An image shared by Virunga National Park shows ranger Andre Bauma holding Ndakasi as she drew her last breath, saying “it is with heartfelt sadness that Virunga announces the death of beloved orphaned mountain gorilla, Ndakasi”.
Ndakasi was just two months old when she was found holding on to her mother’s dead body in Congo after she had been shot by militants.
It is with heartfelt sadness that Virunga announces the death of beloved orphaned mountain gorilla, Ndakasi.
The heartbroken ranger said it was a “privilege to support and care for such a loving creature,” especially after the soul-crushing experience she had gone through when she was a baby.
“One could say that she took after her mother, Nyiransekuye, whose name means ‘someone happy to welcome others’,” Andre added.
“It was Ndakasi’s sweet nature and intelligence that helped me to understand the connection between humans and Great Apes and why we should do everything in our power to protect them.
Ndakasi. Image: Virunga National Park
“I am proud to have called Ndakasi my friend. I loved her like a child and her cheerful personality brought a smile to my face every time I interacted with her.
“She will be missed by all of us at Virunga but we are forever grateful for the richness Ndakasi brought to our lives during her time at Senkwekwe.”
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