Shamavu and Shamavu

Poached Baby Gorilla Saved

Undercover rangers posing as black market buyers rescued an infant male gorilla from poachers in the Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).



Now named after his amazing ranger rescuer, Shamavu is the fourth baby gorilla rescued this year within the DRC, which also marks the most rescues in a single year. 

The Virunga National Park Warden discussed their concern for the growing black market sales of baby gorillas that is “feeding a dangerous trafficking activity in rebel-controlled areas of eastern DRC.

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He continued by saying that though they have no control over the international trade of baby gorillas, the Park Rangers have been empowered to do everything they can to stop the illegal poaching throughout the DRC.



Virunga National Park, comprised of 2 million acres, stretches along the border of DRC and Rwanda. The park is now a battleground for militia groups and the Congolese army, and protecting the numerous gorilla species from poachers has proven difficult. With these battles, Rangers run the risk of being wounded, killed, and kidnapped. To date, more than 100 Rangers have been killed in the line of duty. 

A black market sale of a baby gorilla can cost as much as $40,000 (USD); And for families and individuals living throughout the embattled areas of DRC, and driven by poverty, the possibility of that kind of money makes poaching a viable option. 



Read m
ore at National Geographic here and here.