A mountain gorilla in conflict-affected eastern Congo has delivered twins, a significant occurrence for the endangered subspecies, as announced by Virunga National Park on Wednesday. The birth of two male gorillas, born to a mother named Mafuko, was observed on January 3, and both twins were found to be in good health. Virunga National Park, spanning over 7,700 square kilometers and housing a significant population of mountain gorillas, faces challenges due to rebel control and forest loss.
Rearing twins can be demanding, especially in the initial months when the infants rely entirely on their mother for care and transportation, according to the park’s statement. The newborns are under close supervision to ensure their well-being and survival. Images released by the park depict 22-year-old Mafuko cradling the baby gorillas, surrounded by foliage. Mafuko, originally from the Kabirizi family, later integrated into the Bageni family following her mother’s tragic death in 2007.
The birth of the twins is a crucial event for the Bageni family dynamics and the conservation efforts aimed at supporting the growth of the endangered mountain gorilla population within Virunga National Park. Mafuko has now had a total of seven offspring, with a previous set of twins passing away a week after birth in 2016. The Bageni family, currently comprising 59 members, stands as the largest family within the park.