Congo’s Famous Mountain Gorilla Ndakasi Dies at 14 in Virunga Park
Ndakasi, a beloved mountain gorilla known for a heartwarming selfie with her caretaker, has passed away at the age of 14 in Virunga National Park in Congo. The announcement of her death was made by the park, and it marked the end of an era for those who had followed her remarkable journey.
Ndakasi’s story began tragically in 2007 when she was just two months old. Rangers at Virunga National Park found her clinging to the lifeless body of her mother, who had fallen victim to armed militia. It was Andre Bauma, a dedicated ranger and caretaker at the Senkwekwe Centre for Orphaned Mountain Gorillas, who comforted Ndakasi on that fateful night by holding her close to his bare chest. From that moment on, he became her lifelong friend and guardian.
In 2009, Ndakasi was transferred to the Senkwekwe Center, where she lived with other orphaned mountain gorillas deemed too vulnerable to be returned to the wild. Under Bauma’s care, she thrived, and her story captured the hearts of many.
On September 26, 2021, Ndakasi took her final breath in the arms of Andre Bauma after battling a prolonged illness that saw her condition rapidly deteriorate. The park issued a heartfelt statement announcing her passing and commemorating her remarkable life.
“Ndakasi took her final breath in the loving arms of her caretaker and lifelong friend, Andre Bauma,” the statement read.
Ndakasi’s life was not only impactful on a personal level but also on a global scale. Her story was featured in various shows and a documentary film titled “Virunga.” However, she gained particular internet fame in 2019 when a captivating photo went viral. In the image, Ndakasi is seen standing on two feet, her belly out, alongside another gorilla named Ndeze, with Bauma in the foreground capturing the iconic selfie. The photo showcased the strong bond between Ndakasi and Bauma and highlighted the incredible personalities of these majestic creatures.
Ndakasi’s legacy will live on through the memories of those who were fortunate enough to know her and through the awareness she raised about the critical conservation efforts in place to protect mountain gorillas in the Virunga National Park. Her passing is a poignant reminder of the challenges these magnificent animals face in their natural habitat and the dedication of individuals like Andre Bauma who work tirelessly to ensure their survival.
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