Attempt to Re-introduce a Young Gorilla to the Kahuzi-Biega Forest
Since 1996, the Kahuzi-Biega National Park has been under severe human
pressure because of the troubles that shook the region. Networks of poachers
developed; they support the trade in gorilla babies and other primates
as well as various trophies of large mammals. Elephants and gorillas are
the targets most sought after.
In May 2000, a team of the Kahuzi-Biega Park that was in charge of destroying
poachers' networks in the area confiscated a young gorilla from poachers.
According to the poachers, an expatriate, an agent of an international
organisation in Bukavu, had given the order to capture the gorilla. However,
the people who were involved in the Bitorwa case never betrayed their
sources, not even to the national police. This shows that they had some
sort of safeguard.
The gorilla, a male, was captured in the montane forest after his family
had been killed. He was about 2 years old and had been fed fruit (mainly
bananas) during his captivity. About 10 days after his capture, the infant
still knew the taste of leaves and fruit that he had eaten in the forest
(Myrianthus, Urera, Pennisetum ...) and the park
decided to try and re-introduce him to the forest to give him a chance
to survive in his natural environment. It was attempted to introduce him
to the group led by the silverback Mugaruka that consists of 6 individuals.
However, the re-introduction was difficult because of the silverback's
behaviour; he reacted aggressively to the young gorilla three times. The
infant panicked and rushed back to the team that had taken him to the
group. A few days later, the solitary youngster died in the forest.
It seems that the confiscation and re-introduction of wild animals to
their natural habitat does not solve the problem that threatens the large
animals of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The ICCN (Institut Congolais
pour la Conservation de la Nature) and the park management are fighting
against the transport of animals from the park into town (gorilla babies,
guenons, leopard cubs, ...) and trophies (ivory, gorilla skulls, ...)
in order to destroy the poachers' networks that are systematically looting
animal and plant products. Fortunately there are – besides the faithful
partner, GTZ (Gesellschaft für technische Zusammenarbeit: German
governmental development organisation) - UNESCO, Berggorilla &
Regenwald Direkthilfe, Born Free Foundation, WCS (Wildlife
Conservation Society), Nouvelles Approches and other organisations
that support local efforts to save the gorillas in their natural habitat.
The support of the conservationists' world is extremely necessary as it
can condemn the acts of destruction and support the respect for nature.
This is especially important because official and international organisations
are funding the ecocide. For example, zoos, animal centers, rich people
who decorate their property with wild animals, and others could help to
slow down these activities that are disturbing the balance of the forest
ecosystems which include man too.
Chantal Shalukoma
Chantal Shalukoma has been working for the Kahuzi-Biega National Park since 1992. She is especially engaged in public awareness campaigns for nature conservation.
Photo: Carlos Schuler
Bitorwa