Two sets of mountain gorilla twins have been born in the Virunga range in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) within three months, an event described as 'extraordinary' by park authorities. Twins are incredibly rare in mountain gorillas, accounting for less than 1% of births.
The first pair, born in January, are alive and thriving, according to Virunga National Park. Rangers have observed other members of the Bageni gorilla troop helping the mother, Mafuko, with her infant male twins. The second pair, a male and female, were spotted recently, raising hopes for the species' recovery.
Jacques Katutu, head of gorilla monitoring at Virunga, said: 'Two instances of twin births within three months are extraordinary events and provide another vital indicator that dedicated conservation efforts... support the growth of the endangered mountain gorilla population.' Rangers suspect the births may be a sign that gorilla families are in particularly good health.
Mountain gorillas were once close to extinction, with barely 250 individuals left in the 1970s and 1980s. Thanks to decades of conservation work by park rangers, NGOs like Gorilla Doctors, and local authorities, the population has rebounded to over 1,000. The twin births occur in a region where more than 220 rangers have been killed protecting wildlife in the past 20 years.
Dr Benard Ssebide of Gorilla Doctors, who monitors gorillas in Uganda, noted the importance of veterinary interventions in the population increase. The vets hike through the forest daily to treat injuries and disease, knowing each gorilla by name.
The births serve as a reminder of what can be achieved through dedicated conservation, even in challenging circumstances. As one observer put it, 'There is a lot to feel gloomy about... but the gorilla births are a reminder that when humanity wants to, it can help nature achieve amazing things.'
