This morning the team tracking the Munyaga Group was at the gorillas’ nest site when they heard in the distance two silverbacks fighting, screeching and breaking branches. The team, including Rangers Yaya Mburanumwe and Martin Kazerezi, followed the tracks in the direction of the noise.
They soon found fresh blood on the forest floor:
By the time the Rangers arrived on the scene, they found that the gorillas had calmed down and were all accounted for. However they found Kadogo looking sorry for himself with several injuries.
He had a couple of scratches on the top of his head (as you can see he is bald)
But it was bite wounds on both of his feet that were bleeding the most and bothering him. Kadogo spent a lot of time licking his wounds and cleaning his feet. It doesn’t look too bad, although we will of course be keeping a close eye on him over the next couple of days.
Kadogo looking a bit dejected
These scars come with the dangerous job of being a silverback mountain gorilla. Yaya tells me that he thinks that Kadogo may have made a move on the group’s only female (Bilali), which the alpha silverback Mawazo did not appreciate. Looks like Mawazo gave Kadogo a bit of a lesson to put him in his place.
The Rangers were relieved that at least baby Kakule was not injured in the fight.
Bilali and Mawazo stay close to each other while eating
Today’s drama all happened in area of forest number 60, which has been sponsored by Danny McLewin since May 14. Thank you Danny! To sponsor you own area of mountain gorilla habitat, please go to Protect The Park.
7 Responses to “Fight Between Silverbacks Kadogo and Mawazo”
Thank goodness Kakule wasn’t injured! I imagine Mawazo will protect his only female ferociously, especially with an infant in her arms. I am also glad Kadogo wasn’t injured too badly. Thank you for keeping us informed and protecting these precious gorillas.
Boys, boys, boys… ! Thanks for the report, for keeping an eye on the wounded and for the tip about sponsoring a section of the park!
[...] Protect the Park Log in or Join now « Fight Between Silverbacks Kadogo and Mawazo [...]
I feel blessed to be able to get such intimate details about the daily lives of these wonderful creatures. Thanks
Poor Kadogo! He looks so chargined in the one picture. I’m glad the baby wasn’t hurt! These beautiful apes need protection, and bless the people who work so hard to keep them safe.
Kadogo in the news:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1203223/Crowning-glory-Worlds-bald-gorilla-king-jungle.html
[...] morning I went to see the Munyaga group to check up on Kadogo who was injured in a fight with Mawazo [...]