In the dense, misty forests of eastern Congo, a remarkable story of resilience and hope is unfolding—one that could redefine how we think about wildlife conservation. Four female Grauer’s gorillas, once orphaned by poachers and raised in captivity, have been successfully reintroduced into the wild, marking a significant milestone in efforts to save this critically endangered species.
The journey of Isangi, Lulingu, Mapendo, and Ndjingala began in tragedy. Each was rescued as an infant from the illegal wildlife trade between 2010 and 2016, their families victims of poaching. They found refuge at the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE) in Kasugho, Democratic Republic of the Congo, the only sanctuary dedicated to Grauer’s gorillas. There, over several years, they learned to climb, forage, and socialize, regaining the natural behaviors stripped from them too early in life.
By 2024, these four had matured into strong, socially bonded adults, making them ideal candidates for a bold conservation initiative, CNN reports. Mount Tshiaberimu, a remote part of Virunga National Park, was home to a dwindling population of just eight Grauer’s gorillas. Isolated and genetically vulnerable, this group faced a high risk of extinction within 50 years. The plan: introduce the four females to this wild population to boost numbers and genetic diversity.
The operation was meticulously planned over five years, involving more than 20 experts.
In October 2024, the gorillas were airlifted by helicopter to a specially constructed acclimatization facility on Mount Tshiaberimu. This facility was designed to ease their transition, allowing them to adjust to the higher altitude, colder temperatures, and unfamiliar vegetation. For weeks, they explored their new surroundings, responding to distant calls from wild gorillas and gradually adapting to their environment.
A turning point came when Mwasa, a 200-kilogram wild silverback, began visiting the enclosure. His presence sparked a noticeable change in the females. They started building nests outside the shelter and displayed signs of restlessness, even attempting to breach the enclosure. Recognizing their readiness, the caregivers made the decision to release them into the wild.
On December 3, 2024, the gates were opened. The four gorillas immediately joined Mwasa, integrating into his group with surprising ease. They began foraging independently, adapting to new foods like bamboo leaves and shoots, and showing no signs of distress. Their rapid adjustment exceeded all expectations.
Since their release, the gorillas have thrived.
They have required no veterinary interventions, and non-invasive monitoring indicates they are healthy and well-integrated. Notably, at least one has been observed mating with Mwasa, raising hopes for future offspring and the long-term viability of the population.
This successful reintroduction is the largest-ever translocation of eastern lowland gorillas and the first from GRACE. It demonstrates that, with careful planning and collaboration, captive-raised gorillas can adapt to life in the wild. The project involved coordination between GRACE, Virunga National Park, local communities, and scientific experts, highlighting the importance of collective effort in conservation.
The story of Isangi, Lulingu, Mapendo, and Ndjingala is more than a conservation success; it’s a testament to the resilience of nature and the impact of dedicated human intervention. As they continue to thrive in their ancestral homeland, they offer a beacon of hope for the future of their species and the preservation of biodiversity in the region.