LWIRO Primate Rehabilitation Centre

Background

The Parc National de Kahuzi-Biega (PNKB), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Danger, is seriously affected by degradation, along with harvesting by the local populations who, for reasons of survival, have depended more on natural resources in protected areas and their surrounding forests.  It is estimated that the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) contains 93% of the population of Eastern Chimpanzee, making it the most important country for the conservation of this sub-species.

The Centre de Rehabilitation des Primates de Lwiro (CRPL) is a Pan African Sanctuary Alliance accredited primate sanctuary for chimpanzees and monkeys, located just outside the border of Parc National de Kahuzi Biega (PNKB).  As the only sanctuary in the region, they play a crucial role in supporting conservation measures in the Parc and the eastern DRC; caring for confiscated wildlife and working to stop the illegal animal trade in the DRC.

CRPL are also supporting the local community by injecting more than $4000 per month into the community, by purchasing food for all their animals and workers from local markets, and by providing long-term job positions for local workers.

Achievements and Objectives

Founded in 2002 by two Congolese government institutions, The Lwiro Primates Rehabilitation Centre (LPRC) was formed to provide a permanent solution for the escalating number of orphaned primates confiscated around Kahuzi-Biega National Park (PNKB). The centre plays a vital role in caring for confiscated wildlife and in working to stop the illegal animal trade in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

In 2025, Lwiro serves as a sanctuary for 129 orphaned chimpanzees and 113 monkeys. The centre is committed to delivering high-quality wildlife health and welfare services, emphasising long-term captive care, with a strong focus on rehabilitation and conservation education. Providing nutritious food for over 240 primates daily is their largest operational expense and vital for survival, recovery, and eventual reintroduction.

In 2025, Colchester Zoological Society gave a contribution of £5,025 towards the purchase of essential sustenance, promoting the health and vitality of the primates residing at Lwiro.

The ongoing armed conflict in the region has severely disrupted supply chains, increased food insecurity, and limited access to resources. The donation facilitated the provision of over 65,340 individual meals over 3 months to 242 rescued primates. This initiative not only adds variety to their diet, but also enhances the overall quality of nutrition, contributing to the holistic well-being of the primates.

The support enables the LPRC to maintain its care capacity, ensuring the continued reception of confiscated animals. This not only aligns with LPRC’s mission but also contributes to compliance with Congolese law. A significant portion of the funds was dedicated to supporting 25+ local women farmers in Lwiro. This not only ensures a regular supply of fresh and diverse nutritional options for the primates, but also sustains the livelihoods of local farmers, providing them with a sustainable income source that helps protect Kahuzi Biega National Park from exploitation.

Click for 2024 Summary

• In 2024, Colchester Zoological Society gave a contribution of £4,973.34 towards the purchase of essential sustenance, promoting the health and vitality of the primates residing at Lwiro. Over six weeks, from April 2024 to May 2024, the donation facilitated the provision of fresh fruits and vegetables to a total of 287 animals housed at LPRC. This initiative not only adds variety to their diet, but also enhances the overall quality of nutrition, contributing to the holistic well-being of the primates.
• The support enables the LPRC to maintain its care capacity, ensuring the continued reception of confiscated animals. This not only aligns with LPRC’s mission, but also contributes to compliance with Congolese law.
• A significant portion of the funds was dedicated to supporting local women farmers in Lwiro. This not only ensures a regular supply of fresh and diverse nutritional options for the primates, but also sustains the livelihoods of local farmers, providing them with a sustainable income source that helps protect Kahuzi Biega National Park from exploitation.