Ask Onix
Rare twin gorilla birth recorded in Virunga
Conservationists in the Democratic Republic of Congo have confirmed the birth of twin mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, a rare event for the critically protected species. The newborns, two male infants, were discovered on Saturday with their mother, 22-year-old Mafuko, who appeared healthy alongside her offspring.
Why twin births matter
Twin births among mountain gorillas occur in roughly 1% of cases, though precise data remains limited. With fewer than 1,100 individuals left in the wild, every birth is significant for the species' survival. Mountain gorillas are found only in Virunga and neighboring parks in Rwanda and Uganda, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Mafuko's survival story
Mafuko's history underscores the challenges facing the species. Born in 2003 into the Kabirizi family, she lost her mother to armed attackers at age four. She later joined the Bageni family and has since given birth five times, though her previous twins, born in 2016, died within a week. Gorilla infants depend entirely on their mothers for care, making them vulnerable in a region plagued by poaching and armed conflict.
Enhanced protection measures
Park authorities have implemented additional monitoring to safeguard the newborns. Rangers will closely observe the family and intervene if necessary. A gorilla's gestation period lasts about eight and a half months, with females typically birthing a single infant every four years.
Conservation progress
Virunga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has seen a gradual increase in mountain gorilla numbers over the past decade, thanks to anti-poaching patrols and community programs supported by the European Union and UNESCO. This progress led the IUCN to reclassify the species from "critically endangered" to "endangered" in 2018.
About Virunga National Park
Spanning 7,800 square kilometers, Virunga is Africa's oldest and largest national park. Its diverse landscapes include active volcanoes, rainforests, and mountains. Despite its ecological importance, the park remains situated in a conflict-prone region, posing ongoing challenges for wildlife protection.
