GRACE Gorillas

 Give HOPE FOR Grauer's Gorillas 

GRACE Gorillas operates the world's only sanctuary for critically endangered Grauer's gorillas rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.

Your donation to GRACE Gorillas during #GivingDayforApes directly supports the care and protection of the rescued gorillas in the GRACE sanctuary. 

Your support has made the difference for rescued Grauer’s gorillas like Isangi, Lubutu and Ndjingala.

ISANGI'S STORY

Isangi’s journey to the GRACE sanctuary began over 10 years ago under heartbreaking circumstances. At just nine months old, her family was brutally killed, and she was taken by an armed group. Eventually, she found temporary refuge with a Congolese community before being entrusted to a Kahuzi-Biega Park Ranger.

Despite her history of trauma and upheaval, Isangi quickly adapted to her new home at GRACE. She formed close friendships with fellow gorillas Lubutu and Shamavu, and bonded with older females like Ndjingala. Today, Isangi is a thriving, intelligent young gorilla, full of hope for a second chance at life in the wild. Her resilience and spirit are truly inspiring.

LUBUTU'S STORY

While infant Lubutu’s captors searched for an illegal buyer, he endured at least nine months on human foods – a poor substitute for the milk he desperately needed. When Lubutu was finally rescued, he was suffering from severe hair loss, malnutrition, and was weak, dehydrated, and deeply traumatized.

Against all odds, Lubutu survived and made it safely to the sanctuary. He quickly formed close bonds with the other two males, Kighoma and Shamavu, making up for lost time by playing with his new friends. Today, Lubutu is a robust, healthy blackback male, on the verge of becoming a majestic silverback. We are watching closely as he begins to challenge Kighoma for dominance over the surrogate family in the sanctuary.

NDJINGALA'S STORY

Ndjingala's rescue story is one of incredible resilience. Barely a year old when she came to us, she was in terrible condition, with deep cuts around her hips from a rope tied by her captors. Within a week of her rescue, she faced multiple treatments for vomiting, dehydration, and a respiratory illness. 

Thanks to a lot of love from her GRACE caregivers, Ndjingala grew strong enough to join fellow recued gorillas Amani, Kighoma, and Mapendo in Goma. These were the first four gorillas to arrive at GRACE after its construction. Since then, Ndjingala has blossomed into a calm, affectionate gorilla, forming close bonds with friends like Amani and Muyisa, and showing a nurturing side to younger gorillas like Lulingu. Her journey from trauma to tranquility is a testament to her strength and the unwavering dedication of her caregivers.

A GORILLA SANCTUARY — AND SO MUCH MORE

In addition to our sanctuary operations, GRACE also provides education to local communities to foster sustainable economic development and pride in their local wildlife. We work hand-in-hand with Congolese communities on conservation education, forest protection, and sustainable livelihoods to protect wild gorillas and their forest homes. By supporting GRACE, you make an impact across our program areas:

1. Gorilla Rescue, Rehab, Release 

2. Forest Conservation

3. Community Engagement

Your gift today gives hope for the future of Grauer’s gorillas, their forest homes, and communities in eastern DR Congo.

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