Silverback mountain gorillas are formidable beasts. A band of females and youngsters is usually led by one adult male. Males who are not accompanied by a flock of females move alone or in small groups. Multiple adult men in these family bands are unusual; nonetheless, one group in Rwanda is a beautiful example of brotherly love. The dominating male Musilikale leads the family band, but his two devoted adult brothers Icumbi and Turakomeje stick by his side to keep the family safe. This gang of brothers, studied and protected by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, has grabbed hearts with their joyful antics.
Dian Fossey founded the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in 1967. The group is committed to conservation through doing research, educating local conservationists, and establishing relationships with local people. They are responsible for the conservation of mountain gorillas in Rawanda and Grauer’s gorillas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Because both species are critically endangered, the organization employs trackers and researchers to track gorilla groups on a daily basis. These preventative measures are time-consuming yet effective. Because the mountain gorillas are accustomed to human presence, researchers can better study their social interactions. The Grauer’s gorillas, on the other hand, must be kept at a safe distance.
Many beautiful photographs of mountain gorilla families have been acquired by trackers and observers who follow the families. Musilikale’s three brothers are in charge of 22 female gorillas. Icumbi and Turakomeje assist their brother in protecting the group as it travels in search of food and nesting sites. According to the experts, these two are especially close. Even though they are all adults, they still snooze and play together. Meanwhile, Musilikale leads his group of bonded females, whom he will defend with his life if necessary. Male gorillas may be wonderful dads, playing with their young and even allowing them to sleep in their nests if the mother dies.
Gorillas, unfortunately, are in grave danger. The mountain gorilla population is threatened and considered to be little over 1,000 individuals. Poachers, habitat degradation, and traps created for other animals into which they fall are also threats to them. Grauer’s gorillas, commonly known as eastern lowland gorillas, are severely endangered and have an unknown population size. Some of the problems the species confronts include habitat loss and great sensitivity to hunting. One way to help fight for these amazing creatures is to donate to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. They are now constructing a new Ellen DeGeneres campus in Rwanda in order to expand their operations. Animal enthusiasts can also adopt a gorilla by selecting one of the available newborns or adults.
Adopters will receive exclusive photographs of their adorable new buddy as well as the satisfaction of helping to rescue this endangered species.
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund works to conserve mountain and eastern lowland gorillas.
This family band is rather rare for including three silverback brother’s who are quite bonded.
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