---
title: "Makoua the Gorilla: A Symbol of Long-Term Conservation"
description: Makoua’s story follows his journey from orphaned gorilla to wild patriarch, and his recent camera trap sighting after nearly two years.
image: https://blog.aspinallfoundation.org/hubfs/TAF%20-%20Adoptions%20and%20Lottery/portrait%203000x4000.webp
---

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# The Aspinall Foundation

# Makoua the Gorilla: A Symbol of Long-Term Conservation

Posted by [The Aspinall Foundation](https://blog.aspinallfoundation.org/author/the-aspinall-foundation) on 13-Jun-2026 10:00:00

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![portrait 3000x4000](https://blog.aspinallfoundation.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TAF%20-%20Adoptions%20and%20Lottery/portrait%203000x4000.webp?width=520&height=693&name=portrait%203000x4000.webp)  
Pictured above, Makoua at the Lésio-Louna Reserve 

From orphan to patriarch   
Makoua’s life is an extraordinary example of what long-term conservation can achieve. Wild-born in northern Congo, he was rescued in April 1993 as an orphan estimated to be around 18 months old. Just over five years later, in December 1998, he was released back into the wild with the rest of his group into the Lésio-Louna Reserve. From that point on, Makoua is one of the reserve’s clearest reintroduction success stories and a powerful reminder of what dedicated gorilla conservation can achieve.

The Aspinall Foundation has managed the Lésio-Louna Reserve programme since the protected area was created in 1999, supporting a viable population of Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas while also helping to protect the reserve’s wider biodiversity. Makoua went on to play a major role in that success. In April 2004, he sired the first baby ever born to reintroduced gorillas, and over the years he led a group that grew into a large and thriving family network. By the 2010s, his “super-group” had expanded to more than 20 gorillas, reaching around 30 animals at its height.

Although Makoua later lost females to younger males and eventually disappeared from the project’s main monitoring area, his story did not end there. In October 2025, he was filmed again by camera trap, alive and well after nearly two years with no reported sightings. The footage showed no obvious injuries or concerns, offering a powerful reminder that Makoua remains one of the reserve’s most important gorillas and a lasting symbol of decades of conservation work.

Captured above, Makoua caught on camera trap footage after 2 years without a sighting. 

Makoua’s story is one of survival, freedom and the lasting impact of long-term conservation. From an orphaned gorilla given a second chance to a wild patriarch leading future generations, his journey shows what is possible when endangered animals are protected.

Donate today to help protect Critically Endangered gorillas and support the conservation work that gives them the chance to thrive in the wild.

[![Help us save gorillas in Congo & Gabon >>](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2756589/d9646a00-af74-481a-926f-e6b055a7c25f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2756589/d9646a00-af74-481a-926f-e6b055a7c25f)

 Topics: [Conservation](https://blog.aspinallfoundation.org/topic/conservation), [Gorillas](https://blog.aspinallfoundation.org/topic/gorillas), [Congo](https://blog.aspinallfoundation.org/topic/congo), [Gabon](https://blog.aspinallfoundation.org/topic/gabon), [Lésio Louna](https://blog.aspinallfoundation.org/topic/lésio-louna)

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