Ndakasi

Ndakasi’s world revolves around play. She cleverly observes and imitates her caretakers, fascinated by everything they do, from menial tasks to the driving of vehicles.

But it hasn’t always been fun and games for Ndakasi. In early 2007, her mother and father were killed in an attack on the Rugendo mountain gorilla family. Only two months old was Ndakasi when she was found clinging to her murdered mother, still clutching at her fur in the hope that she might eventually wake up and express some milk or offer much needed love.

Upon arriving at the sanctuary, Andre, the Senkwekwe centre’s head caretaker, was called in to try and keep her alive through the night. Though in truth, nobody expected Ndakasi to see another morning.

A torrential rainstorm rumbled across the breadth of the night. Andre, using his wealth of experience caring for gorillas, held baby Ndakasi tightly to his bare chest to keep her warm and provide comfort until dawn finally broke.