Rescued Gorilla Transferred to Republic of Congo
A rescued gorilla named Bili has completed a specialized international transport for rehabilitation care.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Wildlife
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A gorilla named Bili was successfully transported from Nigeria to the Republic of Congo following a multi-stage journey. The transfer was organized to provide the animal with specialist rehabilitation care at the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center.
Why it matters
This relocation ensures that Bili receives the specific, long-term rehabilitation care necessary for his eventual transition to a protected reserve. The move marks the culmination of efforts to support the animal after his initial 2023 rescue.
Bili spent three years at the Drill Ranch after his 2023 rescue in Lagos before his 2026 transfer. The journey included a 22-hour road transport from Calabar to Lagos followed by an international cargo flight.
The players
Bili
A rescued gorilla who spent three years at the Drill Ranch before moving to a rehabilitation center.
Dr Rebeca Atencia
A specialist who accompanied the gorilla during his international transfer.
Imelda Effiong
A specialist involved in the care and coordination of the gorilla's transport.
DHL
A global logistics provider that managed the aviation planning and cross-border transport for the animal.
Pandrillus Foundation
An organization that operates the Drill Ranch and focuses on the conservation and rehabilitation of primates.
The details
DHL managed the complex logistics for the transfer, which required obtaining international export and import permits alongside CITES documentation. The gorilla was housed in a purpose-built, secure crate designed specifically for live-animal transport to ensure safety during the road and air transit through Libreville.
Timeline
2023: Bili was rescued in Lagos.
21 September 2026: The road transfer from Calabar to Lagos began.
22 September 2026: The gorilla traveled aboard a DHL cargo flight.
23 September 2026: Bili arrived in the Republic of Congo.
The Home Front
International movements of wildlife require adherence to strict global regulatory frameworks like CITES documentation to ensure animal welfare and legal compliance. This process highlights the rigorous logistics involved when shifting protected species between specialized conservation facilities.
Readers interested in supporting primate conservation should research the accredited facilities, such as the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center, that provide long-term care for rescued animals. It is helpful to identify local or regional conservation groups if you wish to contribute to wildlife protection initiatives.
The takeaway
The successful relocation of Bili highlights the importance of professional logistics in international wildlife rehabilitation efforts. Those interested in conservation can track the progress of species reintroduction programs at established reserves like the Lésio-Louna Gorilla Reserve.
Further reading
Learn more about conservation efforts at Wildlife.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Social TV.
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