Lwiro Primates Named 2025 Outstanding Sanctuary by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

Lwiro Primates Rehabilitation Center has been named the 2025 Outstanding International Sanctuary by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

The award was announced at GFAS’ annual conference on Friday, October 24, 2025.  In presenting the award, GFAS Wildlife Program Director Kristin Leppert highlighted Lwiro’s 20-year history as a top-notch sanctuary for chimpanzees and monkeys, and the staff’s expertise in providing the care they need. “Some of the animals are so young when they arrive they have not been weaned, meaning they are completely dependent on the team’s dedication and care,” she said.

A caregiver tends to two infant chimpanzees at Lwiro Primates.

This year has been especially difficult at the sanctuary, due to the ongoing war in DR Congo.  Ms. Leppert noted that the sanctuary has been subjected to incursion by armed fighters, but the staff remain at their posts, taking care of the residents. This demonstrates “their compassion, resiliency, and unwavering commitment,” Ms. Leppert said.

Technical Director Itsaso Velez del Burgo appeared remotely to accept the award on behalf of the team at Lwiro Primates. She said, “Wildlife is often the silent victim of conflict. You are helping to give voice to the animals” through this award.

A young chimp at LPRC.

Lwiro Primates Rehabilitation Center (LPRC) cares for 130 chimpanzees, 110 monkeys, grey parrots, and other animals that have been rescued from poachers or from the illegal trade in exotic pets. Chimpanzees and grey parrots are both globally endangered species, and the demand for exotic pets is one of the primary threats to the survival of their species.

LPRC is located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Eastern DRC has been a war zone since January 2025, when armed rebel groups began an offensive that swiftly captured the area. Despite the dangers of the war, the staff at LPRC continues to care for the animals and keep the sanctuary functioning.

Chimpanzees in one of LPRC’s open-air forested enclosures.

Some staff members now sleep at the sanctuary rather than risk the unsafe roads to return home. 

In addition to putting the staff and animals in physical danger, the ongoing war has sharply increased the prices for food and fuel needed to run the sanctuary.

Despite the dangers and challenges, LPRC continues to provide food, medical care, and safety to the orphaned and wounded animals entrusted to it.