GRACE Gorillas

REWILDING HOPE FOR Grauer's Gorillas! 

For the first time, GRACE and its partners rewilded four female Grauer's gorillas to Virunga National Park in eastern DR Congo. Isangi, Lulingu, Mapendo, and Ndjingala are thriving alongside wild silverback Mwasa.

The success of this rewilding is a testament to the incredible rehabilitative care gorillas receive at GRACE, the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center. GRACE is the only sanctuary dedicated to caring for Grauer's gorillas rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.

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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.

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NDJINGALA'S STORY

Ndjingala's story is one of incredible resilience. Rescued at barely one year old, she was in terrible condition, with deep cuts around her hips from a rope tied by her captors. She faced multiple treatments for vomiting, dehydration, and respiratory illness. 

Thanks to a lot of love from her 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, and showing a nurturing side to younger gorillas like Isangi (pictured on Ndjingala's back) and Lulingu. 

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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. Rewilding Grauer's Gorillas

2. Protecting Forest Habitats

3. Engaging Local Communities

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Your donation on #GivingDayforApes will help write the next chapter of this historic success, ensuring every gorilla at GRACE has the chance to heal, thrive, and one day return to the wild.

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