ORPHANED MOUNTAIN GORILLAS: NOW THERE ARE FOUR

摘要

Few mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) have ever lived in captivity. A few infants whose mothers were killed by poachers have been rescued, nurtured back to health, and reintroduced to wild gorilla families. Each orphan died or disappearedsoon after its return to the forest. After an infant mountain gorilla was confiscated from poachers in December 2004, MGVP, Inc. and their main conservation partners, DFGFI (Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International), ORTPN (Office Rwandais de Tourisme et Pares Nationaux), ICCN (Institut Congolaise pour la Conservation de la Nature) and IGCP (International Gorilla Conservation Programme.) formed a scientific committee to make recommendations for the disposition of this gorilla. The partners ultimately agreed to provide short-term housing and veterinary care for orphaned gorillas representing two subspecies—mountain and eastern plains, or Grauer's, gorillas The cases histories of this gorilla and three additional ones that have since been confiscated showthat with proper veterinary care, this species can survive in captivity. But difficult questions remain regarding their future. After living in close contact with people and another gorilla subspecies, they may be carriers of infections not yet identified. Whether or not the orphans exhibit the full range of normal gorilla behaviors is another important consideration. Even if accepted by a wild gorilla family group, their reactions to human visitors may be unpredictable. The partnership has also established an orphaned gorilla scientific technical committee. The committee is considering all options for the orphans, including reintroduction and long-term sanctuary housing.