Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
@SavingGorillas
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The world's largest and longest running organization fully dedicated to gorilla conservation. We help people and save gorillas 365 days per year! 🦍💛💚
Joined May 2009
We are delighted to see a newborn in Mafunzo's group from female Ubuhamya! The mother Ubuhamya will be nine in September and this is her first infant! 😍 🦍
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Wow! We are overwhelmed by the support we are seeing from @Official_WSB and people from around the world! We have raised $77k already today! Thank you all! ❤️🦍❤️
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BREAKING NEWS: Mountain gorillas have just been reclassified from “critically endangered” — the highest level of threat — to “endangered”, moving them a level further from extinction. Read more:
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We’re still spinning with joy from today’s amazing birthday gift from @portiaderossi & #EllenDeGeneres. Portia’s 60th-birthday present to her wife will help build a permanent, state-of-the-art home for the scientists advancing work begun by our founder Dian Fossey. @TheEllenShow
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Blackback Umuganda and adult female Urahirwa grew up together in Ntambara's group. They formed a strong bond from an early age as they were born just few months apart. Even though they've grown up, they still engage in long and rough playing. (Video by Cedric Ujeneza)
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Sometimes you just need a hug…and to be groomed! 😍.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.📸: Veronica Vecellio
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BREAKING: As 60th bday gift for wife #EllenDeGeneres, @portiaderossi makes amazing gift to help build center in Rwanda for our work saving gorillas. #thanksellen #ellensavesgorillas @theellenshow
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Our #GorillaChannel features the latest on the critically endangered gorillas of Africa and the struggle to preserve a future for them. Join us in spreading awareness and fulfilling our mission of "helping people, saving gorillas".
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Ellen, the gorillas’ celebrations are already in full swing! From Uhiriwe and all of us at the Fossey Fund, happy birthday!!! 🎉🎁💚🦍 @TheEllenShow @TheEllenFund
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We just can't get enough of Nsanganira and her little infant 😍 infants stay right by their mother’s side for the first 3 years of their life! #mountaingorillas #nature #conservation . 📸: Cedric Ujeneza
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It’s #WorldGorillaDay! Dian Fossey started her pioneering work 51 years ago today when it was thought mountain gorillas would go extinct by the year 2000. Instead, their numbers are increasing. Learn about our work and how YOU can help:
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Here is mother Izihirwa and her infant who was named at this years Kwita Izina! We will be posting updates as we receive official names and meanings! 💛💚🦍. #kwitaIzina19 #gorilla #babygorilla #rwanda #savingspecies #wildlifeconservation #dianfossey #endangeredspecies
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It's another newborn! 💛 . Mbilimbili, the matriarch of a large family, welcomed her sixth offspring on October 6th! Both mother and infant are doing well! Mbilimbili and all her offspring live together in the Kwitonda group. 🦍 . 📸 Eric Ndayishimiye.
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BREAKING NEWS: the results of the Bwindi mountain gorilla census have just been released! Over the last five years, the population increased from 400 to 459, bringing the combined total of mountain gorillas to 1,063.
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No matter how big you get, nothing beats a hug from the ones you love most 💚 Here is mom Muganga hugging 5-year-old Umusaruro. Both are in Musilikale’s group. #nature #conservation #mountaingorillas . 📸: James Munyawera
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Looks like Inziza is dreaming about @theellenshow coming to Rwanda! #EllenSavesGorillas #FridayFunday
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Wow! In a flash, @aplusk & @guyoseary give $4 million to @EDWildlifeFund to help us save #gorillas. That’s quite a @Ripple! @theellenshow 🤪😍💚💛🦍
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Meet Ziz! He’s the silverback mountain gorilla that Sigourney Weaver recalled encountering in Rwanda. 🦍 @theellenshow @edwildlifefund
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Woah! @Official_WSB we are at $301k 👏👏 thank you all again for your support! It’s going to make a huge impact!
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Welcome to the world, little one! 💛 . Inyungu gave birth to her infant on Dec. 14, increasing the Agashya group to 18 members. 🦍 🦍 🦍 . 📸 Emmanuel Izabayo
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BREAKING NEWS--according to results just released, there are now 604 mountain gorillas living in the Virunga mountains of Africa, up from 480 counted during the last census, in 2010. Read more here:
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Everyone needs a hug, sometimes. 🤗 🦍 . In this photo, Iratuje and Mugwire, both 3 years old, share a hug. They live in the Hirwa group! . 📸 Alexis Nsabimana
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Need some good news to start the week? 7-month-old Umuryango, the youngest of Pablo's group, taking his first steps all by himself but still close to mother Ishema. This is an important milestone in the infant development! 😍 🦍 (Video Cedric Ujeneza)
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@ldstarr18 @portiaderossi @TheEllenShow We haven't stopped crying tears of joy all day! We are incredibly grateful for this gift and so excited for what the future holds. #thanksellen #ellensavesgorillas.
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This is female Ubukombe babysitting the 10 month old infant of Gutangara from Pablo's group. Babysitting is a great strategy in gorilla development and in large groups such as Pablo's we are able to see this type of behavior more often than in others.
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Today would have been Dian Fossey’s 87th birthday. Mountain gorillas still exist today because of Dian’s courage and persistence. She NEVER wavered in her commitment to the gorillas – even in the face of significant challenges.
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Did you see our adoptable gorilla Urungano on @cnbc @cnbcfastmoney with @melissaleecnbc today! Thank you to @Official_WSB for sharing their adoption of Urungano and helping us raise $311,110 since Saturday 👏❤️🦍❤️👏
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Fun fact: It takes 100+ people just to protect a gorilla. You’re not beating one. Let’s save wildlife, not defeat it.
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Throughout this week we have received many requests for t-shirt in response to this #investment in 🦍and so… here it is! Our limited-edition t-shirt is now available on our online store!
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Such a lovely surprise in Pablo’s group! 🦍 💛 . Umujyanama gave birth to a baby boy on Sept. 29, bringing the group to 21 gorillas. Her firstborn, Kura, is now 3-1/2 years old — the perfect age for a new sibling!. 📹 Emmanuel Izabayo
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Sweet kisses on this lovely Sunday from Kabeho to mom Nzeli 😍 #mountaingorillas #nature #conservation . 📸: Cedric Ujeneza
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Help us welcome the newest addition to Mutobo's group. This infant was born on July 1st to mother Akaramata! The new infant is doing great under mom's loving care. Mutobo’s group has now grown to 11 and he is a father for the fifth time!. 📸: Olivier Dusenge
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WOW 👀 We continue to be grateful for the support we have received this week! Thanks to WallStreet Bets and supporters from around the world we have now raised more than $383K!!!.
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Adoption after adoption followed. Today, we have new numbers to share. Thanks to #WallStreetBets , we’ve received more than 2000 new adoptions totaling over $265k. JUST SINCE SATURDAY 😳. And it’s still coming.
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Today is a play day for everyone in Ntambara's group! 😆 Closest to us is Ingamya and Umuganda. In the middle is Kurinda and Iyamarere. And behind them is Bisoke and Twirinde. 😊. 📸: Olivier Dusenge
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We can never get enough of that face! How adorable is Kurinda’s infant from Ntambara’s group 😍 #mountaingorillas #nature #conservation .📸: Cedric Ujeneza
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Ellen AND Sigourney talking about gorillas! 😍 This is best! We could listen to these stories all day long!
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Exciting news from the Kwitonda group! 🦍 . Rwunguko has just welcomed a new infant! This is her third offspring, increasing the group's count to 19 individuals. It's so wonderful to see the mountain gorilla groups thriving. and expanding! . 📹 Video: Jean de Dieu Nsanzineza
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1/ So exciting to have the team out at the site for our future Ellen DeGeneres campus and to see all the progress being made. One of the best parts was being thanked through song and dance by the local community members who have been hired as part of the construction workforce.
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BIG NEWS from Musilikale's Group! Isaro welcomes a new boy, born on Dian's 91st birthday. 24 gorillas strong and growing! Mom and baby are doing great, with the little one already showing an active and curious nature. Stay tuned for more updates on Isaro and her growing family.
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Nothing says love and comfort like being able to fall asleep on mom’s chest! #mountaingorillas #nature #conservation .📸: Cedric Ujeneza
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Say hello to Ubuhamya’s infant! 👋 We love how gentle Ubuhamya is. 🥰. 📸: Pelagie Mutuyimana
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Infant Umwihariko from Ntambara's group just turned 1! Wish her a happy birthday! . 🎥: Jean De Dieu Nsanzineza
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On this day 32 years ago, Dian Fossey was killed in her cabin in Rwanda. She was the first of many to devote her life to saving this species, and we are honored to carry on this important work, never losing or forgetting the pioneering spirit of Dian.
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The Fossey Fund has been able to witness something really special from Pablo's group in this past year. We have a mother and daughter raising their infants at the same time! Meet mother Gutangara and her infant Inararibonye, and Daughter Shishikara and her infant Kira!
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Practicing a chestbeat is serious business! 🤣 🤗 . (It's also pretty fun.). In this video, watch this little infant intently practice chestbeating. 📹 Cedric Ujeneza
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🎉 Wishing you a Happy New Year from the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund!! 💚💛🦍 (🎥:Nadia Nyionizeye)
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Uncle Gasizi loves his nephew Ubusugire! The 7-year-old male has shown his playful side while he takes care of the 1-year-old. While they do not have the same mother, they do share the same maternal family lineage. #mountaingorillas #nature #conservation. 📸: James Munyawera
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Did you know that 100% of the furniture at our new Ellen Campus was made in Rwanda? From tables, desks, chairs, stools, benches, shelves, credenzas, and beds, to accessories such as pendant lights, rugs, pillows, handles, and hooks – it was all built in Rwanda by Rwandans!
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I think anyone who is a parent can relate to Ishyaka at this moment! Newborns typically stay with mom the first 3 years of their life. Thankfully for mom, this little one has an older sister, Akariza, who will start to help mom babysit very soon! .📸: Cedric Ujeneza
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Macibiri is the only infant in her group, so does not have playmates of her age to help entertain her. Macibiri is a very historic gorilla because she is a granddaughter of legendary silverback leader Titus, who was studied by Dian Fossey herself after he was born in 1974.
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Can you ever get enough of infant chest beats? 😍 🤗 . In this video from the Fossey Fund vault, watch sweet Mubyeyi practice her chest beat! 🦍 💛 . 📹 James Munyawera
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When gorillas are on the move, it's common for one gorilla to hold on to another gorilla's back while walking on two feet. This is a friendly behavior and a sign of alliance between gorillas.
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Watch Shishikara’s infant take its first steps! 😍Help us save these magnificent animals! With your help we can save a species. Donate today at: . 🎥: Cedric Ujeneza
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It definitely takes a village to raise these beautiful gorilla babies! Teta takes on the role of babysitter while mom Ishema is most likely getting some rest. 💤 The love that they have for one another is unmatched! 😍💚 #wildlifeconservation #gorillas . 📸: Cedric Ujeneza
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If we lose gorillas and other great apes, we lose the opportunity to study our closest connections to the past, to understand ourselves, and to recognize the indisputable connection between all life on earth. Join the team today on #WorldWildlifeDay:
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Happy 22nd Birthday Tamu! Here she is with her infant Ubudasa who was named at Kwita Izina last fall. Ubudasa means "Remarkable".
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Exciting news from the field! Ubuhamya from Segasira’s group has successfully given birth. This adorable new arrival marks the second baby in our newest group. Segasira is now a proud father of two! And guess what? The infant is a girl! 💗 Congratulations, Ubuhamya!
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Silverback Inkumbuza, mom Nsanganira and her infant enjoy the beautiful weather together after a heavy rainy season! #mountaingorillas #nature #conservation. 📸: James Munyawera
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He's a gorilla in the mist. 🦍 ☁️ . Silverback Ubwuzu from Pablo's group turns 18 on Nov. 30! Here he is, peacefully resting. 📹 Video: Jonas Anthony
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When you only have 1,000 individuals left, each mountain gorilla birth is so important to the future of the species. This is Ubuhamya and her precious infant born in Mafunzo's group in July. 🌍🦍 #WorldGorillaDay
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Age is just a number when it comes to playtime! 🦍💕 Watch as 21-year-old Ikaze and 8-year-old Tabaro, two adult female gorillas from Musilikale's group, show us that having fun knows no age limit! 😍👏 #GorillaPlaytime . 📸: James Munyawera
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Our staff couldn’t contain their excitement having @TheEllenShow and @portiaderossi on our new Ellen DeGeneres Campus today as we dedicated our new home and a center for conservation research in the region.
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Mother Akamaro and her playful infant!-Wait until the end for a headstand 🤣😍. 📸: Cedric Ujeneza. #gorilla #babygorilla #rwanda #savingspecies #wildlifeconservation #dianfossey #endangeredspecies #mountaingorilla #conservation
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It looks like they are having a great time! 💛 . Juvenile female Umukuru is busy babysitting Ubukombe’s infant, who will be named soon. Although still very young, she shows great skill in caring for the little one! . 📹 Jonas Anthony
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As it turns out, gorillas are a great #investment ! Gorillas live in the Congo Basin, the second largest rainforest in the world and a natural defense against #climatechange . When we save gorillas, we save the planet. How’s that for #ROI ?
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The mountain gorilla habitat is actually very rainy. Gorillas are used to rain but definitely dislike it. They gather together with their bodies and heads bent to minimize exposure. Moms keeps their infants warm like mother Kurudi is protecting infant Macibiri here.
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Is there anything more peaceful than watching a gorilla infant sleeping in the arms of his mother? 😍 Mother Bukima is doing a great job! Infant Nyirindekwe turned one in January. 📸: Cedric Ujeneza
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Happy 39th birthday to the lovely Gutangara! 🎁🎂 She is the second oldest female that we monitor and she just had a baby earlier this month! She looks amazing for her age and we cannot wait to see what year number 40 looks like! Everyone wish her a happy birthday! 🎉
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Today is silverback Inshuti’s 35th birthday! Inshuti is a lone silverback, meaning that he doesn’t have a group. He is one of the oldest silverbacks that we monitor and has lived alone for many years. Follow the link to read more! .
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It doesn't get much more fun than this! Three infants in Kureba's group are showing us the meaning of a good time. 😎. 📸: Jonas Anthony
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Introducing: Gukina's infant. 😍 💛 . Gukina, who lives in the Sabyinyo group, is now a second-time mother. In this video, watch her groom her tiny infant. 📹 Olivier Dusenge. #conservation #environment
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Best hair award goes to Ikaze’s newest infant, Mpanuro! 🤣 😎 . 📸: Didier Abavandimwe
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We are so excited about the new infant in Ntambara's group from 15-year-old female Kurinda! Here Kurinda is protecting and caring for her precious newborn infant. 💛💚🦍
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Update on the gorillas: Dominant silverback Musilikale is very lucky to have his 2 brothers Icumbi and Turakomeje to help him keep his group of 22 gorillas safe!. 📸: Thadee Muhire
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Gorilla mothers and their infants are incredibly bonded. 💛 😍 . In this video, watch Nsanganira rest, while her infant can't seem to get close enough to mom!. 📹 Olivier Dusenge
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Here is Isaro and her shy 4-month old infant! Also, we’re loving the infants awesome hair!. 🎥: Cedric Ujeneza
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She's teething! 😍 🦍 😁 . In this video, watch Ukwiyunga’s 4-month-old infant chew on a dried stem. She is at the stage when her first four baby incisors will come in. The introduction of solid food is right around the corner!. 📹 Video: Olivier Dusenge
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What a view! 🌋 ⛰️ . In this photo, see silverback Imfura take in the gorgeous Rwandan landscape. 📸 Photo: Jean de Dieu Nsanzineza
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We are devastated to hear about the killing of silverback Rafiki in Uganda. While poaching of mountain gorillas is rare, this is a sad reminder that mountain gorillas are a conservation-dependent species. We must continue to protect them.
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Felt cute. Might delete later 😊😉. 📸: Gudula Nyirandayambaje
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Great news from Mafunzo's group! Taraja gave birth to another infant on November 30th! 🎉🎊 Taraja's previous infant Ishimwe is still very young and stays close by Taraja's side. (🎥: Winnie Eckardt)
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Can you guess… What's the largest gorilla group we’ve ever monitored? Keep an eye on our stories on Monday for the answer! . 📸: Jean Paul Hirwa
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🚨🚨$338k raised🚨🚨 we continue to be overwhelmed by the support that we have been receiving since Saturday and today’s article in @people was a great surprise as we work to spread our mission— saving gorillas and our planet 🌎 @Official_WSB
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#Throwback to little Uwacu being babysat by silverback Imfura. We love watching silverbacks be the best dads/uncles they can be! #conservation #mountaingorillas #nature . 📸: Eric Ndayishimiye
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We remember the legendary Dr. Dian Fossey, who was killed on this day in 1985. She devoted her life to the study and protection of mountain gorillas, helping the world to understand these "gentle giants.".
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Wonderful news from the field: 17-year-old Ishema gave birth! Senior Research Assistant Didier Abavandimwe was first on the scene and captured these brilliant images of mother Ishema and infant! This brings Pablo's group to 25 gorillas!
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The first three years of an infant gorilla's life is heavily dependent on mom. Ubwitange is about 1 ½ years old so they will stay close to Nsanganira for just a little bit longer! #mountaingorillas #nature #conservation .📸: Cedric Ujeneza
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Meet the beautiful 19-year-old Matsiko Cyuzuzo, the dominant AND only silverback of his group! 😃 😁 . Matsiko's group includes seven gorillas. All three females gave birth to infants in 2024! 🦍 🦍 🦍 . 📸 Emmanuel Izabayo
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Fun Fact Friday: Poppy, who gave birth at 41, was the oldest gorilla ever recorded to do so. She was also the last surviving gorilla who was originally monitored by Dian Fossey.
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Sometimes you just need some play time and in Pablo’s group there is no shortage of that 😂. 📸: Jean de Dieu Tuyizere
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Well we think it’s safe to say all children, human or gorilla, love to test mom’s patience! Here is Kabeho playing on the back of mom Nzeli. So silly 🤭 #mountaingorillas #nature #conservation 📸: Cedric Ujeneza
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6-month-old Turikumwe is very curious about his surroundings but stays safe in mom Urahirwa’s arms. Infant gorillas stay close to mom for the first three years of their lives. #mountainggorillas #nature #conservation.📸: Nadia Niyonizeye
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Happy Birthday to Uruyange! Look at him standing on his mother Mitimbili's back to get a better view. 😍 Mitimbili is an experienced mother with four sons in Pablo's group.
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In case just one wasn't enough, here's another peek at Bukima and her new infant. Happy Friday from the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund! 🦍💚💛
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