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15 more gorgeous gorilla “selfies” from the Congo

5 min read

Inspiring People
Source: Facebook/PatrickSadiki

These orphaned gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo seem quite content to pose for selfies with their devoted carer, anti-poaching ranger Patrick Sadiki Karabaranga.

Who doesn’t like posing for selfies?

Humans and gorillas are closely related, as these pictures appear to prove. Much like modern humans, apes appear to enjoy posing for a selfie too. The photos were taken by Patrick Sadiki Karabaranga, 39, anti-poaching ranger and guardian of the orphaned gorillas in Virunga national park in Rumangabo, Democratic Republic of Congo. Scroll down for glorious gorilla gallery of shameless selfies.

He says he cares for them as if they were his own children. Virunga National Park he’s home to around a third of the worlds population of wild mountain gorillas.
1. The kind-hearted warden has been looking after the animals for more than a decade. He says he cares for them as if they were his own children. Virunga National Park he’s home to around a third of the worlds population of wild mountain gorillas. Source: Facebook/PatrickSadiki
The world population of mountain gorillas is currently estimated to be around 1000 individuals.
2. Mr Karabaranga said: “I think it’s the curiosity to see themselves on the phone that entices them to take selfies with me.” The world population of mountain gorillas is currently estimated to be around 1000 individuals. Source: Facebook/PatrickSadiki
'I do a lot of my work with orphan gorillas, they are like my human children.' — with Ranger Mathieu Shamavu.
3. The photo that went viral last year. ‘I do a lot of my work with orphan gorillas, they are like my human children.’ — with Ranger Mathieu Shamavu. Source: Facebook/PatrickSadiki
In Virunga’s southern sector there are currently eight gorilla families and four solitary males which are habituated, meaning they are accustomed to the presence of humans.
4. with Ranger Melina Sunkie. In Virunga’s southern sector there are currently eight gorilla families and four solitary males which are habituated, meaning they are accustomed to the presence of humans. Source: Facebook/PatrickSadiki
The habituation process is done by researchers and Rangers who visit the gorillas on a daily basis for between two and three years until the gorillas are familiarised with humans.
5. High five? The habituation process is done by researchers and Rangers who visit the gorillas on a daily basis for between two and three years until the gorillas are familiarised with humans. Source: Facebook/PatrickSadiki
Today, Virunga National Park is home to around a third of the world’s population of wild mountain gorillas, as well as four orphaned gorillas who reside in the Senkwekwe Center, the only facility in the world that cares for mountain gorillas in captivity.
6. What are you looking at? Today, Virunga National Park is home to around a third of the world’s population of wild mountain gorillas, as well as four orphaned gorillas who reside in the Senkwekwe Center, the only facility in the world that cares for mountain gorillas in captivity. Source: Facebook/PatrickSadiki
Located at park headquarters in Rumanbago, the Center’s inhabitants were each victims of poachers or animal traffickers as infants.
7. Hey, Sucker! Located at park headquarters in Rumanbago, the Center’s inhabitants were each victims of poachers or animal traffickers as infants. Source: Facebook/PatrickSadiki
Abandoned by or taken from their families, the orphans are cared for by the Center’s dedicated staff.
8. Cuddles Abandoned by or taken from their families, the orphans are cared for by the Center’s dedicated staff. Source: Facebook/PatrickSadiki
The staff’s extraordinary work would not be possible without the help of individuals and organisations from around the world who have stepped up to support conservation efforts in Virunga.
9. A delicate balance. The staff’s extraordinary work would not be possible without the help of individuals and organisations from around the world who have stepped up to support conservation efforts in Virunga. Source: Facebook/PatrickSadiki
10. Smile! Source: Facebook/PatrickSadiki
11. Buddies Source: Facebook/PatrickSadiki
12. Sulking Source: PatrickSadiki/Caters/Trendswide
13. Gimme a hug! Source: PatrickSadiki/Caters/Trendswide
14. Pensive moment Source: PatrickSadiki/Caters/Trendswide
15. Slim pickings Source: PatrickSadiki/Caters/Trendswide

Virunga National Park is home to around a third of the worlds population of wild mountain gorillas

The world population of mountain gorillas is currently estimated to be around 1000 individuals. In Virunga’s southern sector there are currently eight gorilla families and four solitary males which are habituated, meaning they are accustomed to the presence of humans.

The habituation process is done by researchers and Rangers who visit the gorillas on a daily basis for between two and three years until the gorillas are familiarised with humans.

Today, Virunga National Park is home to around a third of the world’s population of wild mountain gorillas, as well as four orphaned gorillas who reside in the Senkwekwe Center, the only facility in the world that cares for mountain gorillas in captivity. 

Abandoned by or separated from their families, the orphans are cared for by the Center’s dedicated staff. The staff’s extraordinary work would not be possible without the help of individuals and organisations from around the world who have stepped up to support conservation efforts in Virunga. 

Learn more about the Senkewekwe Center orphans and how you can support their care, or find out about the Fallen Rangers Fund, to care for the widows and children of Rangers killed in the line of duty.

Source: Virunga.org

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