In June 2001, Batek’s mother was killed by a poacher and he himself was wounded by the bullets. A Reverend Sister nurse rescued him and she treated his wounds in a local hospital. In August 2001, she transferred the gorilla to the Bishop’s house in Batouri where he was kept in a small cage behind the house. Selma Forotti, a Dutch traveller, persuaded the Bishop to release Batek into the care of LWC. With the help of an oil company contractor and accompanied by LWC staff , Batek was flown out of Bertoua. Since his arrival Batek has been a very happy and playful gorilla. He is great friends with the dominant male Chella.