A Grauer's gorilla, which was returned to the wild in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has given birth to her first infant. This case is considered a rare success in the conservation of one of Africa's most vulnerable great ape species.
The gorilla, named Lulingu (Gorilla beringei graueri), gave birth in May 2026 after being released into Virunga National Park in eastern DRC in 2024.
The birth is particularly significant because Lulingu was previously a rescued orphan. Specialists at the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Education Center (GRACE) cared for her for many years before returning her to the wild.
Jackson Kabuya Mbeke, GRACE's country director, told Mongabay: 'The infant and mother are doing well. This makes us very happy. We are proud of her; it is also part of our success.' He added: 'Imagine, we knew her as an infant, watched her grow, rehabilitated her, and now she has become a mother.'
Lulingu arrived at GRACE in 2016 when she was about 18 months old. She was rescued from the illegal wildlife trade network involving the Congolese Wildlife Authority and the NGO Gorilla Doctors.
At the 16-hectare GRACE sanctuary, she was provided with space to forage, socialize, and develop natural behaviors alongside other rescued gorillas. The goal of this sanctuary is to prepare animals for subsequent release into suitable forest environments.
Lulingu was part of a group of four Grauer's gorillas released into the wild near Mount Tshiaberimu in Virunga National Park in October 2024. Mongabay reported at the time that this release was the largest reintroduction of Eastern gorillas in Africa.
The successful birth indicates that she has adapted to life in the wild. Mbeke told Mongabay: 'The fact that Lulingu gave birth to an infant is a sign that she has successfully adapted to life in the wild.'