This is Jean Claude. It is with great pain that I have to announce the death of Musangania, a 5 year old gorilla from the Lusenge Family. Musangania was found dead near the camp of Burusi at 9 am on Saturday morning by the head of the monitoring team.
This came as a complete shock to everyone at Mount Tshiaberimu. Since the death of two adult females in February and May this year we have been monitoring the health of the remaining gorillas extremely closely. In addition to daily health monitoring, MGVP vets visited the Lusenge family three weeks ago, and just last week CTPH vets visited the family also. Both vets’ reports confirmed that the family was healthy and well, and we had absolutely no cause for concern.
So when Musangania’s body was found with an inflated belly, traces of blood in the mouth, lesions on the lips and foamy saliva coming from the mouth – I felt sick to my stomach.
It was an extremely sad moment to find Musangania dead. He was such a young and lively gorilla and had been seen the previous day playing up in a tree, at a height of 9 meters, with his companion Mukokya and his father Nzanzu.
Musangania’s body was carried by rangers to the Gorilla Organization’s base at Kyondo. The body was refrigerated overnight and on Sunday an autopsy was carried out by MGVP, CTPH, the Gorilla Organization and ICCN.
The autopsy revealed that Musangania died from a brain hemorrhage and deformation to the front, right side of the head. We are still waiting for the results of samples taken during the autopsy, but based on the post mortem, the recent health monitoring and the sightings of Musangania up the tree the day before – we believe that the gorilla fell from the tree, whilst playing, and hit his head badly on the way down.
This is a devastating moment for everyone here. A gorilla falling from a tree is rare, but unavoidable. Though with the very small population of Mount Tshiaberimu gorillas, it is a very big loss.
Here is a picture of young Musangania’s body, the burial service, and Nzanzu, Musangania’s father.
Donations made here are
Mar 17th Geraldine W USD 10.00
13 Comments
That is so sad!!!!!!!! I am so sorry to read this! I know you guys feel so bad! Poor lil fellow..just playing along and then something like this happens….just awful! Thanks for giving him a proper burial!
Jean Claude, this is terrible news. I’m very sorry to learn of Musangania’s death and surprised at the cause of his death. I hope he didn’t suffer. Thanks to you and the rest of the rangers for giving him a nice burial.
s.
Sorry Jean Claude to hear such sad news. A big kiss and hello to Kamate and you. Thank you for the updates, and hope things get better in Tshiaberimu…..just wondering if you’ve had any threats/problems from Mai Mai or other rebel groups lately….?
Oh Jeane Claude, I am so sorry to hear this devastating news. Musangania was a beautiful animal…please take care and know that many people are thinking about you and everyone at Tshiaberimu…Along with Virginia, I am hoping that better times are on their way to you soon.
Jean Claude, what a tragic and sad news! The death of one rare Tshiaberimu gorilla is very shocking. Thank you for give him a decent grave.
This is such a tragedy for that small population. Although I’m relieved it wasn’t the result of human actions against the gorillas, the negative impact on that family group remains. It becomes imperative to the long term viability of this family group to have young coming of age to perpetuate their line. Really sorry to hear about this set-back. Very sad for this individual youngster.
What’s progressive here is that in this case, there are people who care and are active in helping to oversee the overall survival of this group in this region. Without your continued commitment and involvement, they might not survive at all. As long as your work continues they will have a chance against some of the adversity they will confront. Best Wishes
So sorry to hear the new – very sad indeed. Thoughts are with you.
So sad, and unlikely. Have you ever seen this before ? I studied colobus monkeys and we would see new babies dead from being dropped but never adults even though they are rather clumsy climbers
This is probably just one of those freak accidents, just like when a person trips and falls down the stairs. If you hit your head, life can be over that fast. Take Care.
Teach……..you are so right! Love to read your posts…..you have a way with words! Freak accident..maybe he fell asleep? Poor fella I can’t even imagine what was going on in his mind!
Many thanks for all your supports and advises. I’ve tried to meet all local chiefs to examine all aspects:traditional,tribal,scientific…The best thing is that local chiefs are too chocked and ready to support and be involved to save the small group remained
Dear Jean Claude,
I just saw a documentary on a lowland gorilla family, a young male also fell out of a tree and died. So I guess it does happen. Very sad. thank you for your critical work there to protect the gorillas,
Judy in Ca
Annie,
Thanks for your kind words. Glad you enjoy the posts. Hopefully this small population will rebound in the coming years. Best Wishes.