Sometimes, animals become orphaned and must rely on the kindness of humans for survival. Thankfully, there are people who devote their lives to caring for these animals, forming bonds that last a lifetime. Such was the case for Ndakasi, an orphaned mountain gorilla from Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Her story touched the world in 2019, when a photo of her and her companion Ndeze posing for a selfie with a park ranger went viral. Standing upright with playful expressions, they showcased the trust and affection they had developed with their human caretakers. The image was both stunning and heartwarming, symbolizing the unbreakable bond between rescued wildlife and those who protect them.
But now, Ndakasi’s story has reached its heartbreaking conclusion. On September 26, after a prolonged illness, the beloved gorilla passed away in the arms of her rescuer, Andre Bauma—the very same man who held her as a baby after her mother was killed by poachers.
Ndakasi’s journey began in April 2007, when Virunga park rangers discovered a two-month-old baby gorilla clinging to her mother’s lifeless body. Poachers had slaughtered the entire family, leaving Ndakasi orphaned and defenseless. Knowing she wouldn’t survive on her own, they took her in, and Andre became her primary caretaker.
“All night long, Andre held the baby close to him, keeping her tiny body tightly against his bare chest for warmth and comfort,” Virunga National Park said in a statement.
Despite the tragic loss of her family, Ndakasi found a new home in the Senkewekwe Center, the only orphan mountain gorilla facility in the world. Alongside Ndeze, another rescued gorilla, she grew up surrounded by dedicated caretakers, forming deep bonds of trust and love.
The world saw that connection firsthand in 2019 when her viral selfie took social media by storm. The gorillas stood tall and posed for the camera, showcasing their playful nature and unique personalities. “Those gorilla gals are always acting cheeky, so this was the perfect shot of their true personalities!” the park wrote.
Sadly, after battling a prolonged illness, Ndakasi’s health began to fail. When the time came, she didn’t die alone—she passed peacefully in the arms of the man who had saved her life all those years ago.
“It was a privilege to support and care for such a loving creature, especially knowing the trauma Ndakasi suffered at a very young age,” Andre Bauma shared in a statement. “I am proud to have called Ndakasi my friend. I loved her like a child, and her cheerful personality brought a smile to my face every time I interacted with her.”
Her passing is a profound loss for the Virunga team, but her legacy remains. Her story raised awareness for endangered gorillas, highlighting the critical conservation work needed to protect them.
The selfie that made her famous is now a cherished memory, a reminder of the beautiful bond between humans and animals and why protecting wildlife is more important than ever.
Ndakasi may be gone, but her story lives on, inspiring people worldwide to fight for the survival of mountain gorillas.
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