Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwest Uganda has welcomed two more baby gorillas in the previous week. The first of the two births was reported by the Uganda Wildllife Authority (UWA) on May 13 while the second was announced four days later by the same Authority.
According to UWA, the first baby gorilla was born to adult female female Kebirungi of the Nshongi gorilla family in Rushaga sector while the second belonged to the Christmas gorilla family born by adult female Kiiza in the Nkuringo sector.
“Great News! We are excited to announce our newest mountain gorilla baby, born this week in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Adult female Kebirungi of the Nshongi gorilla family was first seen with her healthy newborn baby on 9th May 2022.” UWA tweeted.
“UWA’s field teams have since been trying to get the first images of the first baby, an effort that was concluded yesterday. This new gorilla brings the total number of individuals in the Nshongi family of Bwindi’s Rushaga sector from 12 to 13. We are so glad to also confirm that both Kebirungi and Bweza, the father, are in good health. Like the meaning in her name (“beautiful”), help us wish Kebirungi’s cute baby a ver long and beautiful life.” UWA added.
On the second birth, UWA wrote;
“It’s a mountain gorilla BABY BOOM in Uganda. Meet the newest member of the Christmas family in the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.”
“Kiiza is a name given to a child who is born after twins. It is heartwarming to see her bring new life to earth, and is a testimony to the excellent work done by our teams, communities, and partners in conserving these iconic species. We wish them a long and healthy life.”
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Natioanal Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is Uganda’s major home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The Park protects almost half of the global population of these gentle and large primates with over 400 of them living within its boundaries. Bwindi is also the leading destination for Uganda gorilla tours with travellers coming from across the globe to trek these elusive species in their natural habitat. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s second home of mountain gorillas and the park is also popularly known for protecting the endangered golden monkeys.
To trek gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga, each trekker is charged $700 for foreign non residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX250,000 for East African citizens. Majority of tourists who visit Uganda combine their gorilla trekking safaris with other wildlife experiences like game viewing and primate tracking in large game reserves like Murchison Falls National Park in the northwest, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kibale Forest National Park in the west.
Dry seasons like June to September and December to February are the best seasons for travellers to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi due to the favourable conditions in the park. Trekking through the thick vegetation and hiking the rugged montane terrain of the park is made much difficult in the rain season due to muddy and slippery conditions. Gorillas are also easily seen during the dry season since they freely move in all sectors of the park.
