Confiscation of a Baby Gorilla in Goma
Some time ago, the trafficking of baby gorillas seemed all set to become
the current fashion in certain towns of North Kivu (eastern Democratic
Republic of the Congo). Most of these rare animals come from the east
of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially from national parks
such as Virunga, Kahuzi-Biega and Maiko. Many species of animals, such
as mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, live in these three parks.
The reasons behind this illegal traffic are not far to seek: corrupt foreigners
entice local people with colossal sums of money to capture gorillas from
the forest and bring them back for sale. As soon as UGADEC (Union des
Associations de Conservation des Gorilles pour le Developpement a l'est
de la Republique Democratique du Congo/Union of Gorilla Conservation
Associations for the Development of Eastern Democratic Republic of the
Congo) became aware of this horrible practice, they organized a public
awareness campaign over the airwaves and in the newspapers, and by contacting
the local authorities, the chiefs and the local people. They alerted regional
airports, as well as those in Kigali, Entebbe and Nairobi, and organized
a policing team.
In June 2003, a baby gorilla was captured in Bukonde and smuggled to Butembo.
The local population, already well aware of the problem, did not hesitate
to inform trackers from the Tayna Gorilla Reserve and helped them confiscate
the animal. The gorilla was handed over to officials of the reserve who,
after it had been examined by local veterinarians, placed it for observation
in the compound of the residence of "Maman Denise" in Butembo.
Several days later, several other baby gorillas, captured for the same
commercial purposes in the forest of Walikale, were successfully confiscated
in the town of Goma. Three chimpanzees were also seized with the support
of ICCN and were immediately transferred to the Lwiro orphanage in South
Kivu.
In June 2004, another baby gorilla, from Itebero/Walikale, was smuggled
into Goma to be sold. Fortunately, the local population shared the concerns
of UGADEC, and organized its seizure. This time the confiscation was particularly
difficult given that the thief had already received US$ 7,000 on account
from the purchaser, who would pay the balance of the agreed sum of US$
15,000 when he returned to collect the animal. Our trained informants
in Goma were quick to contact us, and together we took measures to recover
and save the gorilla.
In view of the delicacy of the operation, we requested the help of our
colleagues at ICCN, and Conservateur Sebuke provided a much-appreciated
armed escort. Captain Dienze of the local police also contributed to the
success of the operation with valuable advice. The baby gorilla, which
was confiscated on July 4th, 2004, after further examinations was identified
as male (not female, as previously mistakably diagnosed). It was 7 months
old when it was confiscated.
When it arrived in the enclosure at the office of "Landscape Graueri"
(comprising UGADEC, the Maiko National Park and the Kahuzi-Biega National
Park) in Goma, the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project (MGVP) joined
with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (DFGF-I) and UGADEC
to contribute technical, material and financial assistance. A complete
physical examination was conducted on the gorilla as a priority, including
parasite, microscopic, blood and chemical tests. The gorilla's health
continues to improve day by day. After less than 4 months, its weight
has increased from 6.3 to 9.4 kg. The baby is remaining for the time being
under the care of MGVP in collaboration with UGADEC, while awaiting the
decision of the competent authorities.
In order to deal with problems of this nature in future, UGADEC is preparing
to sign a memorandum of understanding with the sanctuary of Katoyo located
at Kasugho. The advantage of this sanctuary is that it is situated close
to the Tayna Center for Conservation Biology (TCCB), not far from the
Tayna Gorilla Reserve. The sanctuary is very concerned about gorillas
being illegally kept in the towns and already well prepared for this work.
There is also a team of competent staff ready for this exercise added
to the vet-erinarians only with some auxiliary agents. The population
as well as this staff and the veterinarians only need to be encouraged
to begin this work so that the sanctuary of Katoyo may be really fully
operational. Their objective is to create a sanctuary that is capable
of lodging captive gorillas.
We would like to take this occasion to thank ICCN and the politico-military
authorities of North Kivu, and we salute the bravery and vigilance of
our local populations. Our heartfelt thanks also go to DFGF-I and MGVP
who say "No to trafficking in baby gorillas!" and have supported
us in all our activities.
Orphanage to rehabilitate the confiscated gorillas
Pierre Kakule Vwirasihikya
Pierre Kakule Vwirasihikya has been working in the Virunga National Park since 1982 and became a Senior Warden in 1988. He took part in gorilla monitoring in the park. Currently, he is both the Tayna Gorilla Reserve Coordinator (since 1998) and the UGADEC Executive Secretary (since 2002). He won the ASP Conservation award in 2002.