WWF ~ Baby Mountain Gorilla Poaching Attempt Thwarted

An infant mountain gorilla has been rescued from poachers in Rwanda with the help of the International Gorilla Conservation Program (IGCP), a partnership of WWF, African Wildlife Foundation and Fauna & Flora International. A group of Rwandan and Congolese men were attempting to smuggle the female, less than one-year old, into Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The smugglers responsible were arrested and an investigation into a possible larger network is underway. While this rescue is certainly positive news, it brings to light the issues of illegal poaching and wildlife trade.

In response to this incident, efforts are underway to strengthen wildlife protection in the DRC’s Virunga National Park, where this gorilla is believed to have been taken from, as well as the surrounding region. Authorities will increase anti-poaching measures, and with support from the IGCP, will continue to collaborate with the local community to keep this type of illegal trade from carrying on as a profitable practice.

Source: WWF

Mountain Gorilla Rescue: To Support the Dr. Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Please Visit this Facebook Cause Group ~ To preserve and protect the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas in Uganda, DRC and Rwanda:  http://widgets.causes.com/causes/254468-to-preserve-and-protect-the-world-s-last-remaining-mountain-gorillas-in-uganda-drc-and-rwanda

An Animated Mountain Gorilla Conservation Film:  http://www.galiwango.com