Projet Gorille Fernan-Vaz, Gabon

Their Next Step Begins Here 

They came from cages, ropes, and roadside markets — places no gorilla should ever be. Today, thanks to years of dedicated care, they move through forest trails, forage together, and live as a true social group. These eight gorillas, rescued as orphans and raised at Projet Gorille Fernan-Vaz, are finally nearing a future that once seemed impossible: a return to the wild.

“From Chains to Compassion: Etsina’s Journey Home”

In September 2013, little Etsina was discovered in Lastourville, her wrists bound by rope. Fearful and alone, she was rushed to safety—where our team vowed to rewrite her story. Today, she roams our rehabilitation island freely, pausing by the shore of the lagoon to drink in the simple gift of life. Etsina’s resilience reminds us that every act of generosity helps heal even the deepest wounds.

Credit : Sean Bellon

Each of them carries a story that speaks to both trauma and resilience. Sindila, once captured by poachers, has become a calm, confident silverback. Cessé and Eliwa arrived together from the wildlife trade and have become anchors in the group. Eliwa is now the mother of Etimbouée, a young female born at the sanctuary — a symbol of new hope. Others like Belinga, Wanga, E’tsina, and Ivindo were rescued from captivity or sale, and over time have learned to live and trust again. Together, they are not just individuals — they are a family preparing for freedom.

~Help Bring Them Home ~

But reintroduction is not a single event. It is a carefully planned process that demands ongoing care, medical and behavioral assessments, coordination with authorities, and logistical groundwork. The forest is waiting — but our work is not finished.

This campaign will help us raise €15,000 / $16,200 to fund the next critical stage of their journey. Your donation supports the gorillas’ daily care: nutritious food sourced from local farmers, health monitoring by our team, and the preparation needed to ensure that when the time comes, these gorillas are truly ready to thrive in the wild.

The funds raised will also support the caregivers and veterinary staff who work every day on Oriquet Island to keep the group healthy and progressing. Behind every step these gorillas take, there are people — Gabonese staff, committed professionals, and conservationists — ensuring their safety, their growth, and their future.

“Watching Belinga dive fully into the lagoon, sending joyful ripples across the water, reminds me of how far she’s come. From the moment she was rescued, every splash she makes is a testament to your compassion. Thank you for giving her the freedom to be herself.”— John, Caretaker.

---

We are not asking you to carry the whole journey — we are inviting you to share in its most meaningful part.

Donation (€)	Tier Name	Impact Description
5	Gorilla Snack	Provides a healthy snack to brighten one gorilla’s day.
10	Vitamin Boost	Supplies essential vitamins & supplements for one gorilla for a day.
15	Daily Feast	Feeds one gorilla for a full day.
20	Care Day	Covers one gorilla’s daily caregiver support (staff time).
25	Enrichment Package	Provides new toys & puzzle feeders to stimulate one gorilla.
30	Wellness Guardian	Funds two days of vitamins & snacks for a gorilla.
50	Gorilla Guardian	Ensures one day of complete care (food + vet check + caregiver).
75	Support Circle	Covers one day of complete care plus extra enrichment materials.
100	Healing Hero	Provides two days of veterinary care (check-ups, medicines) for one gorilla.
150	Staff Supporter	Funds three days of dedicated caregiver wages for one gorilla.
250	Round-the-Clock Champion	Provides five days of comprehensive care (food + vet + staff) for one gorilla.
500	Sanctuary Sustainer	Covers ten days of complete care for one gorilla.

Everything we have done so far has brought these gorillas to the edge of something extraordinary. But the final steps — the ones that turn preparation into freedom — can only happen if we take them together.

Your support does not just help. It moves them forward. It makes this transition possible. It brings them home. Help us bring them home.

About the sanctuary

Our sanctuary’s mission is simple yet profound: rehabilitating and reintroducing gorillas to the wild in Fernan-Vaz, Gabon, so they can thrive free. Founded in 2010 on the shores of the lagoon, we now care for ten incredible gorillas—eight preparing for reintroduction and two who will remain lifelong residents under our protection—across our 0.33 km² (33 ha) rehabilitation island. Want to learn more about our work and how you can help? Visit us at gorillasgabon.org.