Mafuko

Mafuko is a 22-year-old female mountain gorilla residing in Virunga National Park, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). She is currently newsworthy due to the rare birth of twin mountain gorillas. This event, discovered by community trackers, is significant because twin births are estimated to account for only about 1% of mountain gorilla births. The recent birth occurred in early January, and another set of gorilla twins were born in the same park just three months later, making this a particularly unusual period. Mafuko and her newborn sons are reported to be healthy. This event raises cautious hope for the endangered mountain gorilla population, especially considering the park's location in a region often affected by conflict between the army and armed groups. The birth is being monitored by park rangers and conservationists.