Jan 24, 2023

Orphan gorilla with viral selfie dies aged 14 in the arms of his devastated caretaker

1/6 – Ndakasi and his trainer On October 5, 2021, Ndakasi, the orphan gorilla, died at the age of 14.

On October 5, 2021, Ndakasi, the orphan gorilla, died at the age of 14. This is the viral great ape who took an incredible selfie in 2019.

It was on Twitter that the unfortunate news was shared by a spokesperson for Virunga National Park, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This sad news announces the death of Ndakasi on October 5, 2021. This is the orphan gorilla who made the buzz on social networks in 2019 by taking an incredible selfie. The great ape died in the arms of its guardian… The national park notably affirmed that the gorilla died following a prolonged illness.

“Ndakasi breathed his last in the loving arms of his guardian and lifelong friend, Andre Bauma,” according to the park. Remember that it is the same Bauma who has taken care of the gorilla since the Senkwekwe Center in the park took him in. At the time, Ndakasi was found clinging to the lifeless body of his mother. Virunga Park had claimed that the latter had been killed by an armed militia responsible for a series of gorilla murders. Ndakasi lived in this park for more than 10 years.

It is with heartfelt sadness that Virunga announces the death of beloved orphaned mountain gorilla, Ndakasi. It is with deep sadness that Virunga announces the passing of orphaned mountain gorilla Ndakasi.https://t.co/GdkJbhWESzpic.twitter.com/bsCKdEq8tB— Virunga NationalPark (@gorillacd) October 5, 2021

“I loved him like a child”

Ndakasi rose to fame thanks to a photo that took the buzz on social media in 2019. It is an amazing photo where the gorilla is seen taking a selfie with another orphaned gorilla and a forest ranger. The national park then captioned the photo: “These gorillas are always cheeky, so this was the perfect shot of their true selves!”

Addressing Ndakasi's death, Bauma said, "It has been a privilege to support and care for such a loving creature, especially knowing the trauma Ndakasi suffered at a very young age." “I loved her as a child and her cheerful personality brought a smile to my face every time I interacted with her. She will be missed by all of us in Virunga, but we are forever grateful for the wealth that Ndakasi brought to our lives during his stay in Senkwekwe.” , he added.