3.12 Virtual Field Trip: A Visit to GRACE

Image Credit: GRACE Gorilla Sanctuary & Andrew Bernard

A. Visting Grace

Now we’re going to visit GRACE – a center in the Congo that supports orphaned Grauer’s gorillas. Grauer’s gorillas are a subspecies, or kind of eastern gorilla. GRACE is the only center in the world focused only on helping Grauer’s gorillas. 

When mother gorillas are killed or die, GRACE steps in to help their babies who are left behind. They care for these special Grauer’s gorillas and help them learn to live in the wild. Someday, the orphans at GRACE might be released back into the wild.

Directions: We can learn a lot from pictures. Here’s a short introduction to GRACE. As you watch, think about these questions:

  1. What is it like at GRACE?
  2. How does the community feel about the gorillas at the center? How do you know?

Video Credit: Ground Media & GRACE Gorilla Sanctuary

B. Meet Jackson: GRACE Director

GRACE is run by many dedicated staff members who care for the gorillas every day. Jackson Mbeke is the director of GRACE, and he’s in charge of running the center. He ensures that all the gorillas have what they need, works closely with the community, and supports his team. 

 

Did You Know? Jackson speaks five languages: French, English, Kiswahili, Kinande, Lingala, and is learning Kinyarwanda. Jackson learned English so that he could work with other conservationists who only speak English.  

Think About: What do they do at GRACE to help gorillas? 

C. Find GRACE

Directions: GRACE is located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, also known as the DRC. Find the DRC on the map. 

Find The Democratic Republic of the Congo

Directions: Hover over the different blue parts of the map to find the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Find GRACE in the DRC

Directions: Now, locate GRACE within the DRC. Click anywhere on the map. Then use the compass directions (north, south, east, west) to guide you.

D. Explore the Center

GRACE is home to 14 gorillas. Let’s find out what it’s like for the gorillas who live at GRACE. 

Your home might have a kitchen, a living area, a bedroom, a bathroom, and an outdoor space. If you live in a city, the outdoors might be a local park. If you live outside the city, you may live near large fields or have a yard. Well, GRACE also has special areas, but they aren’t bedrooms and living rooms for people; they are designated areas for caring for gorillas. Check out the map of GRACE below.

Directions: How is GRACE similar to or different from a home for people? 

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