Farewell to Ndakasi, the Beloved Photobombing Mountain Gorilla

Ndakasi, a mountain gorilla who captured the hearts of millions when she photobombed her caretaker’s selfie, has passed away at the age of 14. The news of her death has left many saddened, as she was a beloved member of her community and a symbol of hope for the conservation of her species.

Ndakasi was a resident of Virunga National Park, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She was a member of the Humba gorilla family, whch is one of the park’s most well-known groups of mountain gorillas.

Her caretakers first noticed that she was unwell in August of 2021, when she began to exhibit symptoms of an intestinal obstruction. Despite the best efforts of Gorilla Doctors, a team of veterinarians who specialize in the care of gorillas, Ndakasi’s condition continued to deteriorate.

Throughout her illness, Ndakasi received the best possible care from her caretakers and the Gorilla Doctors team. She was given medication and monitored closely, but unfortunately, her condition did not improve.

On September 26, 2021, Ndakasi passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family and caregivers. A statement released by Virunga National Park praised her for her “gentle nature and playful spirit,” and noted that her loss is a great loss to both her family and the conservation community.

Ndakasi’s passing is a reminder of the importance of protecting and conserving mountain gorillas. These animals are critically endangered, with only around 1,000 remaining in the wild. Virunga National Park is one of the few places in the world where these magnificent creatures can be found, and the park’s staff and caretakers work tirelessly to ensure their survival.

Ndakasi may no longer be with us, but her memory will live on as a symbol of the beauty and fragility of the natural world. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who work to protect and conserve the amazing animals that share our planet.

The Cause of Death of Ndakasi the Gorilla

Ndakasi, the gorilla, passed away after a long-term illness. Despite the tireless efforts of both Gorilla Doctors and her caregivers, Ndakasi was unable to recover from her illness. The cause of her illness has not been disclosed, but it is known that she was tested several times for COVID-19, with negative results. The Virunga National Park has released a statement expressing their sorrow and condolences for the loss of Ndakasi.

ndakasi
Source: nationalgeographic.com

Age of Ndakasi the Gorilla

Ndakasi, the gorilla who went viral after photobombing her caretaker’s selfie, was 14 years old at the time of her death. According to a statement released by the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ndakasi died on September 26 after a prolonged illness.

Gorilla Fatalities: Has a Gorilla Ever Killed a Human?

There have been reported cases of gorillas attacking and even killing humans. However, such incidents are rare and in most cases, humans were always to blame. It is important to note that gorillas are generally peaceful animals and do not pose a significant threat to humans. In fact, gorillas are known to be gentle creatures and will often avoid confrontations with humans if they can. It is important to respect thir space and avoid any behavior that may provoke them. In the rare cases where a gorilla has attacked a human, it is usually because the human has entered the gorilla’s territory or has engaged in threatening behavior towards the gorilla. while there have been incidents of gorillas attacking humans, these are extremely rare and should not be seen as a reason to fear or demonize these magnificent animals.

The Most Common Killer of Gorillas

The greatest threat to gorilla populations is human activity, including habitat destruction, poaching, and disease transmission. However, in terms of natural predators, leopards and crocodiles are known to occasionally prey upon gorillas. While these predators are not a significant threat to gorillas as a whole, they can pose a danger to individual gorillas, particularly young or sick ones. It is important to note, however, that human actions remain the primary cause of gorilla population decline.

Life Expectancy of Gorillas

The life expectancy of a gorilla can vary depending on a number of factors such as the availability of food, shelter, and the presence of predators. In the wild, gorillas can live up to 40 years old. However, in captivity, gorillas can live even longer, with some individuals living into their 50s and 60s. It’s important to note that gorillas are classed as infants until they reach around three-and-a-half years old, and adults from around 8 years. During this period, males beteen 8-12 years are called ‘blackbacks’. the life expectancy of a gorilla is dependent on various factors, but with proper care and protection, they can live a long and healthy life.

ndakasi
Source: bbc.com

Conclusion

Ndakasi was a beloved mountain gorilla who captured the hearts of people aound the world with her photobombing antics. Unfortunately, despite the tireless efforts of Gorilla Doctors and her caregivers, Ndakasi ultimately lost her battle with a long-term illness. Her passing is a reminder of the fragility of life, especially for endangered species like the mountain gorilla. However, it also highlights the importance of conservation efforts and the vital role that organizations like Virunga National Park and Gorilla Doctors play in protecting these magnificent animals. Ndakasi’s legacy will live on, and she will be remembered as a symbol of hope for the future of mountain gorilla populations.

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Ilona

Ilona is an experienced travel counselor who loves everything about Africa! She studied Tourism and Hospitality Management at Middle Tennessee State University, and now lives in Nashville. With 15 years of experience under her belt, Ilona is well-equipped to plan your perfect African adventure.