A mountain gorilla in conflict-affected eastern Congo has welcomed twins, an event hailed as significant for the endangered subspecies, according to an announcement by Virunga National Park on Wednesday. The birth of two male gorillas to mother Mafuko was confirmed on January 3, with the twins reported to be in good health. Virunga National Park, spanning over 7,700 square kilometers and housing a substantial population of mountain gorillas, faces challenges due to rebel control and increased forest degradation.
The park highlighted the potential difficulties in caring for twin gorillas, especially in the initial months when the infants rely entirely on their mother for care and movement. The newborns are under close observation to ensure their well-being and survival. Images released by the park show Mafuko, aged 22, holding the baby gorillas while seated on the ground surrounded by foliage.
Mafuko, originally from the Kabirizi family, integrated into the Bageni family following the tragic loss of her mother to armed individuals in 2007. The birth of the twins is seen as a significant event for the Bageni family and conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding the mountain gorilla population in Virunga National Park. Mafuko has now given birth to a total of seven offspring, including a previous set of twins who passed away a week after birth in 2016. With 59 members, the Bageni family stands as the largest within the park.