August M
A rare birth inside one of Africa’s most closely watched wildlife reserves has offered a moment of optimism for conservationists working in a region shaped by instability.
Park officials say the event could have lasting significance for an endangered species with limited chances of recovery.
Mother and family
The twins were born to Mafuko, a 22-year-old mountain gorilla with a long history inside Virunga National Park, Reuters reported.
Mafuko was born into the Kabirizi family but later joined the Bageni family several years after her mother was killed by “armed individuals” in 2007, according to the park.
She has now given birth to seven offspring in total, including a previous set of twins born in 2016 who survived only a week.
Twin discovery
Park rangers discovered the two male infants earlier this month during routine observations.
Virunga National Park said the twins “appeared to be in healthy condition at the time of the observation,” describing the birth as “a major event” for the endangered mountain gorilla population.
Twin births are considered rare among mountain gorillas, adding to the importance of the discovery.
Early risks
Raising twins presents particular challenges for gorillas, especially during the first months of life.
“Caring for twins can be challenging, particularly during the early months when infants are entirely dependent on their mother for care and transport,” the park said.
Officials confirmed the newborns are being closely monitored to support their survival.
A growing group
Photographs released by the park’s press service showed Mafuko seated on the forest floor holding both infants, partially hidden by green foliage.
The Bageni family now counts 59 members, making it the largest gorilla group in the park, according to Virunga authorities.
Park officials said the birth could influence both the family’s internal dynamics and wider conservation planning.
Park under pressure
Virunga National Park covers more than 3,000 square miles and is Africa’s oldest national park, home to many of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Despite its ecological importance, large parts of the park are affected by armed conflict, with some areas under rebel control and fighting contributing to forest loss, Reuters reported.
Against that backdrop, park officials said the twin birth represents a rare boost for conservation efforts.
Sources: Reuters
