Gorilla Killers

Michel Lulo

Primate Conservation

March 9, 2025


Gorilla Killers

The cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli) is considered one of the most endangered primate species on the planet. Image by user Julielangford via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Image by Julie Langford


The recent Mongabay piece on Nigeria’s gorilla hunters by Orji Sunday reveals a complex relationship between cultural taboos, economic pressures, and illegal trade. At its heart are individuals like Dauda, who confessed to killing his first gorilla for desperately needed tuition money and went on to hunt more than ten before his conscience, and community rituals, finally made him stop. Other hunters speak of intense fear when first approaching a wounded ape, haunted by its human-like appearance and the spiritual condemnation that follows breaking centuries-old taboos. Still, the lure of fast cash from traffickers and traditional medicine practitioners can overshadow cultural prohibitions, while corrupt officials accept bribes to look the other way.


Image by Orji Sunday

Despite longstanding beliefs that once discouraged harming these animals, the promise of quick income has enticed some hunters to risk spiritual condemnation. It’s clear from the investigation that crackdowns alone are not enough. Bribery among officials and cross-border trafficking networks suggest a need for deeper, community-based solutions.

Reflecting on the Bergert reading about Lake Imiria, I see parallels in how local perspectives can be sidelined, leading to resentment and resistance. Locals, whether it be indigenous populations or Nigerian citizens should be treated with respect for their way of life, their hold over their land, and their need to use certain resources to fulfill their basic needs. Without meaningful collaboration, protective measures may inadvertently push communities away from conservation goals. On the other hand, Naughton-Treves’ study of Kibale National Park presents a more balanced strategy, where local people can still gather essential resources and participate in decision-making. By providing tangible benefits or simply compromising with locals and respecting their rights and basic needs, authorities can cultivate genuine collaboration with locals rather than mere compliance. In addition, for conservation to go beyond imposing rules in this scenario, it should embrace the knowledge of local hunters, elders, and traditional healers. To prevent Nigerians involved in the killing of Gorillas we need to understand why they are involved and we need to present them with alternatives to this way of life. While the challenges surrounding gorilla hunting in Nigeria are immense, the Mongabay article highlights an opportunity. Inclusive conservation tactics can harness cultural beliefs and community pressure as part of the solution to prevent the hunting of Gorillas.

References:

Sunday, O. (2019, May 15). What is magic without ape parts? Inside the illicit trade devastating Nigeria’s apes. Mongabay. https://news.mongabay.com/2019/05/what-is-magic-without-ape-parts-inside-the-illicit-trade-devastating-nigerias-apes/

Sunday, O. (2025, February 27). ‘Some people will die’: Conversations with Nigeria’s gorilla hunters. Mongabay. https://news.mongabay.com/2025/02/some-people-will-die-conversations-with-nigerias-gorilla-hunters/

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