Saying goodbye to Ndakasi

In 2007, Ndakasi, a 2-month-old gorilla, was rescued in the Congolese bush by rangers from Virunga National Park after her mother was killed by poachers. Despite her traumatic start, Ndakasi's story was one of kindness and love.

She met Andre Bauma, a keeper at the park's gorilla nursery, who cared for her from the moment she was rescued. Through a night of severe rain, Bauma hugged her closely to keep her warm and offer comfort.

Ndakasi's life was a gift, given her challenging beginning, and she grew up to be happy and healthy. Tragically, she passed away at the age of 14 due to illness in 2012, but her final moments were filled with love in the arms of her keeper, Andre Bauma.

While Ndakasi is no longer with us, her memory lives on, and the caregivers at Virunga National Park continue their work to provide hope to orphaned gorillas like her, highlighting the strong bond between park workers and the gorillas they care for.

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Sources: 

Photo credit: Virunga National Park

https://hasanjasim.online/gorilla-hugs-the-man-who-saved-her-as-a-baby-in-her-final-moments/?fbclid=IwAR3MazrOjYZOccUdV-kvdzCl2AIgxNe6un2XYKNOm6FsSpG5vU0jkosZzTs

https://www.gorilladoctors.org/saving-lives/orphan-gorillas/ndakasi/#:~:text=Gorilla%20Doctors%20is%20deeply%20saddened,of%20not%20eating%2C%20and%20diarrhea.

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