Mountain Gorilla
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Located just below the equator in Africa, the tropical rainforests of the Virunga Volcanoes extend across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These forests serve as one of the last remaining sanctuaries for the mountain gorilla.
Pushing through the jungle where trees and grasses grow thick and dense, I came upon the gorillas quietly feeding on vegetation.
Gorillas are the largest of the great apes. Mountain gorillas stand between 1.2 and 1.8 meters tall, weigh roughly 80 to 230 kilograms, and live for about 40 years. Today, fewer than 1,000 remain, placing them among the endangered species.
The silverback leading the group is an immense mass of muscle, yet his eyes carry a thoughtful calm that softens his imposing presence. A young gorilla playing in the trees approached, unable to hold back its curiosity, tugged lightly at the hem of my trousers in excitement, and then quickly moved away.
They feed mainly on plants and share deep family bonds, with both females and males taking an active role in caring for their young. With little desire for conflict with other groups, they can be seen as gentle and peaceful animals.
Even so, humans have reduced their habitat and placed their survival at risk. Not long ago, they were labeled as dangerous creatures and killed without hesitation.
Now, however, the countries that share this region are working together to strictly manage the habitat, with rangers and veterinarians stationed on site to protect them. Environmental organizations around the world have also become involved in these efforts. As a result of this collective work, the mountain gorilla population has begun to rise, slowly but steadily.
