Forestr y ’ Wildlife: Minister Reviews Conservation Challenges

The assurance was given during a three-day working visit to the region from June 10 to 12, 2026. The visit enabled the Minister to meet with forestry officials, wildlife conservation partners and managers of protected areas to assess the state of the sector and identify measures aimed at improving conservation efforts. One of the major concerns brought to the Minister’s attention was the growing population of drills at the Limbe Zoological Garden. The facility currently hosts 63 drills in an enclosure that conservation experts consider inadequate for the animals’ increasing numbers. The situation has resulted in frequent conflicts among the animals and the degradation of vegetation within the enclosure. According to the Conservator of the Limbe Zoological Garden, Dr. Hans Ettagbor, the overcrowding has become a significant welfare concern. He explained that management has been compelled to regulate reproduction among the drills as a temporary measure to prevent further pressure on the facility. During a guided tour of the zoological garden, Minister Jules Doret Ndongo assessed the situation and held discussions with conservation stakeholders on possible short-term and longterm solutions aimed at improving conditions for the animals while supporting ongoing conservation efforts. Beyond the challenges observed at the zoological garden, forestry authorities highlighted difficulties affecting the effective management of forest and wildlife resources across the South West Region. The Region...