Bouenza authorities arrest couple for illegal mandrill possession

A couple was arrested in Nkayi, within the Bouenza department of Congo-Brazzaville, for the illegal detention and attempted sale of a baby mandrill. The arrest, which occurred on October 23, was a joint operation involving gendarmerie units from Madingou and Nkayi, the departmental directorate of Forest Economy, and technical support from the Wildlife Law Enforcement Support Project (PALF).

Investigations suggest the couple purchased the primate from poachers in January and kept the animal in captivity at their home for several months. The mandrill, which is over a year old, reportedly suffered mistreatment and exposure to the sun during its captivity. The species is fully protected under Congolese law.

The rescued mandrill has been transferred to the Tchimpounga sanctuary, managed by the Jane Goodall Institute, to receive medical care with the eventual goal of returning it to its natural habitat. The suspects face charges of illegal detention, transportation, and attempted commercialization of a protected species. Under Law No. 37/2008, they could face up to five years in prison and fines of up to five million CFA francs.