Upcoming Release

This release is named Lowland after the endangered Lowland Gorillas. Large numbers have not protected the Western Lowland Gorilla from decline. Because of poaching and disease, the gorilla’s numbers have declined by more than 60% over the last 20 to 25 years. Even if all of the threats to western lowland gorillas were removed, scientists calculate that the population would require some 75 years to recover. There were nearly 17,000 Eastern Lowland Gorillas in the mid-1990s but scientists estimate that the population has declined by more than 50% since then. The gorillas have been vulnerable to poaching, even in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, home to the largest population of protected eastern lowland gorillas. Rebels and poachers invaded the park and people set up illegal mines. But, with help from WWF and other organizations, park staff are re-establishing control over the land.

To learn more about the plight of the Western and Eastern Lowland Gorillas or how you can help the WWF cause, visit the links.