Only found in the Virunga Massif in Rwanda, Uganda and DRC. An extraordinary mammal that reflects an incredible story of recovery. Their population is now at 900 from a low of 250 in the 80's. Their survival however is reliant on strict protection and habitat protection. Their greatest threat--disease, snaring and poaching. Foreign zoos pay a hefty price for baby gorillas, and to get them, they must kill family members.
Once again I was fortunate to see them. The system works incredibly well. Only 80 permits are sold a day for ten habituated groups of gorillas. Trekkers are in the forest following the gorillas, so your guides know where to take you. Once you are with the gorillas, you get max one hour with the gorillas.
I visited the Agasha group--meaning the 'news.' 25 members: 1 Silverback; 12 Adult females; 2 Sub adult female; 3 Juvenile and 7 Babies. I think we saw about 15 of them, including the babies who swung from the vines, did somersaults and played tag. Many of my pictures were blurry becuase they were swinging, playing and moving.
Their fuzzy black fur was covered in bamboo leaves from wrestling each other. Like watching little kids, it's amazing. One of the babies, a year old, found an earth worm and a game of chase followed with all of them trying to get the worm. At one point the silverback walked up the trail we were on, and nearly brushed me. At another point a little gorilla was swinging, I was sitting, leaning against a bamboo and he kept swinging closer, closer....hand stretched out....curious....needless to say the desire to grab his little hand was so very tempting! They are simply awesome.
Last week they had a major ceremony and named 24 new babies. It's amazing how this country celebrates the gorillas. Others should follow Rwanda's lead.
The hike into the park. The approach is through farm fields.
Catching a ride.
Silverback above.
