The Bonobo Project Announces Federal Resolution for World Bonobo Day

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Bonobo Project, a nonprofit organization that seeks to elevate the status and awareness of the endangered bonobo, today announced the federal resolution by Congressman Scott Peters (D - San Diego) proclaiming February 14 as World Bonobo Day.

"I'm proud to support this organization and its efforts to increase our understanding of this unique animal," said Congressman Peters. "The San Diego Zoo was the first zoo in the U.S. to welcome an infant Bonobo and this resolution will support the work already being done to understand and protect this special animal."

Bonobos are only found in the Democratic Republic of Congo and with approximately only 15,000 left in the wild, are classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List.  Bonobos are the only matriarchal great ape, and they tend to resolve tensions through loving gestures, sexual contact, and cooperation - - hence the celebration on February 14, Valentine's Day.

"We must do what we can to raise awareness for plight of this unique great ape before it's too late," said Ashley Stone, President and Founder of the Bonobo Project.  "At the current rate of human interference, bonobos could be extinct in the wild within the next 50-70 years.  We are dedicated to doing all that we can to shine a light on bonobos, to assist our partners on the ground in Congo in their efforts to protect bonobos, and to coordinate activities with a diverse group of stakeholders to ensure that bonobos exist in perpetuity," said Stone.

On February 14, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. (PST) the Bonobo Project and world-renowned performance painter David Garibaldi will be celebrating World Bonobo Day with a Facebook LIVE event where David will be painting bonobos from his studio in Sacramento, CA.  Viewers will have a chance to interact with an incredibly talented artist, learn about bonobos and win bonobo swag bags.  Click here to view the live demonstration. 

Founded by Ashley Stone, the Bonobo Project was established in 2014 and has recruited a diverse Board of Directors that includes Kim Livingstone, Primate Supervisor at the San Diego Zoo; Jingzhi Tan, PhD, Postdoctoral Scholar in the Department of Cognitive Science, University of California, San Diego; Karl Morrison, Co-founder and Cities Program Officer, New Course; and Former California State Senator Isadore Hall III.

The Bonobo Project has also received the support from many public figures that have chosen to use their talents or voices to raise awareness for the beloved bonobo.  These "Bonobo Friends Forever" (BFF) include retired NBA players Steve Smith and Dikembe Mutombo, founder of Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, Claudine André, primatologist Dr. Frans de Waal, entrepreneur Phil Gordon, and CEO of Bonobos (clothing) Andy Dunn, among many others.  Read more...

For more information please visit www.bonoboproject.org

SOURCE The Bonobo Project