Rescued Gorillas and Rare Antelopes Bring Hope for Congo’s Vanishing Wildlife

In a year marked by rising threats to Africa’s biodiversity, two incredible conservation milestones have emerged from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) — a powerful sign that hope still exists in the wild.

In a historic reintroduction, four female eastern lowland gorillas that were once victims of illegal wildlife trafficking have been successfully released into the wild within Virunga National Park. Named Isangi, Lulingu, Mapendo, and Ndjingala, these gorillas were raised and rehabilitated at the GRACE (Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education) Center before being airlifted last October to Mount Tshiaberimu — a remote peak in northern DRC. Less than a year later, they’ve not only integrated into a wild gorilla group led by a silverback named Mwasa, but are also showing signs of potential pregnancies.

This marks the largest ever translocation of this critically endangered subspecies — also known as Grauer’s gorillas — whose numbers have plummeted due to poaching, habitat loss, and conflict. The rewilding process, led by GRACE and Virunga National Park, represents a massive leap forward in wildlife rehabilitation science and a rare success in gorilla conservation.

“The decision was made gorilla by gorilla, based on their signals. We watched, waited, and acted when they told us they were ready,” said Katie Fawcett, science director at GRACE.

Meanwhile, in southern DRC’s Upemba National Park, researchers have captured the first-ever photograph of the Upemba Lechwe, one of the world’s rarest antelope species. The snapshot, taken during an aerial survey through the window of a small aircraft, confirmed the presence of just 10 individuals, suggesting fewer than 100 remain in existence.

“This is a magical place in terms of biodiversity,” said researcher Manuel Weber, who led the survey. “But the reality is grim. Without immediate conservation measures, the Upemba Lechwe will vanish.”

Unlike other local antelopes, the Upemba Lechwe lacks dark leg stripes and shoulder patches, making it visually distinctive — yet virtually unknown to the public due to the absence of previous photographic evidence. This moment marks a turning point for the species, offering a visual lifeline for a conservation campaign that has long been stalled by data gaps.

Both of these stories highlight not just the biological importance of the DRC, but also the immense challenges facing its conservation landscape. Virunga and Upemba are regions plagued by armed conflict, poaching, and deforestation. More than 200 rangers have died protecting Virunga, and human encroachment threatens nearly every inch of viable habitat.

Yet, initiatives like the gorilla reintroduction and antelope discovery are proof that community-centered conservation, careful planning, and scientific resilience can spark change. Emmanuel de Merode, director of Virunga National Park, called the gorilla success “a milestone” and a “new chance” for a species that was once on the brink.

As environmental crises deepen, these stories are a reminder of nature’s capacity to rebound — if given the time, protection, and space to thrive.