Rare second mountain gorilla twin birth recorded in 3 months in Virunga National Park

Rare second mountain gorilla twin birth recorded in 3 months in Virunga National Park

A rare twin birth has been recorded in the Baraka family in the Mikeno sector of Virunga National Park. The twins, believed to be a female and a male, are approximately two weeks old and are being closely monitored by field teams. These births increase the Baraka family to 19 individuals and mean that 9 new babies have been born within the habituated mountain gorilla population at Virunga National Park in just the first three months of 2026. 

Twin births in mountain gorillas are extremely rare, typically occurring in less than 1% of births. They present additional challenges, particularly during the early months, placing significant physical demands on the mother and requiring strong social support within the group. Following the birth, additional monitoring and protection measures will be deployed to closely observe the twins and support their health and survival during this critical early period.

This latest birth follows the twin birth observed in the Bageni family of mountain gorillas at Virunga National Park in January, where two male gorillas were born to adult female Mafuko. These infants are now estimated to be 11 weeks old and have been closely monitored since their birth. Field observations report that both young male gorillas are currently thriving. Field monitors have also observed strong social support dynamics within the Bageni family since the birth of the twins, where a blackback gorilla (a young male) has continually been observed by the side of the mother, Mafuko, demonstrating remarkable protective and solidarity behaviour.  

Jacques Katutu, Head of Gorilla Monitoring at Virunga National Park said:

“Two instances of twin births within 3 months is an extraordinary event and provides another vital indicator that dedicated conservation efforts, which have continued despite the current instability in eastern Congo, continue to support the growth of the endangered mountain gorilla population within Virunga National Park.”

Observations in Virunga suggest that such rare events may occur when females are in particularly good physical condition, although no direct causal relationship can be established. From a biological perspective, twin births are most likely the result of hyper-ovulation, where two or more ova are released and fertilized. The Mikeno sector includes a diverse mosaic of vegetation types and altitudinal zones, which may support favourable ecological conditions for gorilla populations.

The continued protection and conservation of mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park are made possible thanks to the support of the European Union and UNESCO.

For more information, please contact [email protected]