Conservationist Claudine Andre Visits Millbrook
Conservationist Claudine Andre visited Millbrook on April 8. Andre founded the Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary in Congo in 1994, which is the only sanctuary for young bonobos in the world.
Andre was accompanied by Ashley Stone and Karen McCall. Stone has a long history of volunteer service and serves on the board for Lola ya Bonobo. McCall is also a member of the board, as well as a member of the Hominoid Psychology Group at Duke University. In these roles, Karen has educated hundreds of people about bonobos via classroom lessons and by film.
Claudine Andre grew up in Congo, and is a world expert in the rescue and rehabilitation of bonobos orphaned by the bushmeat trade. She has rescued over 70 bonobos, and also founded the Ekolo ya Bonobo, which is a preserve three times the size of Manhattan where bonobos released from Lola ya Bonobo live freely. In 2009 she conducted the first successful release of bonobos back into the wild.
Andre is largely responsible for raising the status of bonobos both in Congo and worldwide through her books, films, presentations, and television interviews. She has received numerous awards for her efforts including the National Order of Merit by France, and the Prince Laurent Prize of the Environment by Belgium.
Millbrook was excited to welcome Andre, Stone, and McCall to campus where they toured the Trevor Zoo and joined students in the classroom. Zooies and students participating in Millbrook’s Environmental Science and Animal Behavior courses listened to Andre discuss her journey and conservation efforts, as well as asked questions.
Millbrook was connected with Andre through Max Guinn. Guinn is the chief ecology officer for Flashlight Foods, a company who donates all after tax profits to environmental causes.
Thank you Claudine Andre, Ashley Stone, and Karen McCall for visiting Millbrook. Both faculty and students appreciate you sharing your time and expertise on the bonobos, as well as your important efforts to save their species.
Photos from Claudine Andre’s visit can be viewed in our photo gallery.
