Trekking into the Congo on an unforgettable adventure

The Goualougo Triangle Ape Project (GTAP) is a source of hope for gorillas and chimpanzees in the Congo Basin. Nestled in the heart of Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, this initiative is redefining conservation. Founded in 1999 to protect the pristine Central African rainforests from logging, today it stands as a testament to the power of science-driven conservation. Zoo Atlanta has proudly supported this important mission to preserve the Congo Basin and its wildlife through our Mabel Dorn Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund.

GTAP has been involved in several meaningful conservation efforts, including:

• Behavioral studies: They conduct daily monitoring of gorillas and chimpanzees to help understand their behavior, social structures, feeding habits, tool use, and more. These findings help shape conservation policies.
• Health monitoring: Continuous observation helps identify health risks and helps to keep populations healthy.
• Forest conservation: Botanical plots in both logged and unlogged areas assess the impact of human activity on forest ecosystems.
• Community engagement: GTAP collaborates with local indigenous communities to promote a sustainable coexistence.
• Technology: Remote field cameras and digital data collection are used to monitor biodiversity and document the apes’ lives, providing insights into ape culture and the forest.

These efforts not only protect the apes, but entire ecosystems! Despite many challenges, the passion and dedication of the researchers, trackers, and local communities really shows, reaffirming GTAP’s critical role and on the ground impact.

In April 2025, through our Mickelberg Field Conservation Grant, I joined Dave Morgan of Congo-Apes on a several week deep trek into the Congo. We covered over 70 miles of rainforest terrain, from the Goualougo Triangle to the Mondika research sites. Nothing compares to seeing western lowland gorillas in the wild for the very first time! Some of my highlights include close encounters with silverbacks like Loya and playful juveniles like Baba. I got to see rare observations from termite feasts, to a lone male attempting to engage with an unfamiliar gorilla group, to the forming of a bachelor group, to truffle-hunting. Each day brought new discoveries!  Wildlife was everywhere, including a few close calls with forest elephants that tested my running endurance! Tracking gorillas, collecting data, speaking to local communities – these were just a few of the unforgettable experiences that shaped my time in Congo.

For over 25 years, I’ve cared for these incredible animals, learning their behaviors, advocating for their conservation, and forming deep connections with them. To witness them thriving in their natural habitat was beyond special. It was emotional, inspiring, and truly unforgettable. Sharing this journey with Dave and some incredible friends: learning, laughing, and making new friends along the way, this experience was pure magic. The sights, the sounds, the moments … there is truly no place like this.  This fieldwork adventure pushed me, but it also opened my heart to the friendships that made it all unforgettable and Congo-Apes, seeing firsthand the impact of Zoo Atlanta’s support. They work tirelessly to monitor and protect the forest habitat, creating a safe place for gorillas and so many other wildlife to live. From gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, hoofstock and other mammals to birds, reptiles, and countless insects. Even the trees! It’s amazing to witness the difference these funds are making!

Jodi Carrigan
Curator of Primates