Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage is in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s unique because it’s the only orphanage in the world that cares for gorillas. The orphanage was created in 2010 to help gorillas who were left alone because of poachers and people who wanted to sell them illegally. It’s located near Mikeno Lodge, close to Rumabambo.
The orphanage is named after Senkwekwe, a silverback gorilla who was the leader of a gorilla family in Virunga National Park. Sadly, Senkwekwe was killed by rebels in 2007, leaving behind two young gorillas named Ndakasi and Ndeze. They were brought to the orphanage to be safe and cared for.
The orphanage is part of Virunga National Park, and the staff there are experts in looking after gorillas. They know how to feed them, keep them healthy, and treat them if they get sick or hurt. They work hard to make sure the gorillas are safe and happy.
Meet the Gorillas:
Maisha (Meaning ‘Life’): Maisha was the first gorilla to come to the orphanage. She was born during a time when there was a lot of fighting in Virunga National Park. Poachers hurt her badly, but luckily, park rangers rescued her. She had to go to Rwanda for treatment before coming back to Congo. Maisha became the leader of the gorillas at the orphanage. Sadly, she died when she was only 9 years old because she got sick from eating food she wasn’t used to.
Kaboko: Kaboko was a male gorilla who was hurt by poachers’ traps. He had a bad wound on his right hand. Despite efforts to help him, he passed away when he was only five years old because he got very sick.
Yalala: Yalala was part of a gorilla family in Virunga National Park. She got caught in a poacher’s trap and hurt her foot badly. Luckily, conservationists and park rangers saved her. Her family tried to help her too, but they couldn’t. Thankfully, she was rescued in time.
Ndakasi and Ndeze: Ndakasi and Ndeze were orphaned when their silverback leader, Senkwekwe, was killed. They were found trying to survive without their mom. They were taken to a safe place in Goma Town before coming to the orphanage. They were the first gorillas to live at the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage.
Matabishi: Matabishi was found by park rangers in Volcanoes National Park. Poachers had left him behind because they were scared of getting caught. He was part of Maisha’s family and often seen being carried by other gorillas for protection.
Visiting the Orphanage:
If you love gorillas, visiting Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage is a great way to help with conservation efforts. You can learn about gorillas, watch them play, take pictures, and even feed them. It’s an amazing opportunity to see these incredible animals up close.
