A sanctuary for primates

This is our historic program. Indeed, for about twenty years, the Lékédi Park, and now the Foundation, have been involved in the protection of great apes.

With the agreement of the Ministry of Water and Forests, the Park hosts orphaned gorillas and chimpanzees rescued from the bushmeat trade. Our goal is to rehabilitate them, but also to raise awareness among visitors about the protection of these endangered species. About ten gorillas have been reintroduced into the Batéké Plateau National Park since the beginning of the program, and three young gorillas are currently undergoing rehabilitation for an upcoming reintroduction.

Whenever possible, the rescued orphans will be placed in natural habitat reintroduction programs. To this end, the Foundation works closely with The Aspinall Foundation, which manages the Gorilla Protection Program (PPG).

Since 2017, the Lékédi Park has been an accredited member of PASA (Pan African Sanctuary Alliance), which brings together most of the primate sanctuaries in Africa. The accreditation was renewed in 2023.

Our Gorilla Protection Program (PPG)

For several years, our Foundation has been working in partnership with the Aspinall Foundation as part of the Gorilla Protection Program (PPG), a pioneering conservation program aimed at protecting and reintroducing western lowland gorillas, a critically endangered species.

Orphaned gorillas are welcomed and cared for in our sanctuary. They are then prepared for life in the wild through a gradual process of relearning essential behaviors (feeding, movement, group living).

After this preparation, their release can be considered. At this stage, we coordinate with the Aspinall Foundation, as well as the National Agency for National Parks and the Ministry of Water and Forests of Gabon.

Thanks to the PPG, our Foundation and the Aspinall Foundation have already been able to rehabilitate and release 10 gorillas in the Batéké Plateau National Park. These reintroductions represent a tangible hope for the restoration of viable populations in their natural habitat.

The Aspinall Foundation ensures scientific monitoring, allowing the evaluation of the adaptation of released individuals, their reproduction, and their role in ecological balance.

This joint effort illustrates the importance of alliances between foundations, sanctuaries, international NGOs, and local authorities to ensure the survival of primates in Central Africa. Beyond individual rescue, each reintroduced gorilla contributes to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem resilience, and raising awareness among local communities about preservation challenges.

Why save the great apes?

Our closest cousins are on the verge of extinction. With them, the story of our origins is disappearing. Saving them also means preserving biodiversity and ensuring the protection of all plant and animal species, that is to say, the richness of life.

To allow primates to continue living in freedom:

  • Do not participate in the bushmeat trade by buying or consuming it.
  • Choose certified wood for your furniture.
  • Do not engage in activities involving direct contact with wild animals, particularly primates.
  • Never buy a live primate, even out of pity; immediately notify the authorities and a nature conservation organization.

Wildlife Monitoring

Each year, the Foundation conducts wildlife inventories to monitor the evolution of animal populations present in the park and its surrounding areas. These monitoring efforts are based on a protocol of camera traps deployed over several years: around thirty cameras are installed in the field to observe the use of different habitats according to the seasons and over time.

In addition, the teams carry out transect surveys, record signs of presence (footprints, feces, traces of passage), and conduct nocturnal inventories.

These cross-referenced observations help to better understand the spatial distribution of species and analyze the evolution of their presence over time.

A PASA (Pan African Sanctuary Alliance) accreditation

Since 2017, our sanctuary has been accredited by PASA (Pan African Sanctuary Alliance), the largest network of sanctuaries and primate rehabilitation centers in Africa. This international recognition attests to the adherence to high standards in animal welfare, responsible management, and contribution to conservation.

By joining this network, our sanctuary benefits from essential support:

  • Expertise and training: PASA brings together specialists who share their knowledge in veterinary care, rehabilitation, and primate enrichment.
  • Quality and ethics: Accreditation ensures the application of rigorous protocols for animal welfare and ethical management.
  • International visibility: Thanks to PASA, our sanctuary gains recognition and participates in global awareness campaigns against trafficking and habitat destruction.
  • Support and partnerships: The network facilitates access to funding, strengthens cooperation with other sanctuaries, and creates connections with research institutions and NGOs.

Being a member of PASA means joining a community committed to the conservation of primates and the protection of biodiversity in Africa, working hand in hand with other stakeholders on the continent.