On the morning of 19 February 2024, Dr. Lina Nturubika, a field veterinarian with Gorilla Doctors, hiked out from our Tshivanga field station at Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was a little before 9:00 AM, and she was planning a routine health check of Bonane group, a family of nine Grauer's gorillas led by silverback Bonane.

Not far into the forest, Lina Nturubika and the four park trackers heard the gorillas screaming before they saw them, and it was not a usual vocalization. Following the gorilla group's tracks in the forest - broken branches, partially eaten vegetation, and fresh feces - they discovered adult female Mukono trapped in a snare with silverback Bonane right by her side.

When Bonane saw Lina Nturubika and the trackers he remained calm. Everyone, including the rest of Mukono's gorilla family, watched in tense anticipation as Mukono tried to free herself from the snare. And then, suddenly, she broke the wire with her teeth! Mukono ran off with a small piece of the snare still stuck to her arm, but thankfully later it fell off.

Once Mukono was free, Bonane became quite agitated and "on guard," according to Lina Nturubika's report. The other gorillas in the group surrounded Mukono and kept a close eye on her.

Eventually the group calmed down and began feeding and playing. Bonane moved up into the trees and Lina Nturubika observed Mukono playing with her infant. It is such a thrill for the veterinarians when the gorillas can 'rescue' themselves and do not require the Gorilla Doctors to intervene - it is the BEST possible outcome!

Mukono has an incredible story. As a juvenile, she was caught in a snare, but unfortunately, was not able to free herself. The snare caused severe wounds and Mukono lost her right hand and right eye.

Her wounds healed well and today Mukono is a thriving adult with multiple surviving offspring. Her youngest infant, Youssoupha, is named after the famous French-Congolese rapper who serves as an ambassador and champion of Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Grauer's gorilla Youssoupha turned one year on March 22nd. He is the positive 'downstream effect' of Mukono's snare survival when she was still a juvenile.

Gorilla Doctors