Rare twin mountain gorillas have been born in Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, raising cautious optimism for the survival of the endangered species.
The twins were spotted on 3 January, clinging closely to their mother, Mafuko, in a forest clearing. Rangers say the babies are stable for now. However, the coming weeks remain critical due to high infant mortality among mountain gorillas.
Jacques Katutu, head of gorilla monitoring in Virunga, described the sight as emotional and demanding. He said twin births are extremely rare and require constant attention.
Mafuko is an experienced mother. Rangers have observed her carefully carrying both infants and breastfeeding them regularly. This has encouraged conservation teams, although vigilance remains high.
In the past, Mafuko lost a pair of twins just days after birth in 2016. More broadly, about 25% of mountain gorilla infants die from disease, injury, or infanticide.
The newborns belong to the Bageni family, the largest gorilla group in Virunga, which now has 59 members. Their birth adds momentum to one of Africa’s most successful wildlife recovery stories.
In the 1970s, mountain gorilla numbers had fallen to fewer than 250. Through sustained conservation, veterinary care, and ranger protection, the population has grown to over 1,000 across Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC.
Still, conservation work in Virunga is dangerous. Armed groups operate in the region, and more than 220 rangers have been killed in the past 20 years while protecting wildlife.
Also read: Endangered Mountain Gorillas See Rare Twin Birth in Congo’s Virunga Park
Veterinary teams are monitoring the twins daily. For now, experts say minimal human intervention is best to allow natural care.
The babies have not yet been named. While they remain vulnerable, early signs are positive, offering renewed hope for the future of mountain gorillas.
