Arabic version: غوريلا الجبال تحتفل بمواليد توأمية نادرة في حديقة فيرونغا الوطنية

In an extraordinary event for the endangered mountain gorillas, a male and female twin have been born in Virunga National Park, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This marks the second set of twins born in the park within just two months, delighting conservationists who are dedicated to protecting this vulnerable species. According to The Guardian, the twins were discovered in the Baraka family, a troop consisting of 19 mountain gorillas that inhabit the high-altitude rainforests of the region.

The birth of twins is a rare occurrence among mountain gorillas, accounting for less than 1% of all births, and it presents additional challenges for the mother. Park rangers are closely monitoring the young infants to ensure their survival during these critical early months, as the species is known for high infant mortality rates due to various threats, including disease and trauma.

Just two months prior, another set of twins was born to a female mountain gorilla named Mafuko, who has been receiving support from other members of her troop. The infants from the earlier birth are now thriving at 11 weeks old. Conservation experts believe that twin births are more likely when the mothers are in optimal physical condition, highlighting the importance of health and nutrition in the gorilla population.

Jacques Katutu, the head of gorilla monitoring at Virunga, emphasized the significance of these twin births as indicators of the success of ongoing conservation efforts in the region, despite the instability caused by local conflicts. The dedicated work of conservationists has contributed to the resurgence of the mountain gorilla population, which has seen numbers rise from just 250 in the 1970s to over 1,000 in 2018.

Virunga National Park remains one of the most perilous areas for wildlife rangers, with over 220 rangers having lost their lives in the past two decades due to violence from armed groups and bandits. Nevertheless, the commitment to protecting these majestic creatures continues, with specialized veterinary care playing a crucial role in their survival and recovery.