In 2016, an Orphaned Gorilla Was Put Into the Illegal Animal Trade, 10 Years Later, She Is Back in the Wild Helping Her Dwindling Population

**Historic Milestone in Gorilla Conservation as Lulingu Welcomes First Baby in the Wild**

In a remarkable development for the conservation of eastern lowland gorillas, Lulingu, a gorilla who was previously an orphan rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, has given birth to her first baby after being rewilded two years ago. This significant event took place in May 2026, two years post her release into the wild, and has stirred excitement within the conservation community, as it marks a hopeful sign for the critically endangered species.

Lulingu’s story began in 2016, when the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation and Gorilla Doctors intervened to save her at just 18 months old. Orphaned and alone, she was discovered after being captured by poachers. Following her rescue, Lulingu was taken to the GRACE Gorillas Sanctuary, a unique facility solely focused on the rehabilitation of eastern lowland gorillas, situated near Mt. Tshiaberimu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

At GRACE, Lulingu received round-the-clock care and was integrated into a surrogate family led by another rescued gorilla, Pinga. Alongside Pinga, Lulingu was introduced to three other female gorillas—Mapendo, Ndjingala, and Isangi—allowing her to develop essential social skills within a nurturing group dynamic. This early socialisation was vital as it prepared her for eventual life in the wild.

In December 2024, Lulingu and her companions embarked on a new chapter as they were reintroduced into Virunga National Park, marking one of the first successful rewilding efforts for this critically endangered species. Senior staff at GRACE and associated organisations have closely monitored the gorillas to ensure they adjust well to their new habitat while conducting unobtrusive health checks to gauge their well-being.

Recent observations revealed the exciting news of Lulingu’s new baby, the first offspring born to one of the released gorillas. Although the birth took place in May, the news was not revealed until September to allow for a bonding period between mother and child. Celebrated by conservation organisations, this event is seen as a vital step for the ongoing recovery of eastern lowland gorillas in the region.

Katie Fawcett, executive and science director at GRACE, expressed optimism regarding Lulingu’s ability to raise her young in the wild, acknowledging that motherhood can pose significant challenges even for experienced gorillas. “This is a milestone for the gorillas,” she stated. “We are cautiously optimistic that Lulingu will navigate motherhood well and that her baby will continue to thrive.”

The identity of the baby’s father is believed to be a wild silverback named Mwasa, who resides in the same mountainous habitat. This natural mating reflects the successful integration of the reintroduced gorillas into the wild environment, offering hope that they can contribute to the regeneration of their severely diminished population.

Jackson Kabuyaya Mbeke, country director for GRACE, shared his pride in Lulingu’s journey, from her rescue to becoming a mother. “I am deeply proud of our team and grateful to everyone involved. The success of Lulingu and her family is a testament to the years of hard work dedicated to their care and rewilding.”

The arrival of Lulingu’s baby is especially crucial given the alarming status of the eastern lowland gorillas, classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. As per recent analyses, the population around Mt. Tshiaberimu faces a significant risk of extinction within the next 50 years unless more reproductive females can be fostered within the group. The addition of Lulingu’s baby represents a vital opportunity to enhance genetic diversity and population growth among this endangered species.

As monitoring continues, conservationists are enthusiastic about documenting how Lulingu manages motherhood in the wild and how her baby interacts with other group members. Benoit Ishaba, head of gorilla monitoring, commented on Lulingu’s reported attentiveness to her infant, noting her engaging behaviour such as nursing and playing.

Lulingu’s successful adjustment to life in the wild and her recent role as a mother illustrates a hopeful future for the eastern lowland gorilla population, both for the individuals in Virunga National Park and for the broader conservation efforts underway to safeguard their existence. As Mary Brown from Re:wild emphasised, “This new life offers renewed hope for the small, isolated gorilla population on Mt. Tshiaberimu.”

The narrative of Lulingu serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for recovery among endangered species when dedicated conservation efforts are applied, prompting the hope that more such stories will emerge in the years to come.