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The Fernan-Vaz Gorilla Project (FVGP) was initiated in
2001 under the auspices of Opération Loango (now
Africa's Eden). The global objective of Africa's Eden is to develop responsible
tourism that can finance gorilla conservation and local development
in Gabon.
The sanctuary: when it first started PGFV aimed at improving
the quality of life of gorillas who had been victims of the bush meat crisis,
and who
thereafter had lived in a research centre. Since they could not be reintroduced
to their natural environment, these gorillas were transferred into a semi-natural
environment, with an electrified fence, in the Fernan-Vaz area. Mabeke,
an impressive Silverback born in1979, is an important ambassador for the
sensitisation of visitors on the bush meat phenomenon. The western lowland
gorillas, as well as all the big primates in the world, are currently endangered
because of the diminution of their natural habitat, commercial hunting,
emerging diseases, political instability in some African countries and
illegal live animal trade.
The Rehabilitation Centre: as well as the sanctuary which
is accessible to visitors, PGFV has set up a Rehabilitation Centre (RC)
since the end
of 2006. The RC's objective
is to rehabilitate baby gorillas victim of the
illegal live animal trade and which had been legally confiscated by Gabonese
authorities. We hope that these orphans in rehabilitation
phase will one day be reintroduced in their natural habitat. To avoid transmission
of diseases, stress (gorillas are discrete and shy animals)
and the risk of them getting used to human beings, no touristic activity
can be carried out with these gorillas.
On the other hand, we will be pleased to inform you on the development
of the programme and the latest news concerning these baby gorillas that
spend
their days free in the forest.
Formerly under the management of Opération Loango, PGFV
is now independent and hopes to soon become a Gabonese association under
the emblem
of the Société de
Conservation et du Développement (SCD). Visiting hours are regulated
and limited in time. Any visit must be booked at least 24 hours in advanced.
We will then be happy to welcome you and to show you around the sanctuary.
You will be given an educational tour and a guide will assist you during
your visit. The ultimate objective of PGFV is to help diminish or stop
bush
meat and live animals trade of which the great primates are victims. In
view of this objective, PGFV goes out of its way to give you an educational
experience on the conservation of gorillas.
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Photo : A. Avaro | 
Tel/Fax: (241) 54 00 23
Tel/Fax: (241) 54 01 50
Cel.: (241) 07 58 32 75
E-mail:
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