A mountain gorilla in conflict-ridden eastern Congo has welcomed twins, marking a significant event for the endangered species, as announced by Virunga National Park. The birth of the two male gorillas, born to a mother named Mafuko, was discovered on January 3, with both twins appearing healthy during observation. Virunga National Park, spanning over 7,700 square kilometers, is home to a substantial population of mountain gorillas, although a significant portion of the park is impacted by rebel activity, leading to forest degradation.
Raising twin gorillas can pose challenges, particularly in the initial months when the infants rely entirely on their mother for care and transportation, according to the park’s statement. The newborns are under close monitoring to ensure their well-being and survival. Images released by the park show Mafuko, a 22-year-old gorilla, cradling the twin babies, seated on the ground and partly concealed by foliage.
Mafuko, originally from the Kabirizi family, later integrated into the Bageni family after her mother’s tragic death at the hands of armed individuals in 2007, as per the park’s report. The birth of the twins is a significant development for the Bageni family dynamics and ongoing conservation initiatives aimed at supporting the growth of the endangered mountain gorilla population within Virunga National Park. Mafuko has now given birth to a total of seven offspring, including a previous set of twins who sadly passed away a week after birth in 2016. The Bageni family, with 59 members, stands as the largest family group in the park.
