DR Congo conservationist wins award for gorilla protection
Jackson Kabuyaya Mbeke received the 2026 Carole Noon Award for his work with Grauer's gorillas in North Kivu.
Jackson Kabuyaya Mbeke, director of the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE), received the 2026 Carole Noon Award from the World Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). The award was presented on October 30th, recognizing his dedication to protecting and rehabilitating Grauer's gorillas in Lubero territory, North Kivu.
This honor highlights conservation efforts for the Grauer's gorilla, an Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo endemic species and one of the world's most endangered primates. Kabuyaya Mbeke leads GRACE, caring for gorillas affected by poaching and other wildlife threats.
Kabuyaya Mbeke credited his teams and local communities for their support, stating the award could help secure necessary funding for GRACE's projects. The GRACE center, located in the Batangi chiefdom, has been working for nearly 20 years to protect these gorillas.
Why it mattersThe award could help GRACE secure funding for its projects protecting endangered Grauer's gorillas.