The Fernan-Vaz Gorilla Project’s rehabilitation centre was initiated in November of 2006 when two orphans, Sindila and Ivindo, had not yet been integrated to the sanctuary gorillas.  Being only around 1.5 to 2 years of age at the time, their reintroduction potential was still relatively high.  The objectives of the rehabilitation centre are to promote the well-being and safety of these gorillas, as well as to maximise their reintroduction potential before 2012.   

 

Gimenu

 

Estimated DOB: June 2002

Gender: Male

Origin: Makokou

 

Gimenu’s biography

In November 2006, an emaciated and debilitated Gimenu arrived to the Fernan-Vaz Gorilla Project from a local Port-Gentil zoo.  He had lived 3 years of solitude behind bars after being a victim of the illegal live orphan trade.  It took him a while to rekindle with the forest, but has proven wise and witty with time....as though he may have retained some knowledge learnt in the past, prior to being captured by hunters illegally. Gimenu is now well acquainted with his 5 new-found gorilla buddies.  The hope is that they can one day be reintroduced as a group back into the wild.  He is good-natured and thus a good candidate for the dominant silverback position.      

Sindila

 

Estimated DOB: December 2004

Gender: Male

Origin: Mpivié River

 

Sindila’s biography

Sindila arrived at the Fernan-Vaz Gorilla Project in June of 2005 after being rescued by a boat pilot from the hands of poachers along the Mpivié River during a tourist excursion.  It goes without saying that Sindila became an orphan and dependant on humans that day.  It is very important to implement relevant sanctions related to the illegal hunting and trafficking of this integrally protected species.  Sindila loves to play and forage in the forest, and is very close to Ivindo.  He tends to be very protective of all 3 females within the group. 

 

 

Ivindo

 

Estimated DOB: March 2005

Gender: Female

Origin: Ivindo

 

Ivindo’s biography

Cessé

 

Estimated DOB: December 2005

Gender: Male

Origin: Njolé (close de Lambaréné)

 

Cessé’s biography

Cessé arrived to the Fernan-Vaz Gorilla Project in December 2007 around the age of 2 years.  He arrived from Evaro village accompanied by Eliwa. He was found by an Evaro village employee in a cage at the local market.  His family apparently comes from the small city of Njolé close to Lambaréné.  Like all the other orphans on this project, Cessé has lost his parents, family, as well as his home and freedom.  We hope to improve his quality of life by allowing him to join a group of orphans, like him, who will hopefully be reintroduced back into the wild.  Cessé loves to play games and to forage in the forest. 

 

 

Eliwa

 

Estimated DOB: September 2006

Gender: Female

Origin: Lambaréné

 

Eliwa’s biography

In December 2007, Eliwa was transferred to the FVGP from the Evaro village with her companion Cessé.  Eliwa would have arrived at Evaro village in the third trimester of 2006.  Prior to this, she was treated at the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné for a fracture within her right arm.  Eliwa is now considered the most athletic of all the FVGP gorillas and spends most of her days climbing trees and splurging on wild leaves. 

 

 

Wanga

 

Estimated DOB: May 2007

Gender: Female

Origin: Gamba

 

Wanga’s biography

In July of 2007, this little female was captured and abandoned in front of the Loango National Park Conservationist`s doorsteps.  Despite losing her family, her home let alone her freedom...she has managed to remain courageous as reflected by her desire to live.   Wanga enjoys laughing and climbing.  It is hoped that she will one day return to the forest to give back to her offspring what some humans have freely taken away from her; dignity and freedom.