DR Congo: I first met the mountain gorilla Ndakasi in a heavy downpour in Virunga’s rainforest in 2007. She was 2 months old and clinging to her mother’s dead body, the blood from multiple AK47 rounds pooling in the rain around her as the infant tried in vain to suckle. Ndakasi was the only mountain gorilla to survive the deadly killing that took the lives of nine extremely endangered mountain gorillas that day. That included her father Senkwekwe, a magnificent silverback who died trying to defend his family. Fragile and unlikely to survive long, ICCN ranger Andre Bauma took her out of the rain, using the warmth of his body to keep her alive until morning, thus beginning a loving relationship that was to last over 13 years. Andre remains the head caregiver at the Senkwekwe Center in Virunga National Park, Africa’s first park and arguably it’s most challenging. Ndakasi moved to Senkwekwe where she lived with other mountain gorilla orphans, all cared for 24/7 by Andre, Baboo, Richard, Patrick, Matthieu and others. Veterinarian Eddy Syaluha and the Gorilla Doctors team have been performing miracles there since day one. Mountain gorillas are sensitive, surprisingly fragile, gentle creatures; highly social and playful, unaware of their own enormous strength. They have personalities, idiosyncrasies, they can be joyful, and they can be sad. Just like humans. Ndakasi shared all these things with her caregivers, hard men that came to spend more time with the gorillas than with their own families. These orphans won them over and these tough Congolese men came to love the gorillas in their care, often describing them as “my own children.” Despite extraordinary care, Ndakasi developed an elusive illness over the last 6 months, eventually succumbing last week after crawling into Andre’s arms, thirteen years after he embraced her for the first time. To say Andre was devastated would be a gross understatement.

•

BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers discover the body of a nursing female mountain gorilla gunned down by AK47 rounds, a baby later named Ndakasi was still trying to suckle from her dead mother when the body was discovered. Rangers from an Anti-Poaching unit worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of 5 Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male named Senkwkwe, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images)

•

BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers discover the body of a nursing female mountain gorilla gunned down by AK47 rounds, a baby later named Ndakasi was still trying to suckle from her dead mother when the body was discovered. Rangers from an Anti-Poaching unit worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of 5 Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male named Senkwkwe, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images)

•

BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers discover the body of a nursing female mountain gorilla gunned down by AK47 rounds, a baby later named Ndakasi was still trying to suckle from her dead mother when the body was discovered. Rangers from an Anti-Poaching unit worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of 5 Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male named Senkwkwe, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images)

•

BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers discover the body of a nursing female mountain gorilla gunned down by AK47 rounds, a baby later named Ndakasi was still trying to suckle from her dead mother when the body was discovered. Rangers from an Anti-Poaching unit worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of 5 Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male named Senkwkwe, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images)

•

BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Murdered Silverback mountain gorilla Senkwekwe is seen before evacutation. He is the father of rescued baby gorilla Ndakasi. Congolese Conservation Rangers worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in the park, Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images)

•

BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers from an Anti-Poaching unit work with locals to evacuate the bodies of four Mountain Gorrillas killed in mysterious circumstances in the park, Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male, the leader of the group was shot, three females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and the other was pregnant. The two babies were not found and it is thought that they will have died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing is not known but it is suspected that there are political motivations. The local illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 100 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the Gorrillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The Congolese Rangers in this particular group are working with Wildlife Direct, a Conservation organisation. The Rangers receive a salary based on donations to Wildlife Direct and perform one of the most dangerous jobs in the world of wildlife conservation. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 4.6 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Newsweek.)

•

BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Murdered Silverback mountain gorilla Senkwekwe and three female mountain gorillas are seen before being taken away for autopsy. Senkwekwe is the father of rescued baby gorilla Ndakasi, her mother is one of these dead females. Congolese Conservation Rangers worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in the park, Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images)

•

GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 OCTOBER 2008: Orphaned mountain gorilla Ndkasi and her ICCN conservation ranger care-giver Baboo play in the make-shift gorilla orphanage in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, 4 October 2008. At this time, the make-shift facility was noisy and dusty, the opposite of the natural environment of the mountain gorilla sector of the Park. The care-giver lives and sleeps in the same space with the orphan in 3 weeks shifts, 24/7, with one week off a month to see his family. Ndkasi's mother was killed in order to secure the Gorilla baby by poachers. The poachers had hoped to sell the baby but were caught in a sting by ICCN conservation rangers. Mountain Gorillas are extremely endangered and exist in a small region of the Virunga mountains on the border of DR Congo and Rwanda with a small family in Uganda. Today, the Senkekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage has been built inside the headquarters of the ICCN at Rumangabo, about 50 kilometers outside of Goma, that facility houses 5 orphans including the latest orphan Ihirwe. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.)

•

GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 OCTOBER 2008: Orphaned mountain gorilla Ndkasi and her ICCN conservation ranger care-giver Baboo play in the make-shift gorilla orphanage in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, 4 October 2008. At this time, the make-shift facility was noisy and dusty, the opposite of the natural environment of the mountain gorilla sector of the Park. The care-giver lives and sleeps in the same space with the orphan in 3 weeks shifts, 24/7, with one week off a month to see his family. Ndkasi's mother was killed in order to secure the Gorilla baby by poachers. The poachers had hoped to sell the baby but were caught in a sting by ICCN conservation rangers. Mountain Gorillas are extremely endangered and exist in a small region of the Virunga mountains on the border of DR Congo and Rwanda with a small family in Uganda. Today, the Senkekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage has been built inside the headquarters of the ICCN at Rumangabo, about 50 kilometers outside of Goma, that facility houses 5 orphans including the latest orphan Ihirwe. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.)

•

GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 OCTOBER 2013: Orphaned mountain gorilla Ndkasi and her ICCN conservation ranger care-giver prepare for bed as he reaches to bring down the Mosquito net around them in the make-shift gorilla orphanage in Goma. The care-giver lives and sleeps in the same space with the orphan in 3 weeks shifts, 24/7, with one week off a month to see his family. Ndkasi's mother was killed in order to secure the Gorilla baby by poachers. The poachers had hoped to sell the baby but were caught in a sting by ICCN conservation rangers. Mountain Gorillas are extremely endangered and exist in a small region of the Virunga mountains on the border of DR Congo and Rwanda with a small family in Uganda. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.)

•

GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 OCTOBER 2013: Orphaned mountain gorilla Ndkasi and her ICCN conservation ranger care-giver prepare for bed as he reaches to bring down the Mosquito net around them in the make-shift gorilla orphanage in Goma. The care-giver lives and sleeps in the same space with the orphan in 3 weeks shifts, 24/7, with one week off a month to see his family. Ndkasi's mother was killed in order to secure the Gorilla baby by poachers. The poachers had hoped to sell the baby but were caught in a sting by ICCN conservation rangers. Mountain Gorillas are extremely endangered and exist in a small region of the Virunga mountains on the border of DR Congo and Rwanda with a small family in Uganda. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.)

•

GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 OCTOBER 2013: Orphaned mountain gorilla Ndkasi and her ICCN conservation ranger care-giver prepare for bed as he reaches to bring down the Mosquito net around them in the make-shift gorilla orphanage in Goma. The care-giver lives and sleeps in the same space with the orphan in 3 weeks shifts, 24/7, with one week off a month to see his family. Ndkasi's mother was killed in order to secure the Gorilla baby by poachers. The poachers had hoped to sell the baby but were caught in a sting by ICCN conservation rangers. Mountain Gorillas are extremely endangered and exist in a small region of the Virunga mountains on the border of DR Congo and Rwanda with a small family in Uganda. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.)

•

VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, JANUARY 18 2015: Orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi, one of a number of gorillas raised and cared for in the Senkwekwe Orphan gorilla sanctuary inside Virunga National Park. The gorillas are seen discovering a new play area made of old fire hoses set up by their caregiver Andre. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images)

•

CONGO, 27 FEBRUARY 2012: Head caregiver at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage, Andre Bauma plays with Ndakasi and Ndeze, ensuring that they are adequately hydrated and cared for before they turn in the for the night in their specially built night quarters. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.)

•

RUMANGABO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MARCH 2012: Andre, 39, a self described "gorilla mother" looks after 4 orphaned gorillas who were rescued from various horrific circumstances and brought into care by the staff of Virunga National Park, DRC, 2 March 2012. Andre thinks of these gorillas as his own children and even describes bringing his children to see them as showing them their brothers and sisters. Andre lives with the Gorillas 24/7 with the exception of a few days off to visit his own family. Andre is an ICCN Congolese Conservation ranger and has cared for orphaned and rescued gorillas since 2003. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.)

•

RUMANGABO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MARCH 2012: Andre, 39, a self described "gorilla mother" looks after 4 orphaned gorillas who were rescued from various horrific circumstances and brought into care by the staff of Virunga National Park, DRC, 2 March 2012. Andre thinks of these gorillas as his own children and even describes bringing his children to see them as showing them their brothers and sisters. Andre lives with the Gorillas 24/7 with the exception of a few days off to visit his own family. Andre is an ICCN Congolese Conservation ranger and has cared for orphaned and rescued gorillas since 2003. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Andre Bauma, chief caregiver at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage teaches painting to Ndakasi inside her night enclosure. The caregivers try to find as many ways as possible to stimulate the gorillas. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, OCTOBER 2020: Orphan mountain gorilla Matabishi plays with Patrick while female orphan Ndakasi is seen in the foreground. This scene is inside Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage inside Virunga National Park. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A sick Ndakasi is seen with caregiver Patrick just before a medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A sick Ndakasi is carried out of her night enclosure to a medical procedure to try to determine what is behind her long term illness. This procedure was carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A sick Ndakasi is carried out of her night enclosure to a medical procedure to try to determine what is behind her long term illness. This procedure was carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A sick Ndakasi is carried out of her night enclosure to a medical procedure to try to determine what is behind her long term illness. This procedure was carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: Moutain gorilla Ndakasi fights off the effects of the anasthetic as Andre Bauma comforts her. A medical procedure was just carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26, 2021: Orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi passes away in her cargiver's arms after a prolonged illness. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: Moutain gorilla Ndakasi fights off the effects of the anasthetic as Andre Bauma comforts her. A medical procedure was just carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: Moutain gorilla Ndakasi fights off the effects of the anasthetic as Andre Bauma comforts her. A medical procedure was just carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: Moutain gorilla Ndakasi fights off the effects of the anasthetic as Andre Bauma comforts her. A medical procedure was just carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26, 2021: Orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi passes away in her cargiver's arms after a prolonged illness. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26, 2021: Orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi passes away in her cargiver's arms after a prolonged illness. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

•
DR Congo: I first met the mountain gorilla Ndakasi in a heavy downpour in Virunga’s rainforest in 2007. She was 2 months old and clinging to her mother’s dead body, the blood from multiple AK47 rounds pooling in the rain around her as the infant tri
BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers discover the body of a nursing female mountain gorilla gunned down by AK47 rounds, a baby later named Ndakasi was still trying to suckle from her dead mother when the body
BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers discover the body of a nursing female mountain gorilla gunned down by AK47 rounds, a baby later named Ndakasi was still trying to suckle from her dead mother when the body
BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers discover the body of a nursing female mountain gorilla gunned down by AK47 rounds, a baby later named Ndakasi was still trying to suckle from her dead mother when the body
BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers discover the body of a nursing female mountain gorilla gunned down by AK47 rounds, a baby later named Ndakasi was still trying to suckle from her dead mother when the body
BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Murdered Silverback mountain gorilla Senkwekwe is seen before evacutation. He is the father of rescued baby gorilla Ndakasi. Congolese Conservation Rangers worked with locals to evacuate the b
BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers from an Anti-Poaching unit work with locals to evacuate the bodies of four Mountain Gorrillas killed in mysterious circumstances in the park, Virunga National Park, Easter
BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Murdered Silverback mountain gorilla Senkwekwe and three female mountain gorillas are seen before being taken away for autopsy. Senkwekwe is the father of rescued baby gorilla Ndakasi, her mot
GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 OCTOBER 2008: Orphaned mountain gorilla Ndkasi and her ICCN conservation ranger care-giver Baboo play in the make-shift gorilla orphanage in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, 4 October 2008. At this time, the
GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 OCTOBER 2008: Orphaned mountain gorilla Ndkasi and her ICCN conservation ranger care-giver Baboo play in the make-shift gorilla orphanage in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, 4 October 2008. At this time, the
GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 OCTOBER 2013: Orphaned mountain gorilla Ndkasi and her ICCN conservation ranger care-giver prepare for bed as he reaches to bring down the Mosquito net around them in the make-shift gorilla orphanage in Goma. Th
GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 OCTOBER 2013: Orphaned mountain gorilla Ndkasi and her ICCN conservation ranger care-giver prepare for bed as he reaches to bring down the Mosquito net around them in the make-shift gorilla orphanage in Goma. Th
GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 OCTOBER 2013: Orphaned mountain gorilla Ndkasi and her ICCN conservation ranger care-giver prepare for bed as he reaches to bring down the Mosquito net around them in the make-shift gorilla orphanage in Goma. Th
VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, JANUARY 18 2015: Orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi, one of a number of gorillas raised and cared for in the Senkwekwe Orphan gorilla sanctuary inside Virunga National Park. The gorillas are seen dis
CONGO, 27 FEBRUARY 2012: Head caregiver at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage, Andre Bauma plays with Ndakasi and Ndeze, ensuring that they are adequately hydrated and cared for before they turn in the for the night in their specially built ni
RUMANGABO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MARCH 2012: Andre, 39, a self described "gorilla mother" looks after 4 orphaned gorillas who were rescued from various horrific circumstances and brought into care by the staff of Virunga National Par
RUMANGABO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MARCH 2012: Andre, 39, a self described "gorilla mother" looks after 4 orphaned gorillas who were rescued from various horrific circumstances and brought into care by the staff of Virunga National Par
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mount
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mount
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mount
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mount
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mount
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mount
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Andre Bauma, chief caregiver at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage teaches painting to Ndakasi inside her night enclosure. The caregivers try to find as many ways as possible to st
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, OCTOBER 2020: Orphan mountain gorilla Matabishi plays with Patrick while female orphan Ndakasi is seen in the foreground. This scene is inside Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage inside Virunga National P
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A sick Ndakasi is seen with caregiver Patrick just before a medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Ma
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A sick Ndakasi is carried out of her night enclosure to a medical procedure to try to determine what is behind her long term illness. This procedure was carried out on female orphan mou
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A sick Ndakasi is carried out of her night enclosure to a medical procedure to try to determine what is behind her long term illness. This procedure was carried out on female orphan mou
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A sick Ndakasi is carried out of her night enclosure to a medical procedure to try to determine what is behind her long term illness. This procedure was carried out on female orphan mou
Ndakasi_40.1.jpg
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Nda
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Nda
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Nda
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Nda
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Nda
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Nda
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: Moutain gorilla Ndakasi fights off the effects of the anasthetic as Andre Bauma comforts her. A medical procedure was just carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorill
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26, 2021: Orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi passes away in her cargiver's arms after a prolonged illness. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: Moutain gorilla Ndakasi fights off the effects of the anasthetic as Andre Bauma comforts her. A medical procedure was just carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorill
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: Moutain gorilla Ndakasi fights off the effects of the anasthetic as Andre Bauma comforts her. A medical procedure was just carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorill
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: Moutain gorilla Ndakasi fights off the effects of the anasthetic as Andre Bauma comforts her. A medical procedure was just carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorill
Ndakasi_056.5.jpg
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26, 2021: Orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi passes away in her cargiver's arms after a prolonged illness. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and
RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26, 2021: Orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi passes away in her cargiver's arms after a prolonged illness. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and

DR Congo: I first met the mountain gorilla Ndakasi in a heavy downpour in Virunga’s rainforest in 2007. She was 2 months old and clinging to her mother’s dead body, the blood from multiple AK47 rounds pooling in the rain around her as the infant tried in vain to suckle. Ndakasi was the only mountain gorilla to survive the deadly killing that took the lives of nine extremely endangered mountain gorillas that day. That included her father Senkwekwe, a magnificent silverback who died trying to defend his family. Fragile and unlikely to survive long, ICCN ranger Andre Bauma took her out of the rain, using the warmth of his body to keep her alive until morning, thus beginning a loving relationship that was to last over 13 years. Andre remains the head caregiver at the Senkwekwe Center in Virunga National Park, Africa’s first park and arguably it’s most challenging. Ndakasi moved to Senkwekwe where she lived with other mountain gorilla orphans, all cared for 24/7 by Andre, Baboo, Richard, Patrick, Matthieu and others. Veterinarian Eddy Syaluha and the Gorilla Doctors team have been performing miracles there since day one. Mountain gorillas are sensitive, surprisingly fragile, gentle creatures; highly social and playful, unaware of their own enormous strength. They have personalities, idiosyncrasies, they can be joyful, and they can be sad. Just like humans. Ndakasi shared all these things with her caregivers, hard men that came to spend more time with the gorillas than with their own families. These orphans won them over and these tough Congolese men came to love the gorillas in their care, often describing them as “my own children.” Despite extraordinary care, Ndakasi developed an elusive illness over the last 6 months, eventually succumbing last week after crawling into Andre’s arms, thirteen years after he embraced her for the first time. To say Andre was devastated would be a gross understatement.

BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers discover the body of a nursing female mountain gorilla gunned down by AK47 rounds, a baby later named Ndakasi was still trying to suckle from her dead mother when the body was discovered. Rangers from an Anti-Poaching unit worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of 5 Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male named Senkwkwe, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images)

BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers discover the body of a nursing female mountain gorilla gunned down by AK47 rounds, a baby later named Ndakasi was still trying to suckle from her dead mother when the body was discovered. Rangers from an Anti-Poaching unit worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of 5 Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male named Senkwkwe, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images)

BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers discover the body of a nursing female mountain gorilla gunned down by AK47 rounds, a baby later named Ndakasi was still trying to suckle from her dead mother when the body was discovered. Rangers from an Anti-Poaching unit worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of 5 Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male named Senkwkwe, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images)

BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers discover the body of a nursing female mountain gorilla gunned down by AK47 rounds, a baby later named Ndakasi was still trying to suckle from her dead mother when the body was discovered. Rangers from an Anti-Poaching unit worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of 5 Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male named Senkwkwe, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images)

BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Murdered Silverback mountain gorilla Senkwekwe is seen before evacutation. He is the father of rescued baby gorilla Ndakasi. Congolese Conservation Rangers worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in the park, Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images)

BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers from an Anti-Poaching unit work with locals to evacuate the bodies of four Mountain Gorrillas killed in mysterious circumstances in the park, Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male, the leader of the group was shot, three females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and the other was pregnant. The two babies were not found and it is thought that they will have died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing is not known but it is suspected that there are political motivations. The local illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 100 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the Gorrillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The Congolese Rangers in this particular group are working with Wildlife Direct, a Conservation organisation. The Rangers receive a salary based on donations to Wildlife Direct and perform one of the most dangerous jobs in the world of wildlife conservation. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 4.6 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Newsweek.)

BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Murdered Silverback mountain gorilla Senkwekwe and three female mountain gorillas are seen before being taken away for autopsy. Senkwekwe is the father of rescued baby gorilla Ndakasi, her mother is one of these dead females. Congolese Conservation Rangers worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in the park, Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images)

GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 OCTOBER 2008: Orphaned mountain gorilla Ndkasi and her ICCN conservation ranger care-giver Baboo play in the make-shift gorilla orphanage in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, 4 October 2008. At this time, the make-shift facility was noisy and dusty, the opposite of the natural environment of the mountain gorilla sector of the Park. The care-giver lives and sleeps in the same space with the orphan in 3 weeks shifts, 24/7, with one week off a month to see his family. Ndkasi's mother was killed in order to secure the Gorilla baby by poachers. The poachers had hoped to sell the baby but were caught in a sting by ICCN conservation rangers. Mountain Gorillas are extremely endangered and exist in a small region of the Virunga mountains on the border of DR Congo and Rwanda with a small family in Uganda. Today, the Senkekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage has been built inside the headquarters of the ICCN at Rumangabo, about 50 kilometers outside of Goma, that facility houses 5 orphans including the latest orphan Ihirwe. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.)

GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 OCTOBER 2008: Orphaned mountain gorilla Ndkasi and her ICCN conservation ranger care-giver Baboo play in the make-shift gorilla orphanage in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, 4 October 2008. At this time, the make-shift facility was noisy and dusty, the opposite of the natural environment of the mountain gorilla sector of the Park. The care-giver lives and sleeps in the same space with the orphan in 3 weeks shifts, 24/7, with one week off a month to see his family. Ndkasi's mother was killed in order to secure the Gorilla baby by poachers. The poachers had hoped to sell the baby but were caught in a sting by ICCN conservation rangers. Mountain Gorillas are extremely endangered and exist in a small region of the Virunga mountains on the border of DR Congo and Rwanda with a small family in Uganda. Today, the Senkekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage has been built inside the headquarters of the ICCN at Rumangabo, about 50 kilometers outside of Goma, that facility houses 5 orphans including the latest orphan Ihirwe. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.)

GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 OCTOBER 2013: Orphaned mountain gorilla Ndkasi and her ICCN conservation ranger care-giver prepare for bed as he reaches to bring down the Mosquito net around them in the make-shift gorilla orphanage in Goma. The care-giver lives and sleeps in the same space with the orphan in 3 weeks shifts, 24/7, with one week off a month to see his family. Ndkasi's mother was killed in order to secure the Gorilla baby by poachers. The poachers had hoped to sell the baby but were caught in a sting by ICCN conservation rangers. Mountain Gorillas are extremely endangered and exist in a small region of the Virunga mountains on the border of DR Congo and Rwanda with a small family in Uganda. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.)

GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 OCTOBER 2013: Orphaned mountain gorilla Ndkasi and her ICCN conservation ranger care-giver prepare for bed as he reaches to bring down the Mosquito net around them in the make-shift gorilla orphanage in Goma. The care-giver lives and sleeps in the same space with the orphan in 3 weeks shifts, 24/7, with one week off a month to see his family. Ndkasi's mother was killed in order to secure the Gorilla baby by poachers. The poachers had hoped to sell the baby but were caught in a sting by ICCN conservation rangers. Mountain Gorillas are extremely endangered and exist in a small region of the Virunga mountains on the border of DR Congo and Rwanda with a small family in Uganda. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.)

GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 OCTOBER 2013: Orphaned mountain gorilla Ndkasi and her ICCN conservation ranger care-giver prepare for bed as he reaches to bring down the Mosquito net around them in the make-shift gorilla orphanage in Goma. The care-giver lives and sleeps in the same space with the orphan in 3 weeks shifts, 24/7, with one week off a month to see his family. Ndkasi's mother was killed in order to secure the Gorilla baby by poachers. The poachers had hoped to sell the baby but were caught in a sting by ICCN conservation rangers. Mountain Gorillas are extremely endangered and exist in a small region of the Virunga mountains on the border of DR Congo and Rwanda with a small family in Uganda. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.)

VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, JANUARY 18 2015: Orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi, one of a number of gorillas raised and cared for in the Senkwekwe Orphan gorilla sanctuary inside Virunga National Park. The gorillas are seen discovering a new play area made of old fire hoses set up by their caregiver Andre. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images)

CONGO, 27 FEBRUARY 2012: Head caregiver at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage, Andre Bauma plays with Ndakasi and Ndeze, ensuring that they are adequately hydrated and cared for before they turn in the for the night in their specially built night quarters. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.)

RUMANGABO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MARCH 2012: Andre, 39, a self described "gorilla mother" looks after 4 orphaned gorillas who were rescued from various horrific circumstances and brought into care by the staff of Virunga National Park, DRC, 2 March 2012. Andre thinks of these gorillas as his own children and even describes bringing his children to see them as showing them their brothers and sisters. Andre lives with the Gorillas 24/7 with the exception of a few days off to visit his own family. Andre is an ICCN Congolese Conservation ranger and has cared for orphaned and rescued gorillas since 2003. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.)

RUMANGABO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MARCH 2012: Andre, 39, a self described "gorilla mother" looks after 4 orphaned gorillas who were rescued from various horrific circumstances and brought into care by the staff of Virunga National Park, DRC, 2 March 2012. Andre thinks of these gorillas as his own children and even describes bringing his children to see them as showing them their brothers and sisters. Andre lives with the Gorillas 24/7 with the exception of a few days off to visit his own family. Andre is an ICCN Congolese Conservation ranger and has cared for orphaned and rescued gorillas since 2003. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Andre Bauma, chief caregiver at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage teaches painting to Ndakasi inside her night enclosure. The caregivers try to find as many ways as possible to stimulate the gorillas. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, OCTOBER 2020: Orphan mountain gorilla Matabishi plays with Patrick while female orphan Ndakasi is seen in the foreground. This scene is inside Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage inside Virunga National Park. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A sick Ndakasi is seen with caregiver Patrick just before a medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A sick Ndakasi is carried out of her night enclosure to a medical procedure to try to determine what is behind her long term illness. This procedure was carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A sick Ndakasi is carried out of her night enclosure to a medical procedure to try to determine what is behind her long term illness. This procedure was carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A sick Ndakasi is carried out of her night enclosure to a medical procedure to try to determine what is behind her long term illness. This procedure was carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: Moutain gorilla Ndakasi fights off the effects of the anasthetic as Andre Bauma comforts her. A medical procedure was just carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26, 2021: Orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi passes away in her cargiver's arms after a prolonged illness. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: Moutain gorilla Ndakasi fights off the effects of the anasthetic as Andre Bauma comforts her. A medical procedure was just carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: Moutain gorilla Ndakasi fights off the effects of the anasthetic as Andre Bauma comforts her. A medical procedure was just carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: Moutain gorilla Ndakasi fights off the effects of the anasthetic as Andre Bauma comforts her. A medical procedure was just carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26, 2021: Orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi passes away in her cargiver's arms after a prolonged illness. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26, 2021: Orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi passes away in her cargiver's arms after a prolonged illness. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images)

show thumbnails
caption