Kampala, Uganda (19 December 2016) — Adventure Consults is sad to announce the passing of Ndahura, a dominant silverback gorilla of the Bitukura family in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Ndahura died on 18th December (Sunday morning) from injuries sustained during a fall from a tree branch in the renowned national park in southwestern Uganda. The gentle giant was only 28 years of age. Gorillas normally live up to 50 years in captivity but their lifespan can be less in the wild.
“Ndahura’s body will be embalmed and his skeleton preserved,” said Dr Andrew Segguya, executive director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). “The last and most painful death of an elder was in 2012, when Ruhondeza from the Mubare family passed away on 27 June at the age of 45 years, although some records say he had hit 50 years.”
With more than one silverback, the Bitukura group is one of the lucky gorilla families at Bwindi. Of the 12 remaining members, two are silverbacks (Rukumu and Mugisha).
Ndahura took over leadership from Karamuzi, who led the group from 2008 until his death in 2013. Ndahura is believed to have left three offspring. Adventure Consults and the UWA research team will keep a close watch to see who the next leader will be.
For more information, please log onto the Adventure Consults website at www.adventureconsults.com.
Rest in Peace, Ndahura!