Even though he’s only a youngster, Bobga, a young gorilla, has already seen enough upheaval and grief to last a lifetime.
People concluded something awful had happened to Bobga’s family when they found him alone in a wooden container earlier this year.
Gorilla mothers are fiercely protective of their young and would never abandon them unless forced to. When newborn apes lose their parents, they are frequently sold as pets, and when they grow too large to handle, they may find up in abandoned zoos or circuses.
Sandra Henoch, a spokesman for Pro Wildlife, a German charity that helps the Limbe Wildlife Center (LWC) in Cameroon, told The Dodo earlier this year, “The tiny one had to start his life in a little cage tethered to a pole.” “It’s likely that he was a victim of the illegal wildlife trade.”
Since his rescue back in January, when the people at LWC vowed to make sure that the little gorilla would grow up strong, Bobga has made huge strides.
By bonding with his caretakers, he’s learning really important practical and social skills.
“As part of his rehabilitation, Bobga has been busy learning skills from his committed carers — including foraging, playing, acquiring social skills, increasing curiosity, climbing, and grooming,” said Peggy Motsch, primate well-being and population manager at LWC.
Despite his terrible start in life, the ultimate purpose of raising Bobga is to ensure that he can live in a natural setting.
“Bobga has matured into a lively, confident, and powerful gorilla,” stated Motsch. “Every day, he demonstrates the abilities he’ll need to live in a semi-free enclosure and, ideally, in the wild again.”
Bobga plays with a soccer ball, which helps with dexterity, and he loves climbing, which will also be important for living in the forest.
“He loves to run and roll around, play, forage and climb the different structures (and people!),” Motsch said.
Bobga was recently having fun with his carer, Alvin, when he decided it was time to unwind. As a result, Alvin sat down on the ground, making it easy for Bobga to snuggle up and spoon.
“It’s critical that he feels comfortable and secure with his caregivers,” LWC posted on Facebook. “This photograph catches Bobga and Alvin, one of his committed caregivers, in a lovely moment of relaxation.”
Bobga’s life has changed dramatically in just a few months of love and trust – it’s as obvious as the tiny gorilla’s smile.
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