Earlier this month, MWA joined forces with various conservation partners and government agencies to rescue an infant gorilla from the illegal wildlife trade. This young gorilla, affectionately named "Mozambique" or Zizi, was found in the hands of traffickers who intended to sell her as a pet overseas.
MWA, working closely with ANAC and law enforcement authorities, swiftly confiscated Zizi and provided immediate care. Given the lack of a primate sanctuary in Mozambique, PASA (Pan African Sanctuary Alliance) facilitated the involvement of Dr. Rebeca Atencia from the Jane Goodall Institute in the Republic of Congo. Dr. Atencia, along with Dr. Isabel Almeida from MWA, coordinated a complex transfer of Zizi across three African countries.
Thanks to the collective efforts of MWA, ANAC, Kissama Foundation, TAAG Angola Airlines, and several government bodies from Mozambique, Angola, and the Republic of the Congo, Zizi was safely transported to the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center. Here, under the expert care of Tchimpounga’s staff, she's receiving the specialized rehabilitative care she needs to thrive.
We are incredibly grateful for the collaborative effort that made this rescue possible. Special thanks go to the Jane Goodall Institute, the governments of Mozambique, Angola, and the Republic of Congo, PASA (Pan African Sanctuary Alliance , and the Ivan Carter Wildlife Alliance for their vital support.
Zizi’s journey from a vulnerable victim of wildlife trafficking to a safe and nurturing environment underscores the importance of international cooperation in wildlife conservation. Her story is a testament to the collective dedication and effort of many organizations and individuals committed to protecting our planet's precious wildlife.
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