2 poached baby Grauer’s gorillas raise fears others killed in Congo, only 4,000 remain

JOHANNESBURG – Virunga National Park says the rescue of two poached baby Grauer’s gorillas raises fears that other members of the endangered species found only in eastern Congo have been killed.

Fewer than 4,000 Grauer’s gorillas remain, down from about 17,000 in 1995.

Park director Emmanuel de Merode said Monday that any trafficking in baby gorillas means many members of its family probably have been killed trying to protect the infant. He said a new rebellion that erupted this year and illegal extraction of resources by armed militias in areas where Grauer’s gorillas live has made it extremely difficult for Congolese Wildlife Authorities to monitor and protect them.

De Merode said a 9-month-old female was handed to authorities Sept. 13 and a 4-month female was saved in a sting operation Sept. 20.

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