Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage is known to be the only gorilla orphanage center in the whole world, located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. It was started in 2010 to protect the orphaned gorillas from poachers and animal trafficking. Located at Rumabambo near Mikeno Lodge, it’s named after the leader of the pioneer group, Senkwekwe the silverback who was killed in 2007 by the rebels leaving 2 orphans that is Ndakasi and Ndeze in Virunga national park.
The orphanage center is under the control and management of Virunga national park and the staff members are well trained in caretaking, feeding and treating the gorillas that might be injured or sick. Therefore for those in love with these primates, you can visit Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage to add more on the conservation measures and efforts in Virunga national park. As you learn their behaviors, take photos, feed them, watch them play, feed among others and this will be a great opportunity.
About Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage and resident gorillas.
Maisha. This is a local word meaning ‘Life’. It is a female gorilla and first to be brought here. This gorilla (Maisha) was born during the time of wars in Virunga national park and at that time, this forest was used as a hide-in area for rebels in 2001. This caused serious forest deterioration and poaching.
The poachers captured Maisha and it was taken into the cave, the park patrol staff heard about this and moved to rescue it. They had to bring the gorilla to Rwanda for treatment since it was severely injured. Maisha had to cross back to D.R. Congo when Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage opened. Maisha became the head of other gorillas in this orphanage since there was no silverback. Later on, Maisha died at the age of 9 years due to diarrhea and low appetite because of feeding on the diet she was not used to.
Kaboko. Kaboko is a male gorilla that was rescued from the traps set by poachers, which caused a big injury of wound on the right hand. Kaboko also died after suffering from gastrointestinal in 2012 at the age of five. By that time, the gorilla doctors were still few in the Virunga region and a few had travelled to Rwanda in Volcanoes national park so none was able to give aid to Kaboko when his deteriorated.
Yalala. Yalala is a female gorilla that was part of the Kabirizi gorilla family of Virunga national park. This gorilla was found lying in the traps set by poachers and rescued by conservationists and park rangers. Researchers say the members of her family tried to rescue Yalala and they failed but thank God for the rangers who managed to save it in time but the foot was badly injured.
Ndakasi. This was a member of Rugendo family and in 2007, it survived the massacres and now it is 10 years old. This gorilla was talked to the Orphanage after the death of silverback Senkwekwe who was killed in the massacre and by that the Orphanage was not yet complete, so Ndakasi was first taken to a care house in Goma Town.
Ndeze. Ndeze is also a 10-year-old female gorilla that was rescued together with Ndakasi after the death of Senkwekwe, the silverback. Ndeze was found lying trying to breastfeed on the dead mother and she was taken to live with Ndakasi in the safe house in Goma town. These two gorillas (Ndakasi and Ndeze) were transferred to Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage after its completion and they were the first gorillas to live in this gorilla orphanage.
Matabishi. Virunga park rangers found Matabishi gorilla, a male gorilla in the neighboring Volcanoes national park in 2010. Rangers believed that the poachers left this Gorilla for fear that they will be arrested. Matabishi was in the family of Maisha and before, he was usually seen being carried on the back for protection.
Therefore, when you visit Virunga national park, also take a tour to Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage to learn and observe the different behaviors between gorillas in captivity and the ones in the wild. Book your gorilla safari in D.R. Congo today!
