Baby gorilla rescue

© Jo Gaweda / Ape Action Africa

A terrified young gorilla has been taken in by our Ape Action Africa colleagues, after being confiscated by the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife, in Cameroon. Barbie is now recovering at their sanctuary in Mefou National Park, in the Centre Region. Less than two years old, Barbie was deeply traumatised when rescued, refusing to be touched, holding her head in her hands and grinding her teeth – a sign of extreme stress in gorillas. 

© Jo Gaweda / Ape Action Africa

Supported by Born Free since August, Ape Action Africa is devoted to the conservation and rescue of gorillas, and other primates. Gorillas are extremely sensitive, especially when orphaned, but the organisation is expert at caring for even the most fragile of infants. They provide world-class care and a nurturing environment, where orphans can overcome previous traumas and begin to thrive.

Ape Action Africa’s vet team discovered Barbie had been shot and, appallingly, fragments of the bullet remained in her fractured skull. She also had wounds around her waist, from where she had been tied up. Gorilla infants are never left alone by their group, so we sadly have to presume Barbie’s entire family was killed by illegal ‘bushmeat’ hunters, and she was taken to be sold as a pet. Fortunately, she was confiscated by the authorities but, not surprisingly, has been severely affected by her terrible ordeal.

Thanks to Ape Action Africa’s veterinary expertise, the bullet fragments were removed and Barbie’s wounds treated. She is now in their nursery, being cared for 24 hours a day by their loving caregivers. Despite all she has endured, Barbie is recovering well and already eating, climbing in the forest and even playing.

© Jo Gaweda / Ape Action Africa

“Barbie is a very special gorilla, because of how quickly she has settled in,” explains her main caregiver, Mr Appolinaire. “She is very keen to be with our other orphan gorillas, which is a positive sign.” We are looking forward to seeing how Barbie progresses, as she’s introduced to a new family of rescued gorillas. We’ll report back!

Ape Action Africa currently provides care for over 280 rescued gorillas and other primates. Barbie’s tragic story reminds us why Born Free’s support for their incredible work – funded with the help of our Gorilla Family adoption – is so essential. Meanwhile, our extensive Guardians of Dja programme is working in Cameroon’s Dja Biosphere Reserve to protect critically endangered western lowland gorillas, in the Congo rainforest.

Here we provide conservation education to over 160 school children, engage 120 students in agricultural training and provide workshops on sustainable livelihoods, to reduce dependency on forest resources. We also employ local Great Ape Guardians to promote conservation and a reduction in hunting across local villages, alongside supporting anti-poaching patrols, conducted by the wildlife authorities.

With the help of this important work, we hope to ensure that heartbreaking situations like Barbie’s don’t happen again. With your support, our ongoing mission to combat the illegal trade in ape bushmeat and live pets will continue as we try to protect forests and encourage coexistence with our primate relatives.

You can support our work to save gorillas by adopting our rescued Gorilla Family – Bobo’s group, who live at the Ape Action Africa sanctuary.