How Durrell helps western lowland gorillas
There is ongoing work to raise public awareness about the serious threat that the bush meat trade poses for gorillas.
The worldwide captive population of western lowland gorillas is in the region of 1000 animals kept at some 150 different institutions, and thanks to cooperation between organisations, it is genetically healthy and continues to increase steadily.
Whilst the captive Western lowland gorilla numbers continue to increase, the opposite is happening in the wild – albeit gradually – and it is our opinion that conservation should focus on the wild population and the habitat that supports them.
Durrell raises money around our gorilla enclosure to pay for gorilla conservationists to learn the best ways to facilitate conservation. So far we have trained Robert Mulimbi (Kahuzi Biega National Park, DRC/Eastern lowland gorillas and Pius Kumbah/Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary/Cameroon, Cross River Gorillas) – both field researchers.
Durrell will be using the money donated by visitors to Durrell to train one of these ‘Gorilla Guardians’ each year at our International Training Centre in Jersey. During the three-month Diploma in Endangered Species Management (DESMAN) course, they will learn how to monitor the remaining gorillas effectively, how to work with local people in the region, and how to raise more funds and manage projects.
About Durrell
'Durrell' is an international charity dedicated to 'Saving Species From Extinction'. Founded by author and naturalist Gerald Durrell, we've been saving some of the world's most endangered animals for over half a century. Through our Wildlife Park in Jersey, conservation academies in Mauritius and Jersey, and 45 field projects worldwide, our unique approach tackles conservation from all angles.
