Senkwekwe Center for Gorilla Orphans in Virunga Congo

Senkwekwe Center for Gorilla Orphans in Virunga Congo

Senkwekwe Centre is a great wildlife conservation center situated within Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It serves as a rehabilitation center for mountain gorillas. Gorillas are large and powerful primates that share about 98% of their DNA with humans. These primates are found in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Gorillas are one of the endangered species that travelers can encounter on their safaris. These primates attract a large number of tourists eager to see them. Senkwekwe Gorilla Sanctuary for gorillas is located at the park headquarters of Virunga National Park near Mikeno Lodge, which was named after the great silverback gorilla “Senkwekwe” of the Rugendo family. Most family members of this gorilla family were killed by a rebel group that was hiding within the park.

History of Senkwekwe Centre for Gorillas 

Following this tragedy, the park decided to establish a rehabilitation center for the gorillas. Senkwekwe Gorilla Centre began with two orphaned gorillas, Ndezi and Ndakasi, who survived this massacre. They were brought to this center to protect them from poaching, threats, and animal trafficking. This center was opened in 2010 and has become the only place in the world dedicated to caring for these gorillas.

Senkwekwe Center is managed by Andre Bauma and Virunga National Park. This presents an opportunity for primate lovers to encounter several gorillas. The center has various doctors and caregivers who are trained and responsible for closely monitoring the gorillas and their interactions with humans. Primate doctors are located worldwide under the management of the Gorilla Conservation Project in Africa.

Additionally, this rehabilitation center cares for eastern lowland gorillas, also known as Grauer’s gorillas. These gorillas have been rescued from traffickers, poachers, and hunters. The center also engages in training and educational activities that allow community members to participate in initiatives to earn a living. Furthermore, funds collected from this center support community and conservation efforts.

Senkwekwe Center has received significant funding from several organizations worldwide, including the Dian Fossey Foundation, Murry Foundation, Gorilla Doctors, Howard Buffett Foundation, Gearing Up 4 Gorillas, World Heritage Organization, David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and many others.

Some of the orphaned gorillas at the Senkwekwe Center for Gorilla Orphans in Virunga, Congo, include:

Maisha Gorilla

Maisha is a local word meaning “life,” and this gorilla was born in 2001. It was the first gorilla transferred to this sanctuary, born during difficult times. She was captured by poachers who took her to caves in Rwanda. Thanks to rumors that reached the Rwandan police and the park authority of Volcanoes National Park, they managed to rescue her from the poachers. During the rescue, Maisha was in poor health, but the gorilla doctors helped her recover. Maisha healed from the pain and trauma caused by her capture. In 2010, when the conservation center opened, Maisha was the first gorilla brought there as she celebrated her 9th birthday. As other members were introduced, Maisha calmed them from their trauma.

Yalala

Yalala is another member of the Senkwekwe Center and was part of the Kabirizi family. She was abandoned by her family members after getting caught in a snare set by poachers in the park. Although the family attempted to free her, they ultimately left her behind. Her foot was severely damaged by the snare, but she was treated and is now a member of the Senkwekwe Center.

Kaboko

Kaboko was a male orphaned gorilla in the park who was very playful at the center. He was rescued from a snare set by poachers, which injured his right arm. This wound was treated until he became healthy and stable, although he had some intestinal problems. In 2012, during the political unrest between the government and rebel forces, heavy gunfire led to Kaboko’s death due to stress. During this unrest, all the doctors fled to Rwanda for safety.

Ndakasi

Ndakasi was one of the victims who survived the 2007 massacre of the Rugendo family, led by the Senkwekwe silverback. After Ndakasi and Ndezi were rescued, they were housed in Goma until the center was completed. The conditions there were not good, as they were taken to Goma, a noisy place. Ndakasi passed away on September 26, 2021, due to illness, suffering from diarrhea and difficulty eating.

Ndezi

Ndezi was also a member of the Rugendo family who survived the massacre in 2007, whose mother was named Safari. It was transferred to a house in Goma for some time while the center was being constructed.

Matabishi

This is another young male rescued and brought to the orphanage in 2010; he was found abandoned in a corner of the park by poachers fearing arrest. Matabishi was well cared for by the other gorillas in the center.  other gorillas in the Centre.