Gorilla Orphanage

In June 2007, Rangers found Ndakasi’s mother dead, having been shot at close range. Ndakasi – barely two months old – was found clinging to her mother. She was badly dehydrated, in shock, and very frightened.

Andre Bauma was called in to try to keep her alive through the night, although no one thought she would make it. Through a torrential rain storm that lasted all night, Andre held baby Ndakasi tightly to his bare chest to keep her warm and give her comfort. Miraculously, she made it through and has now grown into a happy, healthy and boisterous adolescent.

This unthinkable crime came to be known as the Rugendo Massacre, and was featured as Newsweek’s cover story on 5 August, 2007. It was the worst gorilla killing in the Park’s history.

Ndeze was found by Rangers several days later clinging to the back of her brother. Because Ndeze was too young to survive without her mother’s milk, vets had to intervene and rescue her. Carer Andre Bauma and his colleagues became vitally important in giving Ndeze the security and love she needed. Ndeze and Ndakasi were introduced at temporary facilities in Goma, where they quickly formed an intense bond. Today, in their permanent home in Rumangabo, they still maintain this extremely close relationship.

Innocent Mburanumwe, Virunga’s Deputy Director and Chief Warden of the Southern Sector, named the orphan “Matabishi,” which means “bonus” in Swahili: as Park Rangers found that no other families appeared to be missing members, so Matabishi was an unaccounted for extra.

Matabishi was carefully introduced to the Senkwekwe Centre’s other gorillas, and quickly became part of the family, being instantly accepted by the matriarch, Maisha. Maisha sadly passed away in summer 2017 due to health complications.

It was hoped that she could be treated and reunited with her family, but after closely examining her wound, they found the infection had already set in. There was no choice but to perform a field amputation of her foot.
The procedure was a success, and the orphan was immediately taken to the Senkwekwe Center. Over the next twelve hours, the team worked to stabilize the baby gorilla, and despite many close calls, she pulled through thanks to the care of the Senkwekwe team and the Gorilla Doctors. Originally named Yalala – the young gorilla was renamed ‘Mazuka’ after her miraculous recovery – her name means ‘resurrection’ in Swahili.

Pongo and the Center’s most recent addition Mususka formed an unusually close bond during Musuka’s rehabilitation following her foot amputation. Pongo was also cared for by the Center staff, and remains a resident in the forested enclosure.