Clinical Diagnosis and Management of Diseases in Semi-Captive Bonobos (Pan paniscus) at Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary, Kinshasa, DRC

Abstract

The bonobo (Pan paniscus) is an endemic great ape of the Democratic Republic of Congo and is increasingly threatened by habitat loss, illegal hunting, and diseases. Veterinary surveillance in sanctuaries is therefore essential for conservation. This retrospective study describes the main clinical conditions diagnosed and managed in semi-captive bonobos at the Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary (Kinshasa, DRC) between 2020 and 2023. Clinical records from the sanctuary veterinary service were reviewed, and disease frequencies were analyzed by year and age class. A total of 358 clinical cases were recorded. Gastrointestinal disorders, particularly diarrhea, predominated in 2020 and 2022, whereas respiratory conditions, mainly cough, were most frequent in 2021 and 2023. Juveniles (0-8 years) were consistently the most affected age group. Treatments relied primarily on human pharmaceutical products adapted for veterinary use, and all affected bonobos recovered, with no mortality recorded during the study period. These findings highlight the importance of continuous clinical monitoring and appropriate therapeutic management for the health and conservation of bonobos, such