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Maisha, the eldest orphan, receives a genito-urinary ultrasound scan from Dr. Dawn Zimmerman.

In addition to checking the health of the habituated mountain gorilla families, Gorilla Doctors Mike Cranfield, Eddy Syaluha, Dawn Zimmerman and Martin Kabuyaya paid the Senkwekwe Orphan Gorilla Center a visit to give Maisha, Ndeze, and Ndakasi their comprehensive annual physical examinations. Each of the orphans were put under general anesthesia for their exam and each had blood work done, fecal testing, ultrasounds, and immunizations. In general, all were found to be in good health, but some minor issues were noted.

Dr. Eddy and Andre team up to get the weight of each orphan. This is important for tracking general health, but also critically important for determining the dosage of drugs to be given (which is based on mg/kg).

Maisha’s pale gums - something all three orphans had in common.

Drs. Eddy and Martin prepare blood work vials, as Dr. Dawn appears to be melting into the wall.

The gums of all three were found to be somewhat pale, which led the vets to believe the orphans are slightly anemic. Andre Bauma and his team will start giving the orphans multivitamins with minerals to prevent regenerative anemia. They will also add more protein to their diet.

Another issue that surfaced was the presence of Strongyloide eggs in the fecal samples of eleven year-old Maisha and six year-old Ndezi. Strongyloids are tiny round worms that live in soil and can be passed hand to mouth or even pass through the skin. Strongyloides lay their eggs in the intestinal lining of their hosts. If left untreated, these infections can become chronic and lead to severe diarrhea, anemia, and even death. To prevent this, each of the gorillas was put on deworming medicine and follow-up fecal samples will be taken to ensure no parasites remain.

A Strongyloide like what was found to be living in the intestines of Maisha and Ndakasi (image courtesy of Parasites & Vectors).

Ndezi was also found to have slightly enlarged inguinal lymph nodes, but nothing else in her exam led the Gorilla Doctors to believe it was anything other than transient swelling. Do you know where your inguinal nodes are located? In exactly the same place as Ndezi’s - right next to your femoral artery where your inner thigh meets your torso.

Sweet Ndeze sleeping off her Ketamine cocktail

The last order of business for Maisha, Ndezi, and Ndakasi was to have punch biopsies taken and receive their vaccinations for rabies and TB. Punch biopsies are essentially a 3-4 mm diameter core sample of skin. If you remember the recent post about the health check on the blackback at Tshiaberimu, he had a punch biopsy as well. Punch biopsies are one of the best ways to diagnose skin disorders.

Dr. Dawn taking a punch biopsy from Maisha’s arm

After having been put under anesthesia, punch biopsied, and given shots, the gorilla orphans were probably happy to see the doctors go and be able to return to the friendly embrace of their caregivers. That’s not to say the Docs don’t love the orphans, it’s just a tough love.

On May 5th, my fellow rangers and I went to check on the Rugendo family. The entire group was found to be doing well, but terrible weather prevented me from getting pictures of anyone other than silverback Kongomani. Those pictures came out quite well, so I thought I would share them with you. I think you will agree that Kongomani is an impressive silverback.

Silverback Mapuwa.

At the end of April, my fellow rangers and I went to check on the Mapuwa mountain gorilla family near Jomba. Don’t let the photos fool you, it was one of the wetter days that I can remember. Mapuwa has been the leader of this group for many years, but over the last year, silverback Nvuyekure has been provoking one fight after another with him and now appears to be in control. Before I tell you about our visit, I would like to give you a little history about Mapuwa and eastern Congo back when he first set out to create a family of his own.

Mapuwa is the son of Rugendo and the brother of Humba. He left the Rugendo family back in 1998. Being a solitary mountain gorilla is hard enough, but Mapuwa became one at the height of the ADLF war or Second Congo War. Heavy combat between the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo-Zaïre (ADLF) and the forces of Rally for Congolese Democracy (RCD) destabilized the region, including Virunga National Park. Despite all the bloodshed and refugee crisis created by the conflict, Mapuwa not only remained alive, he succeeded in forming a small family with two females.

Blackback Gourba was found in the company of Mapuwa during our visit

Mapuwa built his family quickly. By December 2000, his group had grown to seven and a year later it was up to nine. The Mapuwa family of today consists of 18 members: two silverbacks (Mapuwa and Nvuyekure), one blackback (Mambo), five adult females (Kanepo, Kagofero, Jicho, Bitangi and Bikenge), four sub-adults (Gourba, Sebagabo, Dunia and Sebutimbiri), one juvenile (Buzara), and five babies (Wathaut, Udongo, Vilavu, Semiteja, and Palumate).

Getting back to our visit, we had a long and muddy hike in to see the group. I am used to these conditions, but the weather that day was worse than “normal”. At times like these, we rangers are especially grateful for those of you who have donated money for equipment, such us rubber boots and rain coats. We found the Mapuwa family divided into two groups. One group consisted of silverback Mapuwa, blackbacks Gourba and Mambo, and all the sub-adults.

Silverback Nvuyekure

The other group was centered around silverback Nvuyekure, who had all five females and their babies with him. So far, Mapuwa is content to remain with the group and Nvuyekure is tolerating his presence. Most likely, though, the group will eventually split like the Kabirizi group did recently.

Adult female Bikenge and her baby Palumate

Adult female Bitangi and her baby Semiteja

Adult female Jicho’s baby, Vilavu

Although we didn’t get photos of Kanepo, Kagofero, Dunia, Sebutimbiri, Wairongo and Udongo, we did find them. Given the rain that day, I am surprised we managed to get as many photos as we did.

Baby Kagera looking much better.

Recently, Gorilla Doctors Eddy Syaluha and Martin Kabuyaya headed into the Mikeno sector to conduct a routine health check. As always, they were accompanied by a team of Virunga rangers that led them to the gorilla families and acted as their security team. They left the Bukima Patrol post at 7:40 am under light rain and entered the forest at 8:20. In just under two hours they found the Bageni group (the group that recently split from the Kabirizi group). According to Dr. Eddy, “Silverback Bageni was very calm when we approached. Bageni was resting with three females and their babies. We were able to check on Rubaka’s baby, Kagera (a male), who had previously been seen with a noticeable skin disorder. We are happy to report that the Herpes-like lesions on his face that we saw last time have disappeared. Kagera still has some dried skin on his face and chest and is missing some eyelashes, but otherwise seemed to be quite healthy and was breastfeeding normally. In general, all 20 members of this group appear to be doing well.”

Silverback Bageni was calm, but watchful as the team approached.

Satisfied they meant no harm, Bageni relaxes and begins to move about.

The Munyaga family was located in the Kabahige area. Dr. Martin reports: “Bilali and her baby were a ways away eating, but after about ten minutes, they rejoined silverback Mawazo. Bilali’s baby still has some facial lesions, but there haven’t been any appreciable changes since the last health check, so no intervention is planned. Silverbacks Kodogo (the balding one) and Kasole remained a good distance from the main group. In general, all eight individuals are doing well.”

By Dr. Martin Kabuyaya.

On April 12th, we headed into the Mikeno sector to assess the health of our gorilla families. We left early, but apparently it was too early because the first family we came upon, the Rugendo family, was still in their beds. Adult females Lubutu and Janja and their children were alongside the current leader of the group, silverback Bukima. Silverback Kongomani, who has been contesting Bukima’s rule and at one point even took over leadership of the group for a short time, was some distance away from the main group. Baseka, the other silverback in the group, was even farther away. As we scanned the group for any health issues, blackback Noel began playing with Bilali’s baby, Mastaki. Silverback Baseka decided he wanted to join in the play and approached the group, but was quickly headed off by a fierce looking and growling Bukima. Aside from the natural power struggles within the group, all eight to be in good health.

Kabirizi juveniles having a good time.

Dr. Eddy Syaluha (also from Gorilla Doctors) and his ranger support team went in search of the Kabirizi family at 7:00 am on the same morning, but had to walk all the way to the Gatovu area and then up the flanks of Mt. Mikeno to find the family. Some of the worst fighting of the current conflict has occurred in this area. According to Dr. Eddy, when they finally arrived at 10:00 am, they found the family eating wild celery, Drogesta, and Urera. One sub-adult was enjoying the roots from a tree that had recently fallen. The two females and their babies looked happy and healthy, as did the young silverback, Masibo. Hopefully, Masibo will help protect the group because the aging Kabirizi has now lost all his canines, which are critical to being able to defend against challengers. Naturally, we all wonder how much longer Kabirizi can maintain control.

Adult females in the Kabirizi group looking quite serious.

Silverback Kabirizi

Young silverback, Masibo

By Dr. Eddy Syaluha.

On April 10th, we Gorilla Doctors set out for three straight days of health checks in the Mikeno sector. Dr. Martin and I left Bukima at 7:50 am with ranger Jacques and two gorilla trackers to first check on the Humba group. The main focus of our visit was to check in on adult females Gashangi and Gato to monitor the progression of their chronic skin problems.

Two youngsters in the Humba family whose health was unquestionably good.

Gashangi’s lip lesion appeared to have grown.

Gashangi’s baby was found to be in excellent health

We located the group quickly, finding silverback Humba with seven other gorillas near him. All were busy eating Urera, a nettle. Gashangi was one of the seven, and unfortunately, the lesion on her lip looked like it is slowly getting bigger. During this visit, she could only eat on the unaffected side of her mouth. Gato, on the other hand, appeared to be in better shape. We didn’t observe the level of eye discharge that we saw on previous visits and she and her baby appeared to being doing very well. We will continue to closely monitor both of these adult females.

Gato’s eye issue still exists, but looks to improved since her last check-up. Her baby appeared to be in good health, too.

There are signs in this family that the dominant silverback’s rule is being challenged. Most notable, we found silverback Nyakamwe resting with adult female Magori, sub-adult Kanyarunka, and three juveniles. These gorillas looked a lot like their own group, and recent face-offs between Humba and Nyakamwe support the suspicion that a split may be in the making.

Adult female Magori was in good health

Silverback Nyakamwe, who has been challenging Humba for control of the group.

The group’s namesake and current leader - silverback Humba

The fate of Virunga’s eastern lowland Grauer’s gorillas continues to hang in the balance. In 2008, their population was a mere 22 individuals and today that number stands at six. The remaining six are comprised of a habituated group of four and a group of two - an adult female and a silverback. Virunga’s Chief Warden, Emmanuel de Merode, has been working closely with Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project (MGVP) in a concerted effort to prevent this population from going extinct. Other conservation groups have been lending support as well.

Dr. Eddy Syaluha prepares to dart blackback Mukokya

In March, a team of Virunga rangers and MGVP doctors trekked through the jungle of Mt. Tshiaberimu to check in on the habituated gorillas and conduct research aimed at improving their chances of survival. For veterinarians Mike Cranfield (co-founder of MGVP), Eddy Syaluha, Dawn Zimmerman, Martin Kabuyaya, the goal for the trip was to collect blood and tissue samples that will enable them to do a complete genome analysis as well as a clinical workup.

Taking aim at their unsuspecting target, Mukokya. The dart landed in his right thigh. The other members of the gorilla family showed no signs of alarm.

Mukokya comfortably asleep and in the capable hands of Dr. Mike Cranfield and the other Gorilla Doctors. In this image, Dr. Cranfield takes two skin samples from Mukokya’s arm as fellow veterinarian assures an unobstructed airway and monitors respiration. Mukokya tolerated the anesthesia without any problem, but as is always the case, the veterinarians were well-prepared and equipped to handle potential complications.

A family member watching the whole process from a comfortable distance.

The two sites where the small skin samples were taken from Mukokya’s arm. One sample was immediately frozen with liquid nitrogen and the other placed in a transport media.

Dr. Cranfield applies direct pressure to the incision sites to stop the small amount of bleeding. From the time Mukokya was darted to the time he woke up, only 15 minutes elapsed.

Back at the lab running tests…

The preliminary results from Mukokya’s blood work show him to be mildly anemic. The Gorilla Doctors will do follow-up to find out why. The results of his serological survey should show the diseases to which Mukokya has been exposed. It is hoped the full results will illuminate possible ways members of this highly threatened population of Grauer’s gorillas can be helped to survive — beyond the protection afforded them by Virunga’s rangers.

Thanks go out to Virunga’s rangers who played a key role in making the mission a success.

A tender moment shared between Gato and her newborn.

By Ranger Sekibibi

A few days ago, I reported the birth of a baby in the Humba family, but at the time, I wasn’t certain about the identity of the mother. I can now tell you the mother is Gato. Another ranger, a HUGO (a community volunteer), and I located the Humba family in the Bizenge area of the Bukima sector. Gato is a very good mother and not without good reason - this is Gato’s fifth baby. Gato’s other offspring are solitary silverback Mukunda, blackback Mahindure who is still part of the family, and young Kanyarwunka and Kanyagara.

Gato’s baby safely in her arms

As you’ll remember from a previous post and can see from the picture below, Gato has a bad eye infection. She has had the infection for quite some time. We are concerned the infection is getting worse and that it might spread to her newborn. Dr. Eddy Syaluha will be coming check up on mother and baby as soon as he can.

Gato eating to keep up with her baby’s need for milk.

Gashangi’s baby, also of the Humba group, huddles against his mother’s back during a storm.

My team that day - from left: Ranger Sekibibi Bereke (me), Ranger Semahore Hishamunda, and community volunteer (HUGO) Hhabimana Musekura

Thanks to all of you that have donated to help us give our gorillas the care and protection they need.

Components of the aerial GIS/camera system (upper right) that Virunga hopes to acquire for its Cessna 182

Virunga National Park has an urgent need to increase its geographic information system (GIS) capability in order to better protect wildlife and habitat. The greatest need at the moment is to equip the park’s Cessna 182 surveillance aircraft with a GIS system that is able to simultaneously photograph and “geo tag” the exact location of each image. How would that help Virunga’s rangers? Here are some of the most important ways:

• Increase the accuracy of wildlife surveys
• Help the park defend itself against land encroachment
• Catalog unprotected areas adjacent to the park that contain critical habitat
• Document and monitor illegal forest clearance and charcoal operations, and direct rangers to them as efficiently as possible
• Monitor illegal militia camps inside the park in order to improve security and prevent poaching (especially elephants and hippos)
• Improve ranger response times to poaching incidents

Unfortunately, advanced GIS mapping is not a skill that Virunga National Park has “in house”. Thankfully, that’s where Adam Kiefer of Orlando, Florida comes in. Adam and his girlfriend visited Virunga National Park a few years ago, and like many people, fell in love with the park. Once back in the USA, Adam reached out to us via  info at gorilla.cd and asked if we had ever considered using GIS mapping to protect park — something Adam knows a great deal about. Funny he should have asked… Turns out, GIS mapping had been high on the list of priorities, but until Adam volunteered his time and expertise, the project was without a champion.

At the end of April, Adam plans to travel to Virunga to help retrofit the park plane with the system depicted in this post. For the last several months, Adam has been working with Jim Russell of Russair to develop an aerial GIS/camera system similar to the one Russair uses on a daily basis. Jim has graciously allowed Adam to join him on flights in order to to get familiarized with system operation, and has been giving Adam critical installation/implementation advice.

As Adam’s trip to Virunga approaches, we urgently need to raise $5000 of the over $8000 needed for the retrofit. Please help us bring this powerful tool to Virunga National Park.

Photo coupler navigation and triggering component

GIS/camera unit affixed to floor in front of the co-pilot’s seat. The camera shoots down through a hole cut in the floor of the aircraft. To comply with FAA rules, all work must be performed by an FAA-certified engineer.

The exhaust system on Virunga’s plane will need a kick-out extension like the one pictured below so hot exhaust is directed away from the GIS/camera unit. Like the cut-out, all work must be performed by an FAA-certified engineer.

By Ranger Sekibibi

After holding our patrol post at Bukima during the worst of the fighting, we finally got the period of calm we needed to check on our mountain gorilla families. On March 16th, when the heavy fighting shifted to Kibumba (which is still very close by), we began our search. By March 19th, we managed to locate all seven gorilla families that move throughout the Bukima, Bikenge, and Jomba areas.  They are the Rugendo, Humba, Kabirizi, Bageni, Mapuwa, Munyaga, Lulengo families.

In addition to their well-being, we are happy to report the birth of a new baby in the Humba family. Humba’s family now stands at seventeen. We will report back to you on the name of the mother and provide pictures as soon as we are able to visit them again. Last week, our main concern was simply to locate all the groups as quickly as possible.