A female mountain gorilla in conflict-torn eastern Congo has given birth to twins, marking a significant event for the endangered subspecies, as announced by the Virunga National Park on Wednesday. The birth of the twin male gorillas to a mother named Mafuko was confirmed on January 3, with the newborns appearing healthy during observation. Virunga National Park, spanning over 7,700 square kilometers and housing a significant population of mountain gorillas, faces challenges due to rebel control and increased forest loss.
Caring for twin gorillas can be demanding, especially in the initial months when the infants rely entirely on their mother for care and movement, according to the park’s statement. The newborns are under close monitoring to ensure their well-being and survival.
Photographs released by the park depict 22-year-old Mafuko holding her twin babies, seated on the ground amidst green foliage. Mafuko, originally from the Kabirizi family, integrated into the Bageni family following her mother’s tragic death at the hands of armed individuals in 2007. The birth of the twins is a significant development for the Bageni family and aligns with conservation efforts to bolster the mountain gorilla population in Virunga National Park.
Mafuko has now parented a total of seven offspring, with a previous set of twins tragically passing away a week after birth in 2016. The Bageni family, now comprising 59 members, stands as the largest family within the park.