Aug 20 2007
Dr Jacques from MGVP visits the orphan Mutazimiza
Dr Jacques from MGVP came this morning to see the infant Mutazimiza. You can see him below with Innocent when we had finally reached the Kabirizi Family.
He wanted to see the infant for himself to evaluate her condition and so decide what should be done. Unfortunately Mutazimiza was hidden among the vegetation, looked after and protected by the young female Tumaini, and so it was hard for him to get a good look at her hands and feet.
He managed to get a couple of glimpses but decided to also use what footage and photos we had taken from the visits over these last two days. We were only with the Kabirizi Family for a short time, but we did manage to identify the three individuals that we had not seen these past two days; Gashangi and her two children, Kazi and Nitbahanana, and so that completes the identification of the Kabirizi Family. Tomorrow we will be going to visit the Humba Family.
Dr Jacques profited from his visit to the jungle by taking plant leaves and bamboo shoots to feed the two young orphans at MGVP in Goma; Ndeze and Kabila (not Ndasaki as has been previously reported).
He tells us that the two are doing fine, growing stronger. They’ve been on a diet of raw vegetables, fruit and milk, but now Dr Jacques wants to get them used to what they would eat naturally in the wild and so begin their reintroduction.
After we went to see the family, Dr Jacques came to Camp Bukima to look at the photos and videos that we had taken of Mutazimiza and to take them with him to make a report.
This report will help us decide as to what to do with Mutazimiza and if it is believed that her life is in danger, then the vets from MGVP will intervene.
Below is the video we gave to Dr Jacques, which shows Mutazimiza having problems with pulling the leaves off a branch to eat, and also trouble standing on her feet.
Diddy and Innocent
Technorati : Congo, DRC, ICCN, Kabirizi, MGVP, Mountain Gorilla, WildlifeDirect
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
Diddy & Innocent….Will these little guys if taken from the groups be reintroduced into the wild or will a sancuatry be their forvever home now??? Steph
Glad the Dr. made it to try and help Mutazimiza…I hope it is nothing serious..she does seem to be struggling a little bit! Be safe! thank you!
I’m glad Dr. Jacques was able to make the trip to see Mutazimiza. I hope he and the other vets will be able to figure out how to help her. She does appear to be struggling.
So, where is Ndakasi if she’s not at Goma as Dr. Spelman reported a few weeks ago?
s.
I’m happy Dr. Jacques came to check on Mutazimiza today. I hope the information from the visit, photos and video help. As always I really look forward from coming home from work to see the updates.
Steph
I would hope that the two are reintroduced back to their families. But before I answer your question fully I’m going to ask Dr Jacques when he’s next here (in the next couple of days) on what he thinks will happen.
Sheryl
Ndakasi is still with the Kabirizi Family, with the mother Rubiga. And it has always been Kabila who was taken to MGVP in Goma. Straight after the attack happened it was wrongly reported that Ndakasi was the orphan and Rubiga was the gorilla killed, and because the story spread so quickly it was difficult to correct this. Nsekuye was actually the adult female killed, and Kabila is the orphan.
Oh, thanks for clearing it up for us. I can certainly understand how a misidentification can happen in such a terrible situation. Poor little Kabila may always be known as Ndakasi, though, because so many organizations have posted her name as such.
s.
Innocent, Is Rubiga the oldest female — didn’t they report it was the oldest female killed — if that was an error then I hope the oldest female is still living but perhaps not?
You guys are awesome! You don’t waste anytime getting the help these gorillas need. I’m glad the doctor was able to get there so quickly to check Mutazimiza out. She’s really adorable. It’s hard to watch her struggle just get her food, but I know for sure she is in good hands. Thank you. Lisa, California
Hello Wanda
Nsekuye was the oldest female in the Kabirizi family, with four children. Often she would lead the group against the decisions made by Kabirizi, and today it is Gashangi, now the oldest female, who has taken over this role.
I am curious to know what the vet thinks is causing this problem with Mutazimiza…a sudden decrease in calcium and protein from lack of nursing? stress? Is hair falling out as well? Is there any way to supplement this gorilla’s diet with milk formula (since the problem was ultimately caused by humans)?
[…] You should take a look at Dr Spelman’s blog when you can. She writes on the plight of gorillas in Rwanda and has worked for the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project since October 2006. MGVP and Dr Spelman are heavily involved in the care of the two Congolese Mountain Gorilla orphans - Kabila and Ndeze. MGVP also makes trips up to check on the welfare of the gorillas in Congo, as you can see here. […]