Concerns Over the Relocation of Juvenile Chimpanzees in the DRC: A Critical Look

 

Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Centre. (n.d.). Chimpanzees at the Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Centre. Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Centre.


A recent decision by the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN) to relocate 12 juvenile chimpanzees from the Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Centre (CRPL) to the Kinshasa Zoological Garden has raised concerns within the primate conservation community (Raman 2025). While the zoo claims it can provide adequate care, many argue that the move undermines the core principles of rehabilitation. Rehabilitation centers like CRPL focus on preparing primates for reintroduction into their natural habitats, something a zoo may not be equipped to do (Balmford & Whitten, 2021).

Furthermore, the timing of the move, amidst the instability caused by ongoing conflicts in eastern DRC, raises questions about the safety and long-term welfare of the animals. The move seems more about centralizing control than addressing the needs of the animals themselves (Robinson, 2023). With the Kinshasa Zoo's history of poor animal welfare practices, the decision appears to prioritize institutional goals over the chimpanzees' well-being (Jones et al., 2022).

In my opinion, this is a misstep in primate conservation. Rather than moving these rehabilitated animals into a zoo, which lacks the proper environment for their rehabilitation, the focus should be on improving and supporting sanctuaries that prioritize rewilding efforts. Why not invest in these centers, ensuring they are well-equipped to provide the best care and potential for reintroduction into the wild?


References:

Balmford, A., & Whitten, T. (2021). Primate conservation in a changing world. Biological Conservation, 255, 108887. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2021.108887

Jones, L., Roberts, J., & Davies, R. (2022). Rehabilitation versus captivity: The ethics of wildlife care in zoos. Conservation Biology, 36(1), 30-41. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.13674

Robinson, L. (2023). Political instability and conservation efforts in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Environmental Politics, 32(3), 452-468. https://doi.org/10.1080/09644016.2023.2034971

Raman, S. (2025, February 21). DRC government directive triggers panic in ape sanctuaries amid ongoing conflict. Africa News. https://www.africanews.com/article/ape-sanctuary-crisis-drc-directive

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