by Noel O’Donnell

The Pan African Sanctuary Alliance is pleased to announce the newest member to our network of wildlife centers: Parc de la Lékédi. Located in Gabon, Parc de la Lékédi is a sprawling 34,600-acre park, representing both savannah and forest habitat and home to hundreds of different species of plants and animals including gorillas, bush pigs, otters and dwarf crocodiles. The park flourishes with life and serves as a refuge to rare and threatened species.

Within the park, there is a primate sanctuary and rehabilitation center which cares for gorillas, chimpanzees and monkeys that have been orphaned and rescued from the bushmeat trade. Whenever possible, the orphans are rehabilitated and returned to the wild. If reintroduction is not possible, they join the sanctuary for lifelong care where their presence serves as a reminder to visitors of the value of protecting wild primate species. The goal of the Primate Refuge is not to collect a large group of gorillas or chimpanzees. It is to educate visitors about conservation so that these animals can remain in the wild.

Becoming a PASA member is a lengthy process that can typically take years and requires a sanctuary to meet the standards set out in PASA’s Operations Manual. Organizations applying for membership must show compliance with national and international regulations, meet strict standards of animal care and demonstrate organizational sustainability. When a member of the public visits or donates to a PASA member, they can be sure they are supporting an accredited organization. Parc de la Lékédi is the 23rd wildlife center to join the PASA family.