May 10 2007
Gorilla infant sick due to malnutrition, but life not in danger
I am happy to tell you all that the 2 1/2 year old infant of the Kabirizi family is not in grave danger. Ntibahanana has discoloration of the hair and the hair is also falling out on the thighs. Dr Jacques from the Mountain Gorilla Vet Program visited the family yesterday, but was unfortunately not able to get too close.
Ntibahanana is suffering from hair loss and discoloration because her mother recently gave birth - this means that Ntibahanana was not able to breast feed for as long as is best in normal circumstances, because her mother, Ngashangi, was pregnant and then with a newborn. Gorillas should breast feed for at least 2 to 2 1/2 years.
However Ntibahanana is eating well and continues to follow Kabirizi and the rest of the group. So she is not deemed to be in any danger. This is a big relief. I will be posting another video soon explaining things in more detail - and telling you about another birth in the family which is very exciting!
Here is Kitagenda, she is a juvenile in the Kabirizi family. Kitagenda means “the one who does not walk a lot” in Kinya Rwanda, the language of our neighboring country.
And here is another photo of Ndekasi, on the back of his mum Rubiga.
And now they are relaxing!
Augustin
Daily news from the conservation frontline by Innocent and Diddy, and other Congolese rangers risking their lives to save mountain gorillas of the Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Oh look a piggy back ride…Would you take the baby from mom if she wasnt giving enough nourishment? Would you intervene to keep from losing the baby???? I know sometimes we have to let nature run it’s course but with this instance with them being so few wouldnt you want to help keep baby alive??? To all stay safe…Stephanie-Oklahoma…
This is WONDERFUL news! Thank you for the update. Also, because the baby was weaned so early, do you think she will receive supplemental nutrients through the plants and leaves that they eat?
Dear Stephanie, Usually a baby gets enough nourishment from the mother. This case was unusual because the mother got pregnant so soon after giving birth and was not able to properly take care of Ntibahanana. It is the vets that intervene if they think a gorilla will die. In this case we do not have to make this choice which is a very good thing.
Dear Faye - the baby will not receive additional nutrients through the plants and leaves. These are the food items that gorillas usually eat. But we believe that even though Ntibahanana was weaned early she will be okay on this regular diet.
Thank you for your support and I like your comments.
Augustin
WONDERFUL NEWS — ALL THESE BABIES — GOD I PRAY THEY STAY SAFE — THANK YOU!
Good job! This reminds me of the project that I’ve joined some time ago. It was for the purpose of bringing back the vigor in a baby eagle.
Do you have a steady supply of food now for the gorillas? It is important that you have a secure and long-term supply for the basic needs of the gorillas.
hey listening im here for one very interesting question and it is…
WHEN THEY ARE (GORILA) SICK WHAT THEY DO ?
HAVE THEY A DOCTOR??