Uganda Holds Mountain Gorilla baby boom party amidst the global Covid-19 pandemic

Uganda Holds Mountain Gorilla baby boom party amidst the global Covid-19 pandemic

Over the past weeks, many internet channels including social media posts, blogs were filled with amazing news of continuous mountain gorilla birth in Bwindi forest of Uganda that was dubbed as “Mountain gorilla baby boom”, this excitement occurred in the impenetrable jungles of the famous Bwindi Forest national park in Southwestern Uganda which experience came with an unprecedented baby boom in its Mountain gorilla population in the region.

So far 9 Mountain gorilla babies have been warmly welcomed in the dense tropical forest compared to only 3 babies for the whole year of 2019. What could be the reason? Well “The birth of new mountain gorillas is a testimony to Uganda’s successful conservation efforts. With enhanced integrity of protected areas, there has been a notable increase of wildlife population in Uganda.” That’s according the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Executive director Mr. Sam Mwadha.

The latest baby boom comes in from “Mucunguzi” gorilla family in Rushaga sector that welcomed a bouncing baby (sex was not yet confirmed) by Ndinkahe (literally where am I?) a16 years’ adult female who joined Mucunguzi from an unhabituated wild family. This gorilla family takes her name from the silverback Mucunguzi who heads the family. As per now the family’s membership comprises of 12 individuals.

It was not only Bwindi that experienced the baby boom but also Mgahinga national park in the far southwest could not hide from attending the part and joined the list on 2^nd September with Nshuti (literally my friend) giving birth bringing the total number of individuals in Nyakagyezi gorilla group to 9

 As if that was not enough, other members from different gorilla families in different sectors joined the boom party. Buhoma sector in the northern side of Bwindi was represented by Ruterana of Rushegura gorilla family bringing her third born to the world but unfortunately lost her due to pneumonia. It’s a pity! Kibande (Commonly known as “Kingmaker” because her off springs usually becomes the dominant silverbacks) another adult female gorilla from Rushagura group brought to earth her fifth bouncing baby boom on 27^th August 2020

In Rushaga another sector in the southern part of Bwindi, Kabagyenyi of Muyambi gorilla group and another unnamed adult female of the Nsongi gorilla family brought to earth 2 baby booms in April 25^th and 01^st May respectively.

Mountain Gorillas were designated as critically endangered species by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with less than 1,000 individuals remaining in the whole world. In 2018, the mountain gorilla was removed from the list of critically endangered species by IUCN after intensive conservation efforts had paid off.

Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is a 320 km²  stretch of dense impenetrable forest as well as part of the Virunga massif whose conservation efforts combines the three countries of Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.  Bwindi is also a home of almost half of The world’s population of Mountain gorillas with other members found in Volcanoes national park of Rwanda and Virunga national park of Democratic republic of Congo. Other residents of Bwindi are forest elephants, Buffaloes, duikers, L’hoest monkeys and also a darling for bird lovers due to her massive birding endemics.

You must be wondering how you too could join the boom party. Well Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has issued guideline and phase 1 of opening the Entebbe International Airport id underway. International arrivals are expected to land in Entebbe on 01^st October 2020.

All you need is a negative Covid-19 test done within 72 hours before arrival to Entebbe international airport. You will be tested again on arrival on own expense to vehemently confirm the results and then you can proceed to your adventure.

It’s not yet late to join the party, with our famous 3 days’ gorilla safari adventure, you have the highest chances to dance to you tune with these gentle Forest habitants.

How Much is Gorilla Tracking In Uganda?

Before arriving for your gorilla tracking adventure in Uganda, you need to have these figures on your figure tips. Gorilla tracking permits are obtained at Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarter in Kampala and each gorilla tracking permit costs USD 700 for foreign non-resident, USD 600 for foreign residents and Uganda Shillings 750, 000 for Ugandans and East African Citizens. Contact a trusted safari company like African Finfoot Safaris for your East African Safari and to secure for you your gorilla permits to up to 2 years before your tracking date.

Talk to us and we shall create a dream safari of your choice.

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