Conservation Blog

The day starts quickly as we rush about readying ourselves for one of the most important events of this expedition! It is only a 10 minute walk to the Wildlife Centre, but we need a truck for all our equipment and art materials. When we arrive, there is already a small group of our workshop artists there. They are excited about their day in the spotlight, and passionate about saving the Cross River Gorillas and their habitat.

All the artists are gathered to the front of a gateway which looks into a primate’s compound. This is a firsthand opportunity to see the primates who have just been released into their grounds. For many of the artists, this is their first time ever to see a gorilla or chimpanzee!

Everyone has been forewarned that the primates may come charging toward the fence and to please stay a reasonable distance from this electrically charged fence.  And, if anyone so much as has a cold or transmittable sickness, not go near the animals as they are very susceptible to human illnesses.

The mediums used by some artists consisted of white glue mixed with basic colours, and strings, dirt, sand, sticks, ripped up cardboard, or any natural resource to create an individual, special piece of workmanship. It was very interesting to see these gorgeous displays of work.  Everyone stuck to the theme in creating pictures of the “Cross River Gorilla".  This was truly giving a boost to an incredible cause of the preservation of a fast diminishing species.

Suddenly, a deafening thunderstorm stuck with all its fury, ushering in high winds and rain. Some provincial and divisional delegates of the Ministry Of Environment And Protection Of Nature and Planning, Programming and Regional Development arrive. As if opening up to a new beginning, the News Media arrives just as the storm subsides.
The camera lights are a welcome display, as are the cameras gently poking over the artists’ shoulders.  The artists are happy knowing that their work is presented to a large audience. This is a chance to raise awareness of the need to preserve the gorillas and their habitat, as well as unique opportunity to display their beautifully composed pieces to the viewers throughout Cameroon.

It was time now for the personal interview. We explained to the press and rolling movie cameras our reasons for the Art workshop. Ginette and I are ushered over to a table where, with lights and cameras about us, we are asked a multitude of questions.  When asked:"Can’t we simply put all the remaining gorillas in a fenced in area, populate them, and then release them?", we answered "What if we would do the same with the people in this room, and then destroy their houses. Where would you go afterwards?”.

It is not only the Cross River Gorilla that we need to protect. It is also its habitat. Because where would we release the gorillas when their habitat is gone?

At the end of the day the artists packed up all their belongings. But they left their art at the Centre for the exhibition, so that other other park patrons can enjoy their artwork. It was a long day of excitement, and after taking pictures with everyone, we shake hands and part our ways. We all have a sense of great accomplishment!

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The AFC Flag Expeditions Program is a unique program established and operated by the Artists For Conservation Foundation™ (AFC), making possible the artistic field study and rendering of species or habitats deserving of greater public attention. There is a strong emphasis on the study of unique, threatened habitats, and rare or endangered species in remote parts of the world."

We are up by 7:00am, packing to leave for Limbe. Unfortunately, one of the team members is sick. There is no medical help for her here in this remote forest, so she has to be transferred out for medical attention.
 
Limbe is by the sea and in a beautiful area. The place where we are staying is in the Limbe Botanical Gardens and within walking distance to both the town and the Limbe Wildlife Center. This center is a primate rescue centre that is taking care for gorillas, chimpanzees, mandrills, drills, baboons and smaller monkeys such as guenons and mangabeys. What a wonderful environment to be in. While here, we are to observe and sketch the only captive Cross River Gorilla in the world, which is at the Limbe Wildlife Center.

 
It is very hot and humid, so the best time to explore is in the morning or late afternoon. Unfortunately, our time is limited and so we are off to visit the Wildlife Center at noon. Thankfully it begins to rain, cooling us on our walk to the Center.
 
We spend the day studying, taking notes, sketching and photographing the gorillas, in particular Nyango, the female Cross River gorilla. We very much enjoyed watching their social behavior, their feeding behavior and amazing climbing skills. Later back to our place at the ocean, we chat with Arend and Louis about past and future efforts in saving this highly endangered species. It sends shivers down my spine to even think that they may soon become extinct!
 
After dinner, as we make our way to our room we feel the evening, ocean air fresh against our warm faces. The view is breathtaking! In our little hut, the cool breeze gently blows through the window. As we listen to the distant roll of the waves, the sound lulls us into a fast sleep. Tomorrow will be another amazing day, while we conduct our long awaited "Art Workshop” and give media interviews.

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The AFC Flag Expeditions Program is a unique program established and operated by the Artists For Conservation Foundation™ (AFC), making possible the artistic field study and rendering of species or habitats deserving of greater public attention. There is a strong emphasis on the study of unique, threatened habitats, and rare or endangered species in remote parts of the world."