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Baby Gorilla rescued in trafficking bust

Category: Uncategorized | Date: Apr 29 2009 | By: paula

Earlier this year we (WildlifeDirect) were approached by someone commissioned by a rich citizen of a middle eastern country, who wanted to know how to go about purchasing a baby gorilla. We were very disturbed at the request, and explained as politely as possible, the legal and ethical implications and consequences. Well, it’s obvious that there is a market for baby gorillas as has just been reported by the ICCN.

On Sunday a suspected gorilla trafficker was caught and arrested at Goma International Airport.  He arrived from Walikale with a baby eastern lowland gorilla hidden under clothes at the bottom of a bag.  This baby came from Congo which is the only place where this species is found. The baby was stressed and was “suffering from over-heating and dehydration after spending over 6 hours in transit”.

This video shows how the operation was conducted by the Virunga National Park. WildlifeDirects former CEO Emmanuel de Merode led the 3 month opearation. Congratulations to everyone at the ICCN - lets hope that justice will be served and the baby gorilla returns to it’s natural habitat.

Read the ICCN press release here

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7 Responses to “Baby Gorilla rescued in trafficking bust”

sheryl bottner, on 29 Apr 2009

How is he/she doing today? That poor baby looks so week in the film. I hope the trader/poacher goes to jail for a long time. Well done, all.

s.

scott, on 29 Apr 2009

My heart goes out to the infant. My gratitude goes to the individuals who have taken it upon themselves to fight for those without a voice. My hope goes out to the people who commit these acts that they may find a better way to make a living that does not rely on exploitation and hurt. And my love goes out to all the animals that are struggling for survival.
I wish we were all better at the living than we seem to be at the dying.

scott

Brenton H, on 29 Apr 2009

The Gorilla Doctors are doing a great job as per usual. Brenton.

Ishi, on 30 Apr 2009

Lock up the poacher and fine the buyer should be too or at least fine the person an amount that would help protect against things like this happening , since the person is described as rich make sure the amount reflects that and hurts his /her pocket.

Annie, on 03 May 2009

Seeing that baby like that brought tears to my eyes….unbelievable….I cannot even imagine what that precious lil angel was thinking! Many thanks to all those involved in this dangerous endeavor! God bless you all!

inda, on 20 May 2009

i lovet it so much

Chrisitne C., on 12 Jun 2009

There are no words that can express the emotions I felt watching this…thank you to all of you.

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