In 2003, an infant Grauer's gorilla (also known as Eastern Lowland Gorilla) was confiscated from wildlife traffickers by Congolese wildlife authorities (ICCN). This vulnerable orphan, its family likely lost to poachers, found respite with Gorilla Doctors, who nursed it back to health.

For seven years, she and others like her waited. Then, in 2010, the GRACE (Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center) sanctuary was born - the world's only rehabilitation center for Grauer's gorillas. Gorilla orphans were carefully transported to this haven, with Gorilla Doctors monitoring their health during each transfer. GRACE stood ready to accept any new orphans confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade, with capacity and space to care for up to 30 gorillas at any given time.

The orphans grew into healthy adults under the watchful eyes of GRACE caregivers, the local community, and Gorilla Doctors annual health exams. Through it all, GRACE held onto their founding vision – to someday see these orphans returned to the wild…