From the most commented selfie to the saddest photo: Ndakasi, the famous Congo gorilla died in the arms of his caregiver

The Virunga National Park (PNVi) announced on Tuesday the death of a gorilla famous for its history and its personality which had become one of the attractions of this natural and tourist jewel of the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. “With great regret, the Virunga announce the death of the orphaned mountain gorilla Ndakasi, who had resided in central Senkwekwe for more than a decade.», Specifies the PNVi press release.

“On the evening of September 26, after a long illness, his condition rapidly deteriorated and Ndakasi died in the arms of his guardian and longtime friend, André Bauma.“, Add. “Ndakasi’s life is well documented and his warm personality has appeared in many shows and films (…). It also rose to internet fame in 2019, when a selfie went viral on Earth Day.»Recalls the PNVi.

This mountain gorilla She was born in April 2007 and was orphaned two months after militiamen killed her mother. Her vulnerable state prevented her from returning to nature and she lived in a PNVi center where she, along with another gorilla, Ignite, were treated for 11 years. Located on the border with Rwanda and Uganda, the park Virunga It covers 7,800 km2 in the province of North (East) Kivu.

The Senkekwe Center, located inside the park, it is the only center in the world that takes care of orphaned mountain gorillas.

“It was a privilege to support and care for such a loving creature, especially knowing the trauma Ndakasi suffered at a very young age. It is the gentle nature and intelligence of Ndakasi that helped me understand the connection between humans and great apes and why we must do everything in our power to protect them. I am proud to have called Ndakasi my friend. I loved her like a child and her cheerful personality made me smile every time I interacted with her. She will be missed by all of us at Virunga, but we will always be grateful for the wealth that Ndakasi brought to our lives during his time in Senkwekwe.Bauma said in the statement.

I’m not He has appeared in various television shows and films, including a documentary titled “Virunga», But it was his photobomb in selfie on April 22, 2019 which brought her to worldwide fame. On the image, I’m a woman appears next to another female gorilla, Ignite. The couple appear to have natural talent and charisma on camera. One can be seen proudly in a powerful pose with her feet spread wide, while the other leans forward to appear in the photo with Ranger Mathieu Shamavu behind in the image.

(With information from AFP and the media) .-

KEEP READING: