Virunga National Park rangers rescued a 2-month-old gorilla called Ndakasi in the Congolese forest in 2007. She’d been discovered holding her mother’s body, whose life had been cut short by poachers.
Ndakasi’s tale, however, is one of kindness and love, despite her traumatic origins.
Ndakasi met Andre Bauma, a keeper at the park’s gorilla nursery, not long after she was rescued from the bush. Bauma never left the orphaned gorilla’s side during her first night away from her mother.
“Through a severe rain storm that lasted all night, Andre held baby Ndakasi closely to his bare chest to keep her warm and soothe her,” the park workers reported.
But, due to Bauma and the rest of the orphanage personnel, Ndakasi not only survived the night. She would eventually grow up to be happy and healthy.
Ndakasi was photographed in the presence of those who loved her in a lovely selfie published by the park in 2019.
Given the circumstances of Ndakasi’s rescue as a struggling infant, each day of her life was a gift. But, sadly, it came to an early end.
This week, the gorilla’s caretakers announced that Ndakasi had passed away from an illness at age 14. Though it’s heartbreaking to have lost her so young, her last moments reflected a legacy of love.
“Ndakasi took her final breath in the loving arms of her caretaker and lifelong friend, Andre Bauma,” the park wrote.
Ndakasi is no longer with us, but she will not be forgotten. And the work of those who gave her a second opportunity at a happy life will continue, giving hope to other orphaned gorillas.
The refuge in Virunga National Park’s caretakers wouldn’t have it any other way.
“There is a link that binds us,” Bauma said. “A very, very intimate bond between the guardians and the gorillas.”
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