Senkwekwe Centre Mountain Gorilla Orphanage
The Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage in Congo is a premier primate conservation initiative in Africa. Although their population is rising, mountain gorillas remain endangered and are classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Approximately 1,000 individuals continue to inhabit the jungles of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Wildlife conservationists and the three governments have launched multiple initiatives aimed at preventing the extinction of mountain gorillas due to their dwindling population. The primary threat to mountain gorillas arises from human activity. A significant number of primates have perished during civil conflicts and due to snares abandoned by poachers. As human populations expand near gorilla habitats, forests are being depleted for firewood and agricultural development. This is the reason the three governments opted to designate the gorilla parks and resettle populations such as the Batwa pygmies. In addition to humans, diseases pose a significant threat to mountain gorillas. Due to its limited population, a single highly transmissible disease such as Ebola might eradicate entire communities.
Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Center The mountain gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo continue to confront persistent threats from civil wars, poaching, and habitat loss attributed to ineffective government policy. In 2007, the Rugendo gorilla population, led by the silverback gorilla Senkwekwe, was assaulted by rebels concealed within Virunga National Park. Several gorillas perished, leaving orphans such as Ndeze and Ndakasi, who were rescued and housed in a facility near Goma. Residing in the heart of a bustling town has elicited apprehension among conservationists globally. Furthermore, the circumstances within the structure were predominantly inadequate. A new temporary residence was established for them at Mikeno Lodge in Virunga National Park, offering increased room and improved living circumstances. In 2010, this residence was transformed into a gorilla refuge named the Senkwekwe Centre. Following the establishment of the Senkwekwe Centre, wildlife conservation agencies and private contributors provided over $210,000 for the gorillas.
The Senkwekwe Centre is the sole sanctuary for mountain gorillas globally. The Centre has expanded in size due to the influx of additional orphans. The orphanage is situated in a big and optimal location. It constitutes a substantial area of woodland abundant in fruits and flora for gorilla sustenance. Their diet includes vegetables, fruits, oatmeal, and milk for those who are not yet weaned. The Senkwekwe Gorilla orphanage is administered by the Virunga Foundation, which also oversees Virunga National Park. The gorilla orphanage is accessible to tourists residing at the Mikeno lodge free of charge. Virunga National Park collaborates with many wildlife conservation organizations, such as the Gorilla Doctors and Gorilla Fund International, to secure funding. The Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Centre has received orphaned eastern lowland gorillas from Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Gorilla Orphans at the Senkwekwe Center
Senkwekwe CenterIt is crucial to note that the initial two orphaned gorillas, Ndeze and Ndakasi, have passed away due to various health issues; nonetheless, this has not impeded the Senkwekwe Centre from operating or accepting new orphans. At now, the Centre houses six orphaned gorillas. The majority of these orphaned gorillas were obtained from Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Parks after their parents were killed by poachers, insurgents, and pet traders. They were admitted to the Centre for rehabilitation and treatment with severe injuries. A team of committed caregivers and veterinary physicians attends to the orphans. Despite enjoying abundant resources and superior medical care, some individuals have nonetheless succumbed to sickness. We will review several renowned gorilla orphans that have been admitted to the Centre since its inception in 2010:
Notable inhabitants of the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage Center
Life: Maisha, signifying “life,” was born in 2001 and was among the inaugural orphans received at the Senkwekwe Centre. In 2004, her family was assaulted by poachers. The poachers abducted her and confined her at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage before dumping her in a cave along the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The local populace informed the management of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda regarding her location in the caves, leading to her rescue. Maisha was discovered in a deplorable condition, but veterinarians restored her to optimal health. Upon the establishment of the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage in 2010, she was sent there for enhanced care. Maisha embodied warmth, compassion, and vitality, as her name implied. She nurtured the other orphaned gorillas brought to the Centre as if they were her own offspring. Regrettably, Maisha’s health declined with age, resulting in her demise.
Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Centre Yalala was a member of the Kabirizi gorilla group in Virunga National Park. She was liberated from a trap set by poachers in the jungle to capture other creatures. Yalala was discovered supine and ensnared in the colossal trap. Her leg was subsequently amputated due to significant damage inflicted by the snare during her attempt to extricate herself. Yalala continues to reside in the Centre and is accessible to tourists engaging in activities such as gorilla trekking and mountaineering the Nyiragongo Volcano.
Kaboko was a male gorilla whose hand was amputated owing to injuries incurred when ensnared in a trap established by poachers. He was an exceptionally lovely gorilla, admired by many, including his companions at the Senkwekwe gorilla orphanage in Virunga National Park. Kaboko consistently experienced gastrointestinal issues, but his demise was hastened by the 2012 rebel assault near Virunga National Park, which necessitated its temporary closure by management. He succumbed to sadness due to the absence of a trained veterinary physician to attend to him.
Ndakasi: Ndakasi was among the initial two gorillas introduced to the Centre following the 2007 massacre of the Rugendo group by insurgents in Virunga National Park. Her misfortune led to the establishment of the Senkwekwe Centre. Ndakasi was relocated from a residence in Goma town to the Centre in 2010. At that time, she was ten years old. Ndakasi has subsequently passed away.
Senkwekwe CenterNdeze is one of the two gorillas discovered residing in a building in Goma city. She was Ndakasi’s sister. Their suffering and poor living conditions in a bustling town attracted the attention of conservationists, resulting in the establishment of the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage Centre. Ndeze has also deceased after residing in the Centre for a period.
Matabishi: Matabishi was a juvenile male gorilla discovered in a corn field adjacent to Virunga National Park. It is presumed that poachers abandoned him near the park due to apprehension of apprehension. He was received to the orphanage in 2010. Maisha held profound affection for Matabishi. She nurtured and safeguarded him as though she were his mother.
Instructions for visiting the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage Centre
The Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Centre is situated in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. It is situated near the park administration and the opulent Mikeno lodge. The Senkwekwe Centre is administered by the Virunga Foundation in collaboration with veterinary physicians from the Gorilla Doctors. The organization employs a cadre of caretakers to assist in the rehabilitation, nourishment, and care of the primates. A team of gorilla doctors is available to provide treatment in the event of illness.
To solicit contributions from individual donors and to demonstrate their activities with orphans, the Virunga permits restricted visitors to the Centre. Access to the Senkwekwe Centre is complimentary but restricted to those with reservations at Mikeno Lodge. Other lodges, such as the Kibumba Tented Camp, the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Centre, and the Bukima Tented Camp, are situated too far from the Centre. Nonetheless, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis through the hotel or with assistance from your tour organizer. A visit to the Senkwekwe Center serves as an ancillary experience for those primarily engaged in hiking Mount Nyiragongo or participating in gorilla trekking within Virunga National Park. A visit to the Centre provides an intimate experience with the primates, occasionally surpassing that of gorilla trekking. The sole distinction is that the gorillas at the Centre inhabit a confined area of woodland. At the Centre, you may observe the gorillas being fed, constructing their nests, and interacting with the caretakers. Visitors may feed the primates under the supervision of the caretakers. Volunteers are consistently welcomed at the Centre; however, one must apply via the Virunga Foundation. All donations must be submitted via the official website of Virunga National Park.