Gorilla Bili, Rescued From Traffickers in Nigeria as a Baby, Is Flown Home to Congo

Bili, a female gorilla that Nigerian customs officers rescued from wildlife traffickers as a baby in August 2023, has been flown home to the Republic of Congo, according to Authority NGR. The Nigeria Customs Service calls it its first international full-cycle wildlife operation: interception, rescue, rehabilitation and safe return.

Three years of care in Calabar, then a DNA test

After her rescue, Bili was placed with the Pandrillus Foundation in Calabar, which rehabilitated her from August 2023 until September 2026. A DNA test confirmed that she came from the Republic of Congo, and officials arranged her return there.

A free flight, a caregiver and a vet

Between September 22 and 28, 2026, Bili traveled from Calabar to Lagos and was then airlifted to Congo by DHL at no cost, accompanied by a caregiver and a veterinary doctor. She was taken to the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve in the Kouilou department near Pointe-Noire, where she continues her rehabilitation. Nigeria's CITES Management Authority, under the Federal Ministry of Environment, supported the operation.

Gorillas are listed under Appendix I of CITES, the highest level of protection for species threatened with extinction. Customs Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi said the operation “demonstrates that Nigeria is not only enforcing its borders but also safeguarding the future” in the fight against wildlife trafficking.

Part of a wider crackdown on wildlife trafficking

According to Vanguard, Customs made 22 wildlife seizures between January and September 2026, rescuing 699 live animals and arresting 11 suspects. The seized items included pangolin scales, elephant tusks and worked ivory, and in September alone officers recovered 440 African mud turtles and 90 ostrich chicks.