The whole world is celebrating love this February. But February is not only the month of love; it is also an opportunity to remind us that somewhere in Central Africa, specifically in the Democratic Republic of Congo, there is a species of great ape in danger: the bonobo!
The bonobo is endemic to the DRC, and this day should remind everyone of the importance of conservation and the fight against poaching, especially for this vulnerable species.
It is with this goal of contributing to the cause that Sylvie Munanga and I decided to publish the children’s book Meeting the Bonobo, in both French and English (hopefully, we will be able to publish it in Lingala and Swahili too).
At various sales events, customers were easily attracted to the book about the okapi. When they glanced at Meeting the Bonobo, all I would hear them say was, “Oh, cute little monkey!” I was then intrigued and knew I had to do something. I thought about it and decided to change my strategy.
March 2024, I am selling the books at a book festival when a lady approaches my table, accompanied by a man, and they seem interested in our books. She is holding the okapi book, then points to the bonobo book and say to her companion, “Look at the little relaxed monkey, it’s cute!”I decide to take the plunge.
“Have you ever heard of the bonobo?”
She replies, “Uh no, is it this little monkey?”
So I seize this opportunity and explain that the bonobo is a great ape, very close to the chimpanzee,” but a species apart, only found in Congo in Central Africa. I can tell she is interested. Then, with a mischievous smile, I add:
“Do you know why I love the bonobo?”
She looks at me, more intrigued now: “No, but tell me, I want to know!”
I reply: “It’s because, with the bonobo, the females are the ones in charge, they are the leaders.”
Bingo! I have found the magical sentence to win over a customer. The lady smiles at who I assume is her husband and she exclaims, and then she says: “I’ll definitely take a copy of the bonobo in addition to the okapi!”
At that time, a documentary called Queens was airing on National Geographic and Disney Plus about the animal world led by women, and I had seen clips where bonobos were mentioned. I recommended that she watch this documentary hosted by Angela Bassett. The lady was thrilled, even signing up for our newsletter.
Since then, I use this matriarch side of the bonobo to sell the book, and I can say that out of 10 customers, 7 bite and buy after I highlight the matriarchy among bonobos.
For those who hesitated, I would also point out the peaceful nature of bonobos, and the women would often say triumphantly, “Well, it’s normal, we women always do better.” The reactions from their companions are often mixed. Some laugh, others nod, or even say, “Oh yes, look at the world today…”
I make an effort to stay informed about what’s happening with the bonobos by following news from the friends of bonobos page; this helps me as an author…
And you? What attracts you to bonobos? I’m curious to read your thoughts.
English 
French