Uganda Wildlife Authority is celebrating the birth of 2 baby gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Parkamidst the lockdown. The baby gorillas were born to Muyambi and Nshongi gorilla families on April 25th and 1st May. Apparently, the sexes of baby gorillas are not yet known due to the tight monitoring of babies by their parents. Baby gorillas were discovered by park rangers in Bwindi Forest National Park while doing the daily survey of gorillas in the national park. The birth of new baby gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park is a success story of gorilla conservation efforts by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the general public. The baby gorillas have added on the total number of gorillas in Bwindi Forest, Uganda and Africa as a whole. Kabagyenyi, the mother and Bweza the father of the baby gorilla in Nshongi gorilla family were seen tightly guarding their baby against any external attack. In Muyambi gorilla family, Muyambi silverback and the baby mama plus the entire family were seen soothing and warming the new family member. The birth of new baby gorillas gives hope for continous gorilla safaris in Uganda
Current State of gorilla tourism in Uganda
As of 11th May 2020, all Uganda gorilla safaris and reach activities in Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Par are on a temporary suspension. The two gorilla national parks were closed in March 2020 following the outbreak of the deadly Corona Virus, which is so infectious to the endangered gorillas. Travel operators and travelers were advised to postpone all trips to a further date to prevent gorillas from catching this deadly Virus. Fortunately, Uganda Wildlife Authority relaxed its gorilla permit cancelation policy allowing travel operators to reschedule their permit to any desired date up to 2022 without facing any penalty.
About Nshongi gorilla family
Nshongi gorilla family was the first gorilla group habituated in Rushaga gorilla family in southern sector of Bwindi Forest National Park. Nshongi was at first the biggest gorilla family inn Bwindi Forest that comprised of over 35 members. Un fortunately, the gorilla group kept on splitting and it currently as 9member. The new baby is therefore the 10th member of Nshongi gorilla group. Most of the Nshongi gorilla family is members were lost to external attacks from other families who grab some members and others lost to natural death.
About Muyambi Gorilla Family
Muyambi is a newly introduced gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, which was opened, or trekking in 2019. Muyambi is the dominant silverback that heads other 5 members. Altogether, Muyambi gorilla family has 6 members. Muyambi family split from Mubare gorilla family in Buhoma sector north of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Muyambi was one of the former adult males in Mubare family who got disagreements with his dad. The baby Maama in Muyambi family was formerly a member of a wild gorilla family in Bwindi Forest.
Gorilla Conservation in Bwindi Forest
For the last 25 years, mountain gorilla conservation in Bwindi Forest has been a success story. Uganda Wildlife Authority has seen a steady increase in the number of mountain gorillas. Bwindi Forest is home to over 500 members, which make it home to half of the world’s total gorilla population. Bwindi is home to 18 habituated for gorilla trekking available for trekking. Gorillas in Bwindi Forest are split in four sectors, which are Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the East, Nkuringo and Rushaga in the south. Gorilla families in Bwindi Forest include:
• Mubare Gorilla Family
• Habinyanja Gorilla family
• Rushegura Gorilla Family
• Nshongi Gorilla Family
• Bweza Gorilla Group
• Bitukura Gorilla Family
• Bushaho Gorilla Family
• Katwe Gorilla Group
• Nkuringo Gorilla Family
• Mishaya Gorilla Group
• Christmas Gorilla Family
• Kahungye Gorilla Family
• Oruzogo Gorilla Group
• Busingye Gorilla Family
• Kyaguliro Gorilla Group
• Bikyingi Gorilla Group
• Mukiza Gorilla Family
• Kutu Gorilla Group
• Mucunguzi Gorilla Group
Bwindi Forest is a center of gorilla habituation experience done in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi. Bikyingi and Bushaho gorilla families are currently undergoing training. A gorilla habituation experience costs $1500 to spend four hours with the gorillas.
Gorilla permits prices in Bwindi Forest
Given the high number of gorilla families, Bwindi ha the highest gorilla permits availability in Africa. Uganda gorilla permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority @700 for foreign non residents, 600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. African Apes Tours help you book and reserve gorilla permits and packages to Bwindi Forest at affordable rates. Gorilla Permit bookings in Uganda is recommended at least 6 months in advance to ensure timely planning.
The birth of two-baby gorilla in Bwindi Forest is a great achievement for Uganda Tourism. Book a past Covid19 Uganda gorilla safari to Bwindi Forest and get a chance to meet the adorable baby gorillas.
