Orphaned Gorilla Update

Category: About MGVP, Inc., Orphaned Mountain Gorillas | Date: Jun 26 2008 | By: Dr. Lucy for gorilladoctors

It’s been a year since the smallest of the two mountain gorilla orphans, Ndakasi, nearly died of pneumonia. Ndeze was rescued about a month later–neither of their rescue stories have appeared on this blog so I’ll post them over the next few days. It’s too early to revisit Mapendo’s case. She’s always been healthy, actually. It was her companion, Vumilia, who died of a captivity-related illness known as metabolic bone disease.

Ndeze (front) and Ndakasi (back), two orphaned female mountain gorillas being hand-raised by ICCN staff in Goma, DRC, May 2008.

Meanwhile, all three Goma orphans continue to thrive under the care of Andre Bauma and team. The new milk for Ndeze and Ndakasi has proven a success and both are growing rapidly. Mapendo has become more playful. Jacques and Eddy check on the orphans daily, and either Magda or I visit monthly.

Mapendo, orphaned female Grauer’s gorilla being hand-raised by ICCN staff in Goma, DRC, May 2008.

We continue to recommend no visitors. There’s just too much risk of human-gorilla disease transmission, particularly respiratory disease. We did, however, make a recent exception–for National Geographic. Mapendo was photographed for a magazine story; Ndeze and Ndakasi were filmed for a television special. We felt it was important that their story be told, given the sad state of conservation in DR Congo. We made certain that the photographer and two film-makers wore masks and coveralls. Everything went fine, and now the Nat Geo magazine story, “Who Murdered the Virunga Gorillas” is in the current issue, and also online. The film, “Gorilla Murders“, airs on July 1.

I only just found out about the timing of these stories. As it turns out, I’m in the US to promote my new book, The Rhino with Glue-on Shoes, which means I’ve just been invited to the Washington, DC screening of the Nat Geo film. For once, I can actually make it to a gorilla-related media event!

9 Responses to “Orphaned Gorilla Update”

Maria Susana Pataro, on 26 Jun 2008

No, not at all! you were not wrong to use supply oxygen on a baby mountain gorilla.
Bravo too for MONUC doctors.
Thank you all for your compassion and committment.
Regards
Maria Susana Pataro (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

Annie, on 26 Jun 2008

Thanks for sharing this story..this truly was a miracle! Thanks for all you guys do…what would those babies do without you caring so much for animals!

Lisa, California, on 26 Jun 2008

Oh Dr. Lucy, I’m in tears reading this account of what all of you had to endure to save this precious little one. I totally felt it when you said “I don’t take No for an answer easily when an animals life is at stake.” And also just wondering if using the precious supply of oxygen was wrong. How could you do anything else? Whatever it takes, to save this precious little one, must be done. BOTTOM LINE. I’m so glad she fought to live. I’m so glad she had you right there next to her fighting to save her. And I’m so glad she’s still thriving. It’s a miracle, in a place where there are few, I am sure. Thank you. Oh, I so wish I was going to the Nat Geo screening. Sheryl is going and I’m pee green with envy that she gets to meet all of you in person. : ) Lisa

sheryl, washington dc, on 26 Jun 2008

Hi Dr. Lucy! I’ll be at the screening this evening. Looking forward to meeting everyone!

sheryl, washington dc, on 26 Jun 2008

Ack. I forgot to thank you for the updates on the Goma orphans. I’m so glad to hear they’re doing well. I remember reading about Ndakasi and Ndeze on your Animal Planet blog, so thanks for posting them here. And, your new book looks fantastic!

Lucia Cristiana, Brasil, on 26 Jun 2008

And our beloved Mapendo?!… I hope she and other beautiful gorillas are safe in your miraculous hands… Thank you…

cathy-california, on 26 Jun 2008

I believe so strongly that we should do everything possible to ensure the survival of each and every one of the remaining mountain gorillas. It is so easy to get distracted by the argument that the resources that went into saving Ndakasi were excessive. While I understand the counterargument, it is our collective responsibility to save this species and I can’t imagine handling that roller coaster of a situation in any other way. I feel personally indebted to everyone who took even the tiniest steps to ensure her survival. I too could not read this account without crying.

cathy-california, on 26 Jun 2008

Oh, and let us not forget poor little Vumilia.

sheryl, washington dc, on 26 Jun 2008

Good luck with the rest of your book tour, Dr. Lucy. I’ll pick up my copy this weekend and I’m looking forward to reading it. Thanks for chatting with me this evening, it was really nice to meet you again and have a proper chat.

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