Heartbreaking Update: Infant Gorilla & Chimpanzee Rescued From Illegal Wildlife Trade In Nigeria Have Died
Image Credit: The Aspinall Wildlife Trust
UPDATE — September 28, 2026
In a heartbreaking development, two of the six young great apes rescued from the illegal wildlife trade in Nigeria have died despite tireless efforts to save them.
Maraya, an infant female gorilla, and Shuka, an infant female chimpanzee, were among the two gorillas and four chimpanzees rescued during Operation Traverse. Focused Conservation confirmed their deaths as the remaining four young great apes continue to receive specialized care.
The four survivors are being closely monitored as caregivers work to stabilize their health, with the goal of helping them become healthy enough to eventually travel to appropriate facilities where their recovery and rehabilitation can continue.
“The Aspinall Wildlife Trust, alongside Focused Conservation and working with Nigerian Customs, is committed to giving these animals the best possible future – with the ultimate goal of returning them to the wild when it is safe and possible to do so.”
The rescued great apes require specialized care following the trauma of being taken from the wild and trafficked. Their continued recovery requires veterinary treatment, appropriate nutrition, experienced caregivers, and other resources necessary for their rehabilitation.
WAN and Peace 4 Animals mourn the heartbreaking loss of Maraya and Shuka and are grateful to the caregivers, veterinary professionals, and organizations working to protect the four surviving young apes. We are praying for their continued recovery and for a future in which they can live safely and free from harm and exploitation.
To support the ongoing care and rehabilitation of the surviving young great apes, please consider donating to the official fundraising campaign HERE!
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Two baby gorillas and four chimpanzees are among 48 wild animals and birds recovered in Nigeria after authorities uncovered a suspected wildlife trafficking operation that led to the arrest of three individuals.
Officers with the Nigeria Customs Service Kano/Jigawa Area Command located the animals along the Kano–Daura Road at approximately 8:30 p.m. on August 25, 2026, after receiving intelligence about the suspected trafficking activity.
Nigeria Customs reported that the three men allegedly made several attempts to bribe the officers involved in the operation. The officers rejected the alleged bribes and continued with the operation, which resulted in the arrests and recovery of the wildlife.
The suspected trafficking operation involved a wide range of species, including threatened and endangered wildlife. Among those rescued were two baby gorillas, four chimpanzees, four caracals, seven red patas monkeys, two galagos, also known as bush babies, one honey badger, two albino alligators, six rock fowls, one civet, and 19 greater bustards.
The animals and the three suspects were later transferred to the Special Wildlife Office at Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters as the investigation continued.
The illegal wildlife trade continues to exploit wild animals for profit, putting vulnerable species at risk and taking animals away from the lives they deserve in the wild.
World Animal News and Peace 4 Animals applaud the officers involved in this operation for taking action to protect these precious animals from further exploitation. These baby gorillas, chimpanzees, and all wild animals deserve to live protected from harm — wild and free.
