Breaking! Conserv Congo Rescues Baby Chimp In The DRC Resulting In Two Wildlife Traffickers Behind Bars

Conserv Congo carried out a sting operation this week where they rescued a baby chimpanzee from two wildlife traffickers on the outskirts of Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The operation was spearheaded by Conserv Congo and the Kinshasa Central Police, with the support of the Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Sustainable Development, under the leadership of Claude Nyamugabo.

The traffickers were intercepted on a highway to Bandundu, where the transaction was planning to take place. Thankfully, the team was able to rescue the baby chimpanzee that was being sold for $2,500 USD. The rescued female chimp was no more than three months old.

Prior to the interception, Conserv Congo had been investigating the traffickers for over two years and discovered they are one of the leading trafficking gangs of great apes in Kinshasa. Sadly, 11 baby apes were sold in that period of time.

“It has been over five years that we have been highlighting the scourge of wildlife trafficking and particularly that of great apes in the country and region. What you see and hear is just the tip of the iceberg. On the ground, what we witness on a daily basis is macabre,” Adams Cassinga, Founder of Conserv Congo told WAN, further sharing that Conserv Congo will continue to bring in their small contributions in order to change the status quo.

Claude Nyamugabo, The National Minister for Environmental Affairs, must be held to his word when he stated, “traffickers of great apes shall get an exemplary punishment.” They should receive nothing but the harshest punishment from the prosecuting authority.

This comes at a crucial time where Conserv Congo is still entangled in a matter involving 29 other primates that were intercepted by the Zimbabwean authorities en route to South Africa.

“We shall continue to protect these voiceless beings as stated in our manifesto until wildlife crimes become a thing of the past,” continued Cassinger.

By donating to Conserv Congo, you will not only help them continue their work to protect wildlife, you will also be helping them to ensure the welfare and safety of the newly rescued baby chimpanzee until she makes her way to an accredited sanctuary. DONATE HERE!

You can help all animals and our planet by choosing compassion on your plate and in your glass. #GoVeg