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Protecting the Mountain Gorillas of Virunga
2 Months On - the Orphan Baby Mountain Gorillas are Thriving
This is the most recent video of Ndeze and Ndaksi - the 2 orphan baby mountain gorillas - in their new home, the Senkwekwe Centre. It is now 2 months since they moved to their forest abode, away from the grime and noise of the city of Goma. The transfer went smoothly, as you all know, and the first 2 months have also gone without any major incident. In short, Ndeze and Ndakasi’s adaptation to their new surroundings has been easy.
This may take some time...
Andre and the other carers always have a camera that shoots video and stills, so there is ample documentation of Ndeze and Ndakasi’s new life. You can also see the climbing structure within the enclosure (that Andre has not quite finished but will have soon!). It is remarkable how the gorilla orphans have already destroyed a lot of the vegetation in the enclosure. We look forward to extending the enclosure… starting in March!
More coming soon on the Senkwekwe Centre…
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8 Responses to “2 Months On - the Orphan Baby Mountain Gorillas are Thriving”
Thanks for the update, they are looking great, and growing!
I was wondering if the caretakers and/or vets saw any signs of distress or negative health impacts during their stay in Goma, and if that has improved since the move.
I was also curious about the construction of ICCN facilities and the schools. I know the area is highly active for earthquakes, and previous tremors have hurt communities such as Bukavu and others in the recent past. Are there resources to construct to withstand these earthquakes? I would hate for the region to suffer any further tragedies, but understand the limits and demands of working in the area.
So great to see them again. Thank you!!
Hi Jim. The main sign of distress I believe has been Ndakasi’s hair discoloration. Her coat has a slightly auburn tinge to it. This is now starting to change and become black. In addition, the gorilla orphans generally have been healthier - they certainly suffered more from respiratory problems in Goma than they do in Rumangabo, where of course the air is cooler and cleaner.
To answer your other question, there are of course earthquakes in this neck of the woods. In general we at ICCN aim to build solid structures with up to 1 meter of foundations. We are of course limited in the resources available, so we do not have access to any special building supplies that would protect buildings further from earthquakes. But one important thing is that we do not generally build more than one storey.
The gorillas playing in a natural setting- what a great sight to see. Congrats Samantha and everyone else who was involved in getting them out of dusty Goma. Hopefully one day they will be joined by the other orphans across the border… P.
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve watched this video. And every single time it gives me such a feeling of elation. They seem to truly be thriving in their “jungle gym.”
I have noticed that Ndakasi is browner than Ndeze (it has helped me tell them apart!) but did not realize this could be due to stress. Poor girl. Glad to know that that is changing. A big thank you to everyone that has helped make that change possible!
It is so heartwarming to see them playing in that beautiful foilage. This is where there are supposed to be! They even look happier with more energy. I know the caregivers of the orphans feel so much better having them in a healthier place. The video says it all.
[...] Another grips the safekeeping of her preserver and swings nous over heels with naif exuberance. The pair endeavor in daylong grass in the paint of bamboo, illustration and disorderly herb [...]
[...] Another grips the hands of her keeper and swings head over heels with childlike exuberance. The pair play in long grass in the shade of bamboo, fig and wild banana [...]