwhile charity in DRC that rescues Bonobos suffering at the hands of humans: "Friends of Bonobos" which runs a sanctuary called Lola Ya Bonobo. Recently we were dismayed to learn that a virus had swept through the reserve killing a number of the Bonobos. For a time the reserve was closed to the public to protect the Bonobos. Thankfully it seems that the epidemic has passed, although with a cost to the lives of some of these gentle creatures and in $$$ cost for medicines and care. We believe this charity does an excellent job and would encourage readers of this blog to donate anything to support it in its time of need.
If you would like to donate copy this to your search engine: http://www.friendsofbonobos.org/
We are returning to DRC and Lola in August and will report back on conditions there. We are saddened because some of the Bonobos that we saw last time we visited did not survive.
Julie and Adam
Bonobos in distress - 13 April 2008
India expedition 2009 - 5 April
We came back from our Indian Expedition this time last week. A full trip report will follow, but for us the highlights were:
Tigers - our group saw ten! Amazing, beautiful and hard to see. Unlike in some parts of Africa you cannot drive off-road and have to stick to the park's pretty good tracks. At the start of the day it is somewhat of a race to get to the places where are guides think they may be able to find a Tiger. When it works it is absolutely breathtaking!
The people and culture - we spent some time away from the reserves visiting temples and markets. The colours, smells and vibrancy of the country impressed us all. What is nice about India is that almost everyone likes to be photographed.
The temples are extraordinary and allowed endless photographic opportunities.
And finally we loved the food. Never in the history of Adam's life has he eaten so many Naan breads and Chapattis! Fresh out of the oven or fires and at times with a coating of melted butter .... mmmm mmmm! Three times we ate at roadside Dhaba "restaurants". The food at these places is always fresh and made to order (despite first impressions!), is a little more spicy and gives you a different view of life than our fine hotel dining rooms.
We liked the trip so much that we are planning another at the end of the year to Rajasthan.
Julie and Adam