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Tuesday, June 23, 2009

bonobo release - lomami

lomami was the saddest bonobo i ever saw. in 2005, he had just arrived at the sanctuary. all the fingers on his right hand had beencut off, some of them at different times. basically someone locked him up in a cage, cut off a finger, came back a few days later, cut off another one.

claudine was sure he would die. he didnt play with other bonobos. he was afraid of all people. he didn't want to be picked up or carried. he was so unbelievably traumatised that he would sit alone, hug himself and rock.

now he is surrounded by friends. he spends a lot of time grooming with other bonobos, and they all love him. he still doesn't trust people, not suprisingly, so he is a great canditate for release. i'm so glad his story has a happy ending!