{"id":1642,"date":"2025-07-21T10:40:32","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T09:40:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lekedi-biodiversite.org\/missions\/conservation-des-especes-et-des-milieux\/"},"modified":"2025-12-18T17:46:58","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T16:46:58","slug":"conservation-of-species-and-habitats","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/lekedi-biodiversite.org\/en\/missions\/conservation-of-species-and-habitats\/","title":{"rendered":"Conservation of species and habitats"},"content":{"rendered":"

A sanctuary for primates<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This is our historic program<\/strong>. Indeed, for about twenty years, the L\u00e9k\u00e9di Park, and now the Foundation, have been involved in the protection of great apes.<\/p>\n

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 Bat\u00e9k\u00e9 Plateau National Park since the beginning of the program, and three young gorillas are currently undergoing rehabilitation for an upcoming reintroduction.<\/p>\n

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

Since 2017, the L\u00e9k\u00e9di Park has been an accredited member of PASA<\/a> (Pan African Sanctuary Alliance)<\/strong>, which brings together most of the primate sanctuaries in Africa. The accreditation was renewed in 2023.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Our Gorilla Protection Program (PPG)<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Thanks to the PPG, our Foundation and the Aspinall Foundation have already been able to rehabilitate and release 10 gorillas in the Bat\u00e9k\u00e9 Plateau National Park. These reintroductions represent a tangible hope for the restoration of viable populations in their natural habitat.<\/p>\n

The Aspinall Foundation ensures scientific monitoring, allowing the evaluation of the adaptation of released individuals, their reproduction, and their role in ecological balance.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Why save the great apes?<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

To allow primates to continue living in freedom:<\/p>\n