In a rare and hopeful milestone for wildlife conservation, four eastern lowland gorillas once rescued from the illegal wildlife trade have successfully been reintroduced into the wild in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The release marks the largest reintegration of this critically endangered subspecies to date—and conservationists are calling it a pivotal moment for gorilla survival in the region.

Last October, the female gorillas—Isangi, Lulingu, Mapendo, and Ndjingala—were transported from the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE) to Mount Tshiaberimu, a remote volcanic peak nestled within Virunga National Park. There, they began a new chapter after years of rehabilitation.

Now, less than a year later, all four gorillas are thriving in their new mountain home, having integrated with a wild gorilla group led by a charismatic silverback named Mwasa. Their successful transition, experts say, may offer a much-needed genetic and social lifeline to an otherwise shrinking population.

From Orphaned Infants to Wild Gorillas

Each of the four gorillas was rescued as an infant, victims of wildlife trafficking. GRACE, a sanctuary dedicated to the recovery of Grauer’s gorillas—the largest and most endangered gorilla subspecies—has spent over a decade nurturing and preparing them for life in the wild.

“They weren’t just returned to nature overnight,” said Katie Fawcett, Executive and Science Director at GRACE. “This has been a slow, deliberate process grounded in science, compassion, and listening to the gorillas themselves.”

Once relocated to Mount Tshiaberimu, the gorillas were first housed in a secure forest enclosure, allowing them to acclimate to the environment while remaining under observation. To everyone’s surprise, their desire to join the wild came much sooner than expected—spurred by the daily visits of Mwasa, who would call to them through the fence.

Within just a few weeks, the gorillas began sleeping along the fence line, visibly drawn to their wild counterpart. “The decision to open the enclosure wasn’t taken lightly,” Fawcett said. “But it was clear: the gorillas were ready, and they were leading the way.”

New Beginnings on the Mountain of the Spirits

Since the release, the female gorillas have adapted remarkably well, adjusting to colder climates, steeper terrain, and a new diet of native vegetation including bamboo shoots. Health checks conducted through non-invasive methods suggest that all four are thriving—with healthy coats, full bellies, and strong social behaviors.

The most exciting development came earlier this year: Mwasa has been observed mating with each of the females, raising hopes that new births could occur as early as September. Although the females were previously on contraceptives while at GRACE, the team is cautiously optimistic about future pregnancies.

“Reproduction would be a monumental sign of success—not just for the reintroduction, but for the future of this subspecies,” Fawcett noted.

A Fight Against Extinction

Eastern lowland gorillas, also known as Grauer’s gorillas, are teetering on the brink of extinction. Endemic to the eastern rainforests of the DRC, their numbers have declined by over 60% in recent decades due to habitat loss, poaching, and civil conflict.

Previous attempts to release eastern gorillas into the wild have often failed, particularly when young orphans were returned without proper preparation. GRACE’s long-term approach marks a stark departure—releasing not babies, but socially competent adult females capable of integrating into established wild groups.

“This wasn’t just about saving individuals,” Fawcett said. “It was about restoring social structure, diversity, and long-term viability to a dangerously isolated population.”

Before this effort, the gorilla group on Mount Tshiaberimu was considered genetically nonviable, with just eight known individuals remaining. Scientists had warned the population could go extinct within decades without intervention.

“This effort could reverse that trajectory,” said Professor Liz Williamson of the University of Stirling, who specializes in gorilla conservation. “It’s a bold and necessary step.”

Challenges in a Conflict Zone

Yet, this success story is unfolding against a backdrop of deep instability. Virunga National Park is one of the world’s most dangerous conservation areas. Over 200 park rangers have lost their lives protecting its biodiversity, and ongoing clashes with armed groups, including the M23 rebel faction, remain a constant threat.

“Operating here is a daily challenge,” said Jackson Kabuyaya Mbeke, GRACE’s DRC Director. “But community involvement is what keeps this work alive. Local caregivers, educators, and conservationists are at the heart of everything we do.”

For Mbeke, the mission is also personal. Growing up near the forest, he remembers listening to gorillas beat their chests in the night. “They are part of who we are,” he said. “Losing them would mean losing our history, our pride.”

Looking Ahead: Conservation Requires Commitment

While the reintroduction is a triumph, experts caution that true success hinges on protecting what remains of the gorillas’ forest habitat. As human populations expand and forests are cleared for farming and fuel, gorilla homes continue to shrink.

“In the long run, forest protection is key,” said Fawcett. “We need to ensure that these gorillas—and others like them—have safe, healthy environments to call home.”

This landmark rewilding of four rescued gorillas offers hope not just for Mount Tshiaberimu, but for all of eastern Congo’s endangered primates. It’s a rare conservation win—and, hopefully, a turning point in the long fight to save a species.