CONSERV CONGO SWOOPS ON A MAJOR WILDLIFE DETENTION CENTRE IN THE HEART OF KINSHASA. Date: November 6th 2021
In a heated sting operation last night, Conserv Congo team pounced on a yard considered to be a transiting point for wildlife meant to be exported to other countries.
The compound found in a hotspot of the city of Kinshasa came to our attention after images of a baby chimp posing with local tourists surfaced on facebook.
Investigations led us to the actual compound, which is also used a drug den.
The following rescued animals were rescued from the compound , and in the process: a female chimp, a male baboon, grey parrots and a python were rescued.
The caretaker of the place was arrested and the animals were all confiscated, waiting to be placed in a place of safety, in sanctuaries.
The DRC is still one of the major sources and transiting points for wildlife trafficking here Africa and Conserv Congo is one of the few organizations in central Africa and the Congo, fighting the scourge of the illicit wildlife business at the frontlines.
The 30 year old male caretaker said that he was looking after the animals under the instruction of a army colonel, not identified as yet.
Phone calls from various would be administrative and military officials poured in during the raid , led by the Kinshasa central police and Conserv Congo team.
The calls were part of the trafficking of influence to put pressure on the police to turn a blind eye on a serious crime such as this.
The situation was so tense that it took 12 hours for the mission to be completed and subsequent arrest to be executed in the early hours of the morning.
All the species rescued are protected both nationally and internationally, by the CITES.
The suspect will appear in court within 48 hours at the Gombe magistrate court.
Adams Cassinga
Founder/CEO
Conserv Congo
+243970440110