Burlesque and Cabaret

Burlesque Bonobos? Nearly but not quite, London based fundraiser gets set to raise money for highly endangered ape

• The Bonobo Conservation Initiative UK (BCI-UK) runs cabaret event to raise money for endangered ape on Bonobo Awareness Day

• Shortlisted National Geographic Photo Competition 2011 artist donates his ‘Bonobo Portrait’ to go up for eBay auction

• A fantastic mix of acts show their support including Massive Violins, Elle and the Pocket Belles, White Ape and a sprinkling of burlesque dancers!

The Bonobo is a highly endangered ape found only in the Democratic Republic of Congo and currently under threat by habitat loss and bush meat hunting. With less than 10,000 individuals thought to remain in the wild.

Surprisingly, one primatologist found that 75% of people did not know what a bonobo was considering they are our closest relatives and we share more than 98% of our DNA with them. They are pretty unusual too. For example, they live in a matriarchal society, which means that the eldest females have the highest rank and they are also known for their fervent sexual nature, regularly engaging in sex with both males and females and using sex as a means to resolve conflict and affirm social bonds

Tallulah Bygraves, Bonobo Conservation Initiative UK Director says ‘’I love telling people about bonobos because they are a wonderful mixture of surprise and contradiction. They are our closest living relative and yet most people have never even heard of them. This is why it is so important for us to conserve them; if we lose the few remaining populations that exist they will be gone forever.’’

Graham McGeorge, photographer of ‘Bonobo Portrait’ says ‘’Minutes turn to hours when I am photographing Bonobos. I love to watch there mannerisms and interactions with each other. They are without a doubt our closest relative. It is my dream to one day get a chance to photograph them in the wild of their own world. I have supported by donating a signed copy of my Bonobo portrait and it would be great if others could got involved too’’

An online auction for BCI-UK on will also take place on eBay before the event with donations including a signed print of "Bonobo Portrait" by Graham McGeorge who was shortlisted for National Geographic Photo Competition 2011, tickets for French primate park 'Vallee de Singes' and whole lot more!