Midlands conservation charity, Twycross Zoo is appealing to the community to join in its biggest fundraising initiative to date.

Its 'Be More Bonobo' fundraising campaign consists of five Bonobo-inspired challenges to raise funds during lockdown, from home that are all based on the behaviours and personality of these great apes.

Twycross Zoo is the only zoo in the UK to have bonobos and unknown to most, this great ape is the most closely related cousin to the human race, sharing around 98% of their DNA.

Twycross Zoo and its conservation charity has been instrumental in preserving the species, most recently breeding a female, called Lola, aptly named after Lola ya bonobo, with one of the zoo's conservation partners in Africa.

Wild bonobos are only located in the Congo Rainforest in Africa and are classed as an endangered species on the IUCN's Red List with approximately just 15,000 left in the wild.

Why be more bonobo?

All of the great apes are all very different, however bonobos are known for their caring and affectionate nature, and are very quick to make up with each other, even during adversity by showing gestures such as hugging – it could be said that it's ironic that World Bonobo Day also falls on Valentine's Day on the 14 February.

Twycross Zoo's fundraising campaign aims to get the public involved in 'spreading the love', social distanced of course, by raising awareness of this great ape and fundraising to continue Twycross Zoo's mission to preserve endangered species – it's never been as important right now to be kind to others, as well as the millions of species on our planet.

Listen to Twycross Zoo's CEO, Dr Sharon Redrobe OBE TedX talk called 'Be More Bonobo – Why I run a Zoo' by clicking on the embedded link at the top of the page.

Twycross Zoo has made no secret of its financial struggles since April 2020, and even with a supportive bank, the conservation charity is looking at debts for years to come. Its mission as a charity is to preserve the species, including the four great apes – chimpanzee, gorilla, orang utan and bonobo.

Humans are the fifth great ape and can make such a difference to conservation by taking action, so the Midlands zoo is urging for the public to get involved and be more bonobo.

Twycross Zoo's CEO, Dr Sharon Redrobe OBE, said: "We have been blown away by the support of our communities over the last year, however we must continue to raise as much funds as possible so we can continue our mission of preserving endangered species.

"We have been very open about our financial pressures and are continually calling on Government support for all UK's zoos, however, as its stands, our conservation charity has been failed and is unable to access the Government's £100m Zoo Fund that was intended to be the saviour for zoos.

"The ultimate goal of any conservation charity and good zoo is to be at a point where our planet's species are thriving, not just surviving, and sadly without zoos this isn't possible to achieve right now. It is devastating to think that there are going to be more species that go extinct in our lifetime.

"Our be more bonobo fundraising appeal is not only about spreading kindness and love it's about coming together as a community to raise funds for a greater cause. We want everyone to get involved and take part in some way from home during lockdown – whether its completing a challenge or simply donating a small amount. It all makes a difference for endangered species."

What are the be more bonobo challenges?

1. 'TREK TO AFRICA EVERYDAY FOR A MONTH' CHALLENGE

Twycross Zoo supports conservation project Lola ya bonobo based in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa. Lola ya Bonobo's headquarters is approximately 5777 miles from Twycross Zoo – so we challenge you to walk at least 5777 steps a day for a whole month!

1. 'EAT LIKE A BONOBO FOR A MONTH' CHALLENGE

Just like us, Bonobos are omnivores but can you take on the challenge of eating more plant-based items in your diet? Instead of 5 fruits and vegetables a day – challenge yourself to 10 a day for a month!

1. 'GO MOBILE-FREE FOR A MONTH' CHALLENGE

Did you know that the production of mobile phones is causing the bonobo species to become more endangered in the wild? Each mobile phone contains a mineral called Coltan, 85% of which is mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the only place on earth where wild bonobos live.

Mass mobile phone production and the constant need for this mineral has led to a devastating 90% of bonobo habitats being destroyed, and as a result this species is in rapid decline. Can you give up your device for a month whilst taking on our challenge?

1. 'ONE DAY OF SILENCE' CHALLENGE

Bonobos are known as one of the most energetic apes and can often make a lot of noise!

Can you challenge yourself to a whole day of silence?

1. Create your own Bonobo inspired challenge and share with others to get involved on JustGiving!

To sign up and start fundraising for Twycross Zoo in their BE MORE BONOBO fundraising appeal, visit the website today to get started!