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 was created because orphaned primates rescued from poachers and wildlife traffickers had nowhere else to go. 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. All proceeds from the sale of these items benefit the sanctuary.

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 and care.

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.

LPRC operates in South Kivu province amid active armed conflict. Since 2024, war has driven weekly food costs from $1,400 to over $2,000. Staff have maintained operations and animal welfare standards without interruption despite the war ? an accomplishment recognized by the 2025 Outstanding International Sanctuary Award from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

• 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.

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