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Gorilla's Second Chance: From Trafficking Trauma to Congo Sanctuary
29 Oct
Summary
- Bili was rescued from traffickers in Nigeria in 2023.
- She traveled from Nigeria to the Republic of the Congo in 2026.
- Conservationists hope she can eventually return to the wild.
Bili, a baby western lowland gorilla rescued from wildlife traffickers in Nigeria in 2023, has been moved to a forest sanctuary in the Republic of the Congo. This significant relocation occurred on September 21, 2026, involving a complex cross-border journey.
Upon her rescue, Bili was unwell and traumatized, requiring extensive care and reassurance for three years. She eventually traveled from Calabar to Lagos, then by cargo flight to Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo, arriving on September 23, 2026. Her new home is the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve, managed by the Jane Goodall Institute.
Conservationists are optimistic about Bili's rehabilitation and potential return to the wild. She will undergo quarantine and health checks before being introduced to other gorillas. The ultimate goal is to provide her with an opportunity to live independently in a protected forest reserve.
