Fernan-Vaz Gorilla project

Come learn about western lowland gorillas, discover what the bush meat trade is and learn more about conservation through responsible tourism.

Project Background

The Fernan-Vaz Gorilla Project (FVGP) was initiated in the year 2000 with the vision of ‘tourism pays for conservation’. The initial aim was to improve the quality of life of 4 gorillas then living in a research facility at the “Centre International de Recherche Medical” in Franceville, Gabon (CIRMF).

Fernan-Vaz Gorilla Sanctuary

Though the initial goal was to transfer them onto an island where they could roam free, it soon became apparent that the life histories of these gorillas, as well as the level of adaptation required from life-long captive individuals to adjust to a larger natural area, did not allow for a full release onto the island of Evengué.

Thus, these gorillas were transferred into a semi-natural electrified enclosure, hence the Fernan-Vaz Gorilla Sanctuary. Reintroduction of these gorillas is not possible since they have lost their critical survival skills and have become completely habituated and dependant on humans for their survival.

However, they play a very important and special role as conservation ambassadors. Through education and responsible tourism, FVGP hopes to contribute to raising global awareness on the on-going bush meat crisis that is leading to the disappearance of all Great Ape species in the wild.

Fernan-Vaz Gorilla rehabilitation & reintroduction programme

The PGFV Rehabilitation Centre was initiated in late 2006 and consists of a quarantine facility at Mpando (the PGFV base camp) and of Oriquet Island.

More information on the Projet Gorille Fernan-Vaz website