The bad news
Early this month, poachers illegally killed a gorilla from the Lambda district in the northern part of the Republic of Congo (see photo below on the right). It is vivid reminder that gorilla poaching continues in some of part of Congo. Fortunately, poachers have been arrested. The hunting, trading and consumption of gorillas – and other apes – is illegal in the Republic of Congo. However, poaching continues unabated in some areas of Congo due to a lack of law enforcement, conservation awareness, and forest patrols.
Photo on the left: A dead gorilla, photographed during a 1951 hunt for gorillas in what was then French Equatorial Africa.
Eliot Elisofon—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
Photo on the right: A dead gorilla illegally killed in January 2020 in the northern part of the Republic of Congo. MTE Congo-Brazzaville
The good news
Endangered Species International (ESI) has been actively involved in Congo since 2008 to protect gorillas and rainforest. We have secured successfully a vast area of forest in southern Congo where gorillas and many other wildlife species can live in peace. There, we conduct daily field activities including monitoring gorilla populations, forest patrols, conservation awareness, livelihood alternatives such as organic farming, and protect rainforest. The good news is that we can extend our conservation success story to other parts of Congo. ESI has been part of successful wildlife recovery stories ranging from gorillas in Africa to giant clams in Southeast Asia.
What can we do together?
Simply we need to extend our conservation approach and success to other parts of Congo, so one day all gorillas and other great apes can live freely and thrive again. It is within our reach with your support.
With your help, we will:
Monitor wild gorilla populations at new critical sites; Directly patrol critical rainforest sites to stop all efforts to hunt endangered animals, with focus on gorillas, chimpanzees and forest elephants; Increase vital conservation awareness and educational programs in local communities and schools where gorillas are found. We build care through consciousness and understanding of great ape conservation including in the most remote areas of the country; Support alternative livelihood opportunities for local communities that should directly contribute to the protection of gorillas and the surrounding rainforest; Protect and restore wild habitats for endangered species in Congo.
There is strength in numbers, and every informed voice counts. Join us today to save and protect wild gorillas.
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