A mountain gorilla in conflict-ridden eastern Congo has welcomed the birth of twin male gorillas, marking a significant event for the endangered subspecies, according to an announcement by Virunga National Park on Wednesday. The arrival of the twins, born to a mother named Mafuko on January 3, was met with excitement as the babies were found to be in good health during the initial observation.
Virunga National Park, covering over 7,700 square kilometers and housing a substantial population of mountain gorillas, faces challenges due to rebel control and increased forest destruction. The park emphasized the complexity of caring for twin gorillas, especially in the early stages when they rely entirely on their mother for care and movement.
Efforts are underway to closely monitor the newborns to ensure their well-being and survival. Images released by the park exhibit Mafuko, a 22-year-old gorilla, cradling her twins while surrounded by foliage. Mafuko, originally from the Kabirizi family but later integrated into the Bageni family after her mother’s tragic death at the hands of armed individuals in 2007, has now given birth to a total of seven offspring.
The birth of the twins is viewed as a significant development for the Bageni family and the ongoing conservation initiatives aimed at protecting the mountain gorilla population within Virunga National Park. Despite a previous loss of twins in 2016, the Bageni family, now comprising 59 members, remains the largest gorilla family in the park.