Six Orphan Gorillas Move Closer to Freedom
The Gorilla Doctors are thrilled to announce that the six Grauer's gorilla orphans MGVP and DFGFI have been caring for at our facility in Kinigi, Rwanda, have finally moved to GRACE in DRC! In a remarkable feat of collaboration between wildlife authorities of the DRC and Rwanda and multiple conservation organizations, the six orphans were successfully moved this past weekend. The complicated move, which necessitated that all six gorillas be sedated, driven two hours to an airstrip in the DRC, and then helicoptered individually to their new home, was a crucial step forward for the gorillas.
The hope is that the orphan gorillas will be able to learn the survival skills necessary for their release into the wild. Ranging in age from 5 to 9, they were captured in the DRC as infants by poachers and likely saw their families killed in the process. After being confiscated by authorities, the orphans were sent to Rwanda for caretaking until an appropriate facility was built in the DRC. They will be joining six younger orphans at their newly constructed home called GRACE, which encompasses 350 acres of forest. Read More
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Gorilla Orphan Emergency at Senkwekwe
Earlier this month Dr. Jan received a frightening call from the DRC: Ndakasi, one of the two 4-year-old mountain gorilla orphans at the Senkwekwe Center, had fallen out of a tree and suffered from a serious blow to the head. The little gorilla was knocked unconscious for some time and hardly moving. Dr. Eddy made an emergency night journey to Virunga National Park despite the risk of traveling after dark in the DRC. Upon arrival, Dr. Eddy immediately administered powerful anti-inflammatory drugs, hoping to reduce the inflammation in Ndakasi's brain. Dr. Eddy and the caregivers stayed by her side all night. Drs. Jan and Jacques arrived early the next morning. Read More
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Dr. Jan Checks on Susa's Twins and Igisha
Dr. Jan had an eventful routine health check with Susa group in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park this month. Silverback Igisha caught his hand in a snare but removed it himself, leaving behind a small wound. Seven other snares found in the area were destroyed by rangers. The two-month-old twins of female Ruvumu had stuffy noses, but appeared to be doing well despite breathing noisily. Read More
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Virunga's Bloodhounds Get a Check Up
In early July, Dr. Jan and MGVP volunteers Claire Welsh and Matt Marinkovich traveled to Virunga National Park to perform health checks on the park's six bloodhounds. The park acquired the dogs to help rangers track poachers, and MGVP pledged to help with the animals' healthcare.
Matt, a veterinary medicine student at Cornell University, writes: "Carla, Stella, Lila, Sabrina, Lilly, and Dody were all very cooperative patients as they each received a thorough physical exam. Carla and Stella were particularly brave when facing the needle for their vaccine boosters. The dogs were all in good health and I was impressed with the level of care the park staff has provided for them." Read More
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Donor Stories: A Little Gorilla with Big Attitude
This month's donor story comes from Kim Houk, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is best told in her own words:
"I made my first trip to Rwanda in June 2010. The first gorilla group I visited was the Agashya group with 23 members. Our guide warned us that the youngsters could be very curious so if any were to approach us, we were to slowly and quietly step back. Needless to say an almost-juvenile gorilla bravely walked up to our small group and he or she struck a pose on all fours. Our group stepped back as instructed and the little gorilla walked closer to us again. The little one then looked around to see that his mother wasn't around (she had climbed up the bamboo behind him) and promptly proceeded to cry! So the little one was so brave in front of the humans, but only because he thought his mom was right behind him!"
A business service representative, Kimberly also volunteers at the Milwaukee County Zoo on the Primate Committee. "My goal is to enlighten the public about the species and inform them of ongoing conservation efforts," said Kim. "By visiting the mountain gorillas in the wild, I can share my personal experiences...and hopefully inspire others." Kim recently made her first donation to MGVP in honor of her Birthday. Thanks for all you do, Kim!
If you would like to share your mountain gorilla story, please email armccurdy@ucdavis.edu.
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