Mountain Gorilla Dies in the Arms of Ranger Who Rescued Her 14 years ago
A “beloved” mountain gorilla, famed for a viral “selfie” in 2019 has passed away in the arms of her “lifelong friend”.
A gorilla who went viral after posing for a ‘selfie’ in 2019 has died in the arms of a ranger who rescued her as an infant 14 years ago.
Ndakasi died on September 26 after a prolonged illness in which her condition rapidly deteriorated, according to a statement by the Virunga National Park, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
"It is with heartfelt sadness that Virunga announces the death of beloved orphaned mountain gorilla, Ndakasi, who had been under the care of the park's Senkwekwe Center for more than a decade," said the statement. "Ndakasi took her final breath in the loving arms of her caretaker and lifelong friend, Andre Bauma".
Bauma had cared for Ndakasi since 2007 when she was discovered by rangers at just two months old. The infant was found clinging to the body of her mother, who had been shot and killed by armed militia hours earlier.
She was taken to a rescue centre where Bauma held her close to his chest all night for warmth and comfort. Being too vulnerable and traumatized to return to the wild, Ndakasi lived with other orphaned mountain gorillas, cared for by Bauma until her death.
"It was a privilege to support and care for such a loving creature, especially knowing the trauma Ndakasi suffered at a very young age. It was Ndakasi's sweet nature and intelligence that helped me to understand the connection between humans and Great Apes and why we should do everything in our power to protect them," Bauma said in the statement.
"I am proud to have called Ndakasi my friend. I loved her like a child and her cheerful personality brought a smile to my face every time I interacted with her. She will be missed by all of us at Virunga but we are forever grateful for the richness Ndakasi brought to our lives during her time at Senkwekwe."
The mountain gorilla gained fame in 2019 when she was photographed in a “selfie” with a park ranger and another orphaned gorilla called Ndez. Her life was also featured in the documentary film “Virunga”.
The “selfie” that turned Ndakasi into a viral sensation in 2019
Virunga National Park in Eastern Congo is home to one-third of the world’s remaining wild mountain gorillas. The park and its wildlife are protected by nearly 700 rangers, due to more than two decades of ongoing conflict and violence in the area - a feat supported by private donations. More than 200 rangers have lost their lives defending the park, Reuters reported in January.
"The death of Ndakasi underscores the importance of protecting gorillas in their natural habitat, where they thrive and where their life expectancy is greatest," added the park’s statement.
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