Comments on: Umoja Weaned Blog

By: Dr. Lucy

Dr. Lucy — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:41:43 +0000

All,
Umoja is doing just fine! I’ve been sidetracked with yet another orphan lowland gorilla in Goma, respiratory disease among the orphan gorillas in Rwanda, and a gorilla with a snare. I will blog again soon!

By: Megan

Megan — Tue, 26 May 2009 13:56:42 +0000

Any news on how Umoja is doing?

By: Fred Smilek

Fred Smilek — Fri, 22 May 2009 18:31:20 +0000

Very cute pics. Ther’s is only one that made feel sad is the one that show the eye surgery. Good job doctors.

By: Dr. Lucy for gorilladoctors

Dr. Lucy for gorilladoctors — Fri, 15 May 2009 04:02:57 +0000

All,
Thank you for the comments and encouragement. The trackers say Umoja is doing fine, so, as you’ve all observed, he’s tougher than I’ve given him credit for! I think it’s hard for me now, at this point, to be objective about his case. And if he were to become weak or ill as a result of his sudden weaning, I’m sure we would seriously discuss trying to help him. I’ll go see him next week and post a few more photos.

By: Theresa

Theresa — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:28:12 +0000

I have to agree with the others. It seems like Umoja has weathered pretty tough times and come out a survivor. He seems to be a pretty tough little guy. I can see this plucky little gorilla growing into a magnificent silverback with a big family to rule.

By: Kathy B.

Kathy B. — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:18:59 +0000

I love this blog and admire everyone who does the work and reports it here. Dr. Lucy’s post is so detailed and heartfelt that I almost feel like I am there among them.

The incredible spirit and will to survive demonstrated by Umoja is truly inspiring. And while I understand the basic tenets of not interfering with the ‘natural order’ it still confounds me that, in the case of these incredibly endangered animals, that this philosophy would not be ‘relaxed’ in more cases. The basic reality of their lives is so artificial to begin with; they’re under constant observation and surrounded by war. What is natural about that and why would they not be given just an extra leg up in these circumstances?

In this young gorilla’s case, considering what he has overcome, a little more medical attention and TLC may make the difference between life and death. There are so few gorillas to spare so the ‘may not survive’ sigh of resignation seems just a little irresponsible. He’s done so much, tried so hard — I think he may be worth bending the rules for.

By: Christine C.

Christine C. — Wed, 13 May 2009 13:48:09 +0000

Great post Dr. Lucy! I too am optimistic that this little guy has an unusually resilient set of survival skills. Seems to me that his family desperately needs this little tough guy to grow and become a major part of their group.

By: sheryl bottner

sheryl bottner — Wed, 13 May 2009 10:36:52 +0000

I hope Umoja makes it to adulthood. He seems like a pretty tough little gorilla. If his mother does come back to the group, would she begin taking care of him again?

By: Megan

Megan — Wed, 13 May 2009 05:50:28 +0000

Hi, Dr. Lucy.

Thank you so much for keeping us informed : )

You could chalk it up to me being naive and hopelessly optimistic, but I don’t think Umoja is an infant destined NOT to survive — I feel quite the opposite. Looking back at all he’s been through, he’s a fighter. How he was able to survive herniated intestines, a severed wrist, and a broken leg for days before you were able to (thankfully!) intervene, is nothing short of a miracle.

I’m wondering…His family stepped in to help take care of Umoja and his wounds during that initial interaction, is it possible for them to step up and help him now in lieu of his mother? Like other silverbacks have been known to do, (I just read that Titus is doing this currently) would Kwitonda sleep with him to keep him warm and safe at night?

As always, thank you more than I could ever articulate for all that you and your team do to save and protect these magnificant creatures!