In a groundbreaking wildlife conservation initiative, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reintroduced four critically endangered eastern lowland gorillas into Virunga National Park—marking the largest translocation and reinforcement effort for this subspecies in African history.
The move signifies a renewed national commitment to protecting biodiversity in eastern DRC, a region long plagued by insecurity, poaching, and ecological degradation. Despite persistent threats from armed groups such as the M23 rebels and ongoing environmental challenges, this operation demonstrates the resilience and determination of both local authorities and conservation partners to safeguard one of the world’s most biologically rich ecosystems.
The four female Grauer’s gorillas, also known as eastern lowland gorillas, were originally rescued from the illegal wildlife trade between 2010 and 2016. After spending years in rehabilitation at the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE) in Kasugho, they have now been released into the wild on Mount Tshiaberimu in North Kivu province—an area that had previously hosted a fragile and isolated group of just eight gorillas.
With their arrival, the local gorilla population has increased to twelve, offering new hope for the long-term survival of this endangered subspecies. A specially constructed facility was established at the release site, deep within the 7,800 square kilometers of Virunga National Park, to ensure a smooth reintroduction process.
This marks the first time GRACE has successfully returned gorillas to their natural habitat—a development hailed by conservationists as a significant achievement. Emmanuel de Merode, Director of Virunga National Park, described the release as the culmination of years of collaboration between park authorities, scientific experts, and local communities.
“After extensive preparation and coordination, this reintroduction represents a turning point in our efforts to rebuild eastern gorilla populations,” de Merode told TRT Afrika. “It’s incredibly encouraging to witness the gorillas adapting so quickly and naturally to their surroundings.”
Early monitoring reports confirm that the gorillas are adjusting well. They are engaging in typical behaviors such as foraging, nest-building, and social interaction, and their health has remained stable throughout the transfer.
Conservation efforts across the greater Virunga landscape have shown promising results in recent years. As of 2024, more than 1,000 mountain gorillas are estimated to inhabit this region, which spans the DRC, Rwanda, and Uganda. Virunga National Park alone hosts approximately 350 individuals—about one-third of the global mountain gorilla population.
This recovery is largely attributed to targeted conservation interventions including anti-poaching patrols, scientific monitoring, and community engagement programs. These efforts continue to be challenged by armed conflict, habitat encroachment, and the illicit wildlife trade, but the positive outcomes reflect the effectiveness of sustained and collaborative action.
The successful translocation was more than a decade in the making. The four gorillas were brought to GRACE as infants, traumatized and orphaned by poaching and trafficking. At the sanctuary, they spent years in a semi-wild, 16-hectare forest environment where they gradually acquired the skills needed for life in the wild.
Jackson Kabuyaya Mbeke, Director of GRACE, emphasized the emotional and scientific importance of the release. “These gorillas came to us as victims of trauma,” he said. “We’ve worked closely with them over the years to rebuild their confidence, teach them how to forage, climb, build nests, and make decisions within a social group. Seeing them return to the wild is both humbling and inspiring.”
He added, “Some of these gorillas have spent over a decade preparing for this moment. They are now ready to contribute to the survival of their species, and their resilience is a testament to the success of long-term, patient rehabilitation.”
The reintroduction sets a powerful precedent for future conservation strategies across central Africa and serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect wildlife against ongoing threats. It also highlights the potential for communities, conservationists, and governments to work together in restoring and preserving endangered species for generations to come.