In an effort to address the severe environmental challenges facing our world, CNN has launched the Call to Earth initiative, a dedicated editorial series that seeks to report on pressing sustainability issues while also highlighting effective solutions. The series collaborates with the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, pooling resources to inspire awareness and proactive measures towards environmental conservation.
A compelling development in wildlife conservation emerged last October when four female eastern lowland gorillas were airdropped from Kasuhgo, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to a new habitat 40 miles northeast in Virunga National Park. This initiative, described as the largest translocation of this subspecies to date, aimed not only to mitigate the imminent threat of local extinction for a population of isolated gorillas but also to gather crucial knowledge that could benefit the preservation of these critically endangered animals moving forward.
These remarkable gorillas, known as Isangi, Lulingu, Mapendo, and Ndjingala, range in age from 10 to 21 years. They were rescued as infants from the brutal illegal wildlife trade and subsequently rehabilitated at the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE). Once deemed ready for re-entry into the wild, they were transported to Mount Tshiaberimu, a peak in the northern area of Virunga National Park standing at 1,700 meters (or 5,577 feet). Initially, they were held in a fenced area before being gradually introduced to the wilderness.
To the surprise of the gorilla monitoring team, the adaptation phase took significantly less time than anticipated. They had estimated that it would take several months, if not years, for the gorillas to acclimate, but in under two months, the gorillas showed signs of readiness to leave the enclosure. Katie Fawcett, executive and science director for GRACE Gorillas, expressed her astonishment at this rapid development, reflecting on the factors that contributed to the gorillas’ swift transition to wild life.
One primary influence was the presence of a charismatic wild silverback named Mwasa. His persistent visits to the enclosure, where he drew attention with his vocalizations and gestures, captivated the females and led them to forsake the comfort of their indoor quarters to be closer to him. Monitoring their reactions, the team ultimately decided to allow the females to join Mwasa, and within days they made the leap into the wild.
As they settled into their new habitat, the four gorillas quickly acclimated to the colder climate and adjusted their diets, favoring bamboo shoots and other indigenous flora. Current assessments of their well-being indicate no signs of stress; they appear healthy, with robust, shiny coats.
Exciting developments continued after their release, especially in the early months of the year, when Mwasa was observed mating with Ndjingala, the youngest of the four females. Since then, the other three gorillas have also been seen interacting with him in ways that could signify the potential for birth. Given that gorillas have a gestation period similar to that of humans, the team at GRACE is eagerly monitoring developments, albeit with cautious optimism due to the females’ prior contraceptive treatment during their time at the sanctuary.
The birth of a baby gorilla would represent a significant beacon of hope for the species. The eastern lowland gorilla, also referred to as Grauer’s gorilla, embodies the largest type among the four subspecies of gorillas, each facing varying degrees of endangerment. Historically, previous attempts to reintroduce young western lowland gorillas in the wild have yielded failures, primarily due to high mortality rates or the insufficient preparedness of very young gorillas.
Fawcett noted that what’s particularly transformative about this reintroduction lies not only in its large scale but also in its strategic approach—investing time in the rehabilitation of the four females to equip them with vital social and survival skills before release. The project was carefully structured to address genetic diversity, ensuring that the vehicle for new female introductions into Mount Tshiaberimu’s dwindling population fostered long-term sustainability.
Despite the success illustrated by those translocating efforts, the scenario facing Grauer’s gorillas remains critical. The isolated population of eight gorillas residing on Mount Tshiaberimu was previously considered non-viable, and suggestions indicated that without intervention, extinction loomed likely within 20 to 50 years. The work being done provides a glimmer of hope—insights from experts like Liz Williamson from the University of Stirling affirm the potential conservation gains offered by the initiative.
While the reintroduction initiative marks a significant stride toward bolstering the eastern lowland gorilla population, it is not without challenges. Located within a region rife with conflict, where over 200 rangers have lost their lives since Virunga National Park’s establishment in 1925, conservationists face ongoing threats from groups such as the M23 rebel faction.
Jackson Kabuyaya Mbeke, the DRC director for GRACE Gorillas, emphasized the importance
