Back in 2007, Virunga National Park rangers saved a 2-month-old gorilla called Ndakasi in the Congolese wilderness. She was found hugging the body of her mother whose life had been taken all too short by poachers.
However, despite her gruesome beginning, her story is full of love and kindness.
Shortly after Ndakasi was rescued from the forest and potential poachers, she crossed paths with a caretaker at the gorilla orphanage, called Andre Bauma. For the entire of Ndakasi’s first delicate night being away from her mother and in an unknown place Andre never left her side
“Through a torrential rainstorm that lasted all night, Andre held baby Ndakasi tightly to his bare chest to keep her warm and give her comfort,”
Andre and the orphanage not only helped Ndakasi survive that first frightful night but also helped her grow up healthy and happy.
This precious selfie was shared by the park in 2019 and shows Ndakasi with those who loved her the most.
Considering the circumstances of Ndakasi’s rescue being so traumatic, each day was a gift, but sadly it came to an early end.
Last week, the caretakers shared the devastating news that Ndakasi had passed away due to an illness at aged 14. It’s heartbreaking to hear but her last moments told a tale of love.
“Ndakasi took her final breath in the loving arms of her caretaker and lifelong friend, Andre Bauma,” the park wrote.
Although Ndakasi has passed, we certainly won’t forget her. We have the utmost admiration for those who gave her among many others a second chance at a happy and healthy life.
Virunga National Park sanctuary caretakers wouldn’t have it any other way.
“There is a bond that ties us together,” Bauma shared. “A relationship that is very, very close between the guardians and the gorillas.”
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