Reintroduced Grauer’s gorilla gives birth in DRC national park, ‘makes us happy’
Lulingu, a Grauer’s gorilla (Gorilla beringei), was reintroduced to Virunga National Park, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in 2024. In May 2026, Lulingu gave birth to a new baby, bringing hope for the species and excitement for the conservationists working there. “The baby and the mother are doing perfectly well. It really makes us happy. […]
A Grauer's gorilla named Lulingu has given birth in Virunga National Park, located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, bringing hope for the species and excitement for conservationists. Lulingu was reintroduced to the park in 2024 and gave birth in May 2026. Her country director, Jackson Kabuyaya Mbeke, expressed happiness and pride at her development, stating that the birth is also a sign of their collective success.
Lulingu was rescued as a baby from illegal wildlife trafficking in 2016, cared for in a 16-hectare wildlife sanctuary called GRACE, and later reintroduced into the wild near Mount Tshiaberimu. The sanctuary's purpose is to rehabilitate rescued gorillas and eventually release them back into the wild, aiming to repopulate forests that have been depleted.
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