My focus now is the protection and care of baby gorillas. I have a deep affection for gorillas, especially the babies, and do my best to help them forget the traumas they have endured before being brought to me. Currently, I am one of 4 Rangers caring for the babies, Ndakasi and Ndeze.

Ndakasi is from the Kabirizi family and was found between Bukima and Gatovu, in the Mikeno sector. Rangers found Ndakasi clinging to her dead mother, who was killed by poachers. This poor orphan spent several days this way before being rescued. I have been caring for her since June 2007 and I am happy to say that she is finally healthy and living a carefree life.

Ndeze is the daughter of Senkwekwe, the silverback leader of the Rugendo family who was massacred in July 2007. It was the photo of Senkwekwe’s body being carried by Rangers that made the world realize that terrible things were happening to our gorillas. As the massacre was happening, Ndeze’s older brother must have escaped into the jungle with her. Although he protected her, he could not feed her because she was not yet weaned. With every passing day, she became weaker and closer to death. Luckily, they were discovered and rescued by a Ranger patrol. When found, Ndeze was so weak that she could barely move. After days of close medical attention and food, she began regaining her strength.

These animals are amazing creatures and I feel blessed to be able to help them. I get great satisfaction out of seeing them become healthy, happy, and playful again.