Beloved Mountain Gorilla, Ndakasi, Dies at Virunga National Park
A Wildlife Article from All-Creatures.org

FROM LCA Last Chance for Animals
October 2021

LCA is a lead supporter of The AirWing program providing the best possible tools to secure the park, protect the rangers, and reduce threats to Virunga’s wildlife populations, including the majestic mountain gorilla.

Ndakasi in the arms of her caretaker, Andre Bauma. Photo credit: Brent Stirton

LCA mourns the death of Ndakasi, the beloved orphaned mountain gorilla who lived at the Senkwekwe Center in Virunga National Park.

Ndakasi was a survivor of the 2007 Virunga mountain gorilla massacre. Park rangers found two month old Ndakasi clinging to her dead mother's breast after an attack by armed militia hours earlier. Caretaker Andre Bauma held the tiny orphan baby all night for warmth and comfort. The trauma of losing her family combined with a long rehabilitation time meant Ndakasi was not able to return to the wild. Ndakasi lived her life at the Senkwekwe Center for orphaned gorillas in Virunga National Park.

In 2019, Ndakasi made headlines when she posed for a selfie with one of her caretakers from Virunga's anti-poaching unit.

Ndakasi died in the arms of Andre, her caretaker and friend, at 14 years old after a prolonged illness.

Ndakasi at the Senkwekwe Center in Virunga National Park. Photo credit: Anthony Caere

Ndakasi's life serves as a reminder why LCA's work to support Virunga National Park is so critical.

LCA has been the major supporter of the AirWing program in Virunga National Park since 2016. The AirWing program provides the best possible tool to secure the park, protect the rangers, and reduce threats to Virunga’s wildlife populations, including the majestic mountain gorilla.

Donate today to LCA's Mountain Gorilla Campaign at LCA Last Chance for Animals.

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