September 29, 2026

Jane Goodall Institute and partners lead safe transfer of rescued gorilla Bili to new home in Republic of the Congo

Photo: Fernando Turmo

Cross-sector collaboration helps move Bili from Nigeria to JGI’s Tchimpounga Rehabilitation Center for specialist care

The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) USA announced today the safe transfer of Bili, a young, rescued gorilla, from Pandrillus Foundation’s Drill Ranch in Calabar, Nigeria, to the Jane Goodall Institute’s Tchimpounga Rehabilitation Center near Pointe-Noire in the Republic of the Congo.

Rescued in Nigeria after being targeted by wildlife traffickers, Bili was handed over to Pandrillus for care at Drill Ranch, an internationally-accredited primate sanctuary established in 1991. Her relocation marks the next stop in her rehabilitation at Tchimpounga, where JGI provides specialized care for another gorilla, more than 150 chimpanzees and other African wildlife injured or orphaned by the illegal wildlife trade.

The operation brought together DHL Express, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria’s Ministry of Environment and Dept. of Forestry, the Congo Ministry of Forest Economy, Focused Conservation, Pandrillus Foundation, the Jane Goodall Institute Republic of the Congo, The Aspinall Foundation, The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife and other operational and regulatory partners.

As a United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce member, DHL acted as the logistics partner for Bili’s relocation, managing the aviation planning and cross-border cargo support required to move Bili from Lagos to Pointe-Noire, with support from teams across Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, the Republic of the Congo and DHL’s regional aviation network.

“We are proud that DHL’s network and people could help bring all these elements together and support Bili’s journey to a safe, long-term home, with Bili’s safety and wellbeing at its centre,” said Anthony Beckley, VP Operations and Aviation, at DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Protecting Africa’s wildlife requires more than good intentions. It requires practical cooperation across borders and between conservation organisations, authorities and the private sector. DHL’s involvement builds on its long-standing partnership with the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce, which brings together transport companies, conservation organisations, law enforcement and policy experts to help prevent logistics networks from being exploited by illegal wildlife traffickers. Since joining the taskforce in 2014, DHL has worked alongside industry partners to support efforts to raise awareness of wildlife crime, share intelligence on high-risk trafficking routes and strengthen collaboration with customs and law enforcement authorities.”

This leg of Bili’s journey began on September 21st with an approximately 22-hour road transfer from the Pandrillus facility in Calabar to Lagos. On September 22nd, Bili travelled on a DHL cargo flight from Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Pointe-Noire, via Libreville, Gabon. She arrived in Pointe-Noire on September 23rd and was received by the Jane Goodall Institute Republic of the Congo team for the final road transfer to Tchimpounga.

She travelled in a crate purpose-built by Pandrillus that met applicable live-animal transport requirements. Export and import permits, CITES documentation, veterinary health certification, IATA requirements and customs processes were completed by Pandrillus ahead of departure. And throughout her journey, she was accompanied by Dr. Rebeca Atencia, Executive Director and Head Veterinarian of the Jane Goodall Institute Republic of the Congo, and her Pandrillus caregiver of three years, Imelda Effiong.

“This repatriation is a testament to the power of partnership, and DHL’s support highlights the important role United for Wildlife’s Transport Taskforce members play in tackling illegal wildlife trade. While we celebrate this milestone, Bili’s story also serves as a reminder that much more must be done. Continued collaboration across sectors is essential to disrupt the trafficking networks driving the illicit wildlife trade and to reduce demand for wildlife products worldwide,” said David Fein, Co-Chair, The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife.

Bili’s arrival at Tchimpounga represents an important new beginning for a young gorilla who has already overcome extraordinary challenges, said Atencia. “Every rescue is made possible through collaboration, and Bili’s journey demonstrates what can be achieved when conservation organizations, government authorities, logistics experts, and supporters work together with a shared commitment to wildlife protection. At Tchimpounga, our team will provide Bili with specialized veterinary care, rehabilitation, and the opportunity to thrive in an environment that supports her physical and behavioral wellbeing. We are deeply grateful to DHL, Pandrillus, Focused Conservation, United for Wildlife, and all partners who helped make this transfer possible and who continue to stand with us in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking.”

Bili’s arrival at Tchimpounga marks a new chapter, where she will receive long-term specialist care in an environment suited to her physical, behavioural and social needs. In the long-term it is intended that she will be integrated into the long-running gorilla reintroduction programme in the Lesio-Louna Gorilla Reserve, implemented by the Ministry of Forest Economy in Congo and The Aspinall Foundation. “Over the past three decades the Lesio-Louna has demonstrated that orphan gorillas like Bili can be successfully rehabilitated and released, with wide-ranging benefits for wildlife, ecosystems, and people,” said Tony King of The Aspinall Foundation. “Bili has started her journey but there is so much more ahead of her, her story will continue to inspire the world for years to come.”

Partner Roles

Nigeria Customs Service Special Wildlife Office: Provided security, regulatory and local operational support in Nigeria.
Nigeria Ministry of Environment: Issued CITES permits for earlier DNA testing to determine origin and for re-export to Congo. Participated in send-off in Lagos.
Ministry of Forest Economy, Republic of the Congo: Governmental support and regulatory lead in Congo.
Focused Conservation: Rescue partner in Nigeria and operational conservation lead. Through its Technical Advisor, Focused Conservation provided in-country law enforcement technical support in partnership with the Nigerian Customs Service Special Wildlife Office on behalf of the U.S. Government.
The Aspinall Foundation: International facilitation and long-term gorilla reintroduction partner in Congo.
Pandrillus Foundation: Bili’s recovery from Lagos in 2023, veterinary screening, DNA testing rehabilitation and care for 3 years in Calabar, and road-transfer coordinator back to Lagos.
Jane Goodall Institute Republic of the Congo: Receiving organization responsible for veterinary oversight during Bili’s transfer to the Tchimpounga sanctuary.
The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife: Convening conservation, government, law enforcement and logistics partners to strengthen collaboration and disrupt wildlife trafficking networks.

About the Jane Goodall Institute

The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) is a global conservation organization founded in 1977 that advances Dr. Jane Goodall’s legacy in 30 offices around the world. The Jane Goodall Institute continues Jane’s vision of inspiring hope and transforming it into action through science driven, technology enabled programs focused on wildlife research and rehabilitation, community-led conservation, and youth engagement. Through the youth program Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, now active in 75 countries and counting, JGI is creating a movement of compassionate people who uphold its mission to create a better world for people, other animals, and our shared environment.