Lubutu the day of his confiscation.By Molly Feltner, MGVP Communications Officer

In late March we received word that another male Grauer’s gorilla was confiscated in Lubutu, DR Congo, by the Congolese Wildlife Authority (ICCN). Maiko National Park Chief Park Warden Paulin Ngobobo has been working on this confiscation and breaking up the poacher network in that area since October. 

Dr. Eddy with Lubutu.Gorilla Doctor Eddy Kambale traveled to Lubutu to examine the orphan, who was being looked after by ICCN caregivers. The orphan, named Lubutu, appeared to be 1.5 years old, was extremely malnourished, and suffering from hair loss and mental trauma. After being given milk, water, and fruit Lubutu began improving.

After being in good care for a few days.

Dr. Eddy flew with the orphan to Goma, where he stayed at a temporary facility on UGADEC office grounds before transferring to GRACE. The Gorilla Doctors performed a thorough examination on Lubutu. Although suffering from a number of ailments, he is expected to make a full recovery.

Enjoying milk.DFGFI Confiscated Gorilla Manager Sandy Jones traveled with Lubutu to GRACE where he will undergo a 30 day quarantine before being introduced to the family of 5 gorillas already living there – Mapendo, Amani, Kighoma, Djingala and Kyasa.

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