Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Bukavu, Congo

Lwiro Primates Rehabilitation Centre is a sanctuary for orphaned chimpanzees and monkeys located in Bukavu, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. Founded in 2002, the Lwiro Centre is managed by two top conservation organizations in Congo: Congolese Insitute for Nature Conservation (ICCN in French) and Natural Sciences Research Centre (CRSN in French). The Lwiro Centre currently provides shelter to over 90 chimpanzees and 100+ monkeys, rescued from poaching activities and illegal wildlife trade.

According to the Lwiro Rehabilitation Centre website, the sanctuary is involved in various conservation activities, including rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife, promoting conservation in the Bukavu region, conservation research, ecotourism development, and harnessing partnerships with both local institutions and international organizations.

Given the Lwiro Sanctuary proximity to Kahuzi-Biega National Park (approximately 4kms), visitors trekking gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park can make a short stopover at the Lwiro Centre to learn about the conservation efforts of the orphanage.