Pandrillus

04/05/2026

26 years ago today, the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary was signed into law by Governor Donald Duke and Commissioner for Agriculture Ekpo Okon. What an historic day for conservation and wildlife protection in Cross River State, securing the home of The Big Three - gorilla, drill and chimpanzee, and the culmination of many years' effort. We implore the Cross River State Government of today to honor their commitment and allocate sufficient funds to our partner the Cross River State Forestry Commission to carry out needed protection. Thank You! May 4th - the International Day of the Drill!

04/05/2026

4th May 2026

18/04/2026

New rescue and release!

Yesterday morning, a local farmer brought this beautiful Black-bellied Pangolin, Phataginus tetradactyla, to the sanctuary, hoping that we could check her health and provide advice.

This is, sadly, a very common occurrence. According to UNODC, pangolins are the most trafficked mammal in the world, with illegal cargo usually originating in Africa and bound for Asian markets, where their scales are used medicinally.

All the pangolin species found in Nigeria, including the Black and White-bellied and the Giant Ground Pangolins, are additionally under threat due to their high demand as bushmeat.

In the wild, the Black-bellied Pangolin is a diurnal and arboreal species, typically found in habitats dominated by palms and feeding on ants and termites.

Our young female was lucky. After receiving a clean bill of health from our vet, we were able to release her into a safe area of natural habitat.

Head to the link in bio if you want to support our rescue efforts!

16/04/2026

Did you know that female drills can play a pivotal role in deciding who the next dominant male is?

While strength does factor in to a small extent, a successful dominant male must have a social backing, specifically from the females. The female drills will watch the contest closely and may even influence it by joining one side or by standing in the middle of the fight to prevent the contest from happening (if they are happy with the current leader).

Follow for more drill facts!

11/03/2026

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/10/magazine/wildlife-trafficking-africa.html

In Nigeria, customs officers and conservationists are confronting the grim impacts of the $20 billion trade.

03/03/2026

Today is World Wildlife Day. 10 days ago was World Pangolin Day. Video on left shows who meandered thru Drill Ranch Afi camp that evening! Next day we were brought an adult female of the same species, White-bellied (or Tree) Pangolin Phataginus tricuspis. She was dehydrated but in good shape; after hours in a basin of water, she was released! Coincidence? We think not. 🙂

14/02/2026

Love betwixt consenting adults.....how the female drill bewitches her man. Happy Valentine's Day from Drill Ranch.
photo by Cyril Ruoso

25/12/2025

Happy Holidays from Drill Ranch!!

19/12/2025

Best news in Nigeria all year: Thank You, President Tinubu. Please now reinforce funding for federal and state level enforcement agencies.

"The continued export of wood and allied products undermines these benefits and threatens the long-term health of the environment."

14/12/2025

Help us help them!

05/12/2025

Thank you, Rolling Stone for this article. Here at Drill Ranch in Nigeria we currently care for 97 surviving African Grey Parrots from 4 different confiscations. Most are in bad shape; mortality is high. Last year we released 20 and hope to release these next year. Feather re-growth is very slow. Birds were never meant to be caged is the message they call out from dawn til dusk.

A yearlong investigation into the African-grey trade reveals poachers, egg smugglers, wealthy businessmen — and multitudes who want a talking bird