A national park in war-torn eastern Congo recently announced the birth of twin mountain gorillas, marking a significant milestone for the endangered subspecies. The arrival of two male gorillas, born to a mother named Mafuko, was observed on January 3, with both twins reported to be in good health. The Virunga National Park, spanning over 7,700 square kilometers and housing a significant population of mountain gorillas, faces challenges due to rebel control and increased forest loss.
Caring for twin gorillas can be demanding, especially during the initial months when the infants rely entirely on their mother for care and transportation. The park is closely monitoring the newborns to ensure their well-being and survival. Pictures released by the park show Mafuko, a 22-year-old gorilla, holding her two babies while sitting on the ground surrounded by foliage.
Mafuko, originally from the Kabirizi family, joined the Bageni family after her mother’s tragic death at the hands of armed individuals in 2007. The birth of the twin gorillas is a significant event for the Bageni family and aligns with conservation efforts to protect and grow the endangered mountain gorilla population within the 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, currently comprised of 59 members, is the largest gorilla family in the park.