In war-torn eastern Congo, a mountain gorilla has welcomed twins, marking a significant occasion for the endangered subspecies, as announced by Virunga National Park on Wednesday. The birth of two male gorillas to a mother named Mafuko was confirmed on Jan. 3, with the twins appearing healthy during observation. Spanning over 7,700 square kilometers, Africa’s oldest national park is a sanctuary for the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, despite facing rebel control and increased forest loss due to ongoing conflict.
Caring for twin gorillas 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 surveillance to ensure their well-being and survival. Images released by the park show 22-year-old Mafuko cradling the baby gorillas, nestled among green foliage.
Mafuko, originally part of the Kabirizi family, later integrated into the Bageni family after her mother fell victim to violence by “armed individuals” in 2007, the park revealed. This twinning event is a significant occurrence for the Bageni family and contributes to the ongoing conservation efforts to bolster the mountain gorilla population within Virunga National Park. Mafuko has now given birth to a total of seven offspring, with a previous set of twins tragically passing away a week after birth in 2016. The Bageni family, currently comprising 59 members, holds the distinction of being the largest family within the park.