The Lwiro Primates Rehabilitation Center (LPRC) is the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo ? home to 90% of the world's remaining eastern chimpanzees. LPRC has been caring for orphaned primates rescued from poachers and wildlife traffickers for more than 20 years. LPRC is accredited by both the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance. Lwiro Primate Fund is the U.S.-based 501(c)(3) supporting LPRC's operations.

Our Programs

• Rescue & Rehabilitation ? 24/7 veterinary and behavioral care for primates confiscated from poachers and the illegal pet trade, including trauma recovery, social rehabilitation, and individualized health monitoring. 
• Veterinary Capacity Building ? Since 2017, LPRC has trained 33 veterinarians from six African countries in wildlife medicine, building regional conservation capacity.
• Community Development ? LPRC employs 50+ staff members from surrounding communities, providing stable wages and health insurance. LPRC injects over $8,000 every month into the local economy by purchasing all animal food from 25 local family farms and nearby marketplaces.
• Education & Awareness ? LPRC delivers conservation lessons in area schools addressing the dangers of bushmeat consumption and wildlife trafficking, and the importance of natural resources to DRC's future. LPRC also hosts Roots & Shoots groups, Jane Goodall's youth conservation network. Together, these efforts reach about 3,000 children each year.

Impact at a Glance

• 130 endangered eastern chimpanzees in active care
• 97 monkeys (14 different species) cared for 
• 46 grey parrots (endangered) also sheltered at the sanctuary
• Over 20,000 individual meals provided to 227 primates every four weeks
• 25+ local women farmers and local markets supply all sanctuary food
• Chimpanzee welfare scores consistently in "good" to "very good" range using the Jane Goodall Institute welfare index.