The Virunga National Park has announced a new birth in the Bageni family of mountain gorillas, bringing the total number of individuals to 62. The newborn is a female, born to 11-year-old Uweko, who is now considered an adult female. This is the first documented birth for Uweko. The birth was observed by park rangers and community trackers. The Bageni family is the largest family of mountain gorillas being monitored in the park.
This new birth is one of five recorded in the Bageni family since January 2026. In the Mikeno sector, this marks the 18th birth recorded this year. Last week, the park announced the birth of a male mountain gorilla in the same family, born to Ruzuzi on October 17. In January, the Bageni family experienced a rare twin birth. The mountain gorilla is an endangered species that relies on habitat protection, reduction of human pressure, and conservation efforts.
The Virunga National Park, located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, covers approximately 7,800 km² in North Kivu province. Established in 1925, it is Africa's oldest protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite armed conflicts in eastern DRC disrupting conservation efforts, the park's Institut congolais pour la conservation de la nature (ICCN) continues to monitor wildlife and protect the natural area.
The global mountain gorilla population was estimated to be over 1,000 individuals following recent censuses. In the Virunga massif, estimates published in 2021 reported around 350 individuals. The park's conservation efforts are crucial to protecting the mountain gorilla and its habitat. The ICCN works to monitor and safeguard the park's wildlife.
The Bageni family is one of the largest and most closely monitored mountain gorilla families in the park. With 62 individuals, it is a significant success story for conservation efforts. The park's rangers and community trackers play a vital role in monitoring and protecting the gorillas. Their work helps to ensure the long-term survival of the species.
The Virunga National Park faces ongoing challenges, including armed conflicts and human pressure on the park's resources. Despite these challenges, the park remains committed to conservation efforts. The ICCN and other organizations work together to protect the park's wildlife and habitat. Their efforts help to safeguard the future of the mountain gorilla.
The new birth in the Bageni family is a positive development for the mountain gorilla population. Conservation efforts will continue to focus on protecting the species and its habitat. The Virunga National Park remains a vital area for conservation and research, providing valuable insights into the lives of mountain gorillas.
Key points
- The Bageni family of mountain gorillas now numbers 62 individuals following a new birth.
- The Virunga National Park continues to face challenges, including armed conflicts and human pressure.
- Conservation efforts are crucial to protecting the endangered mountain gorilla species.
