The Beauty Of Brotherly Love: Three Silverback Gorilla Brothers Protect A Group Of 22 Female Gorillas

Silverback gorillas (silverback mountain gorillas) are known as the largest, most powerful living primates. An average silverback gorilla can weigh up to 180kg. Normally, male gorillas travel alone or in small groups with other males, so it is uncommon to see a gorilla family that includes multiple adult males. However, a group of gorillas in Rwanda is going against the odds and shows us that there is no love greater than the love shared within a family.

Source: Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

Meet Musilikale, Icumbi, and Turakameje, the three male silverback gorillas whose story becomes a heartwarming example of brotherly love. The family band is led by Musilikale, but his two brothers also stay by his side to help keep their family safe. Together, they protect the family of 22 female gorillas from danger as they travel in search of food and nesting grounds. If something happens to mothers, male gorillas will become sweet and gentle dads playing with their babies and even letting them sleep in their nests.

Source: Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

This band of brothers is studied and protected by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. The organization was established in 1967 by Dian Fossey. It is dedicated to the conservation of these mighty creatures through research, training local conservationists, and forming ties with local communities. They have been tracking and protecting mountain gorillas in Rawanda and Grauer’s gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Both species are incredibly endangered, so trackers and researchers from the organization have to follow the groups of gorillas every day. So it's not surprising that they often capture adorable photos of gorillas, especially the pics of Musilikale family.

"Ucumbi and Turakomeje are probably the most bonded silverback brothers that we monitor! Even as adults, they still like to play! After a good nap, we caught them wrestling!"

Source: Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

Their playful antics have captured everyone's hearts. Although the gorillas are used to human presence, they stay at a distance.

Source: Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

Unfortunately, the mountain gorilla population is in incredible danger and is thought to be just over 1,000 individuals. They are threatened mainly by poachers and habitat loss. With a small unknown amount left in the wild, Grauer’s gorillas are also considered critically endangered.
You can support the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund by adopting or donating on their website. Your support will help fight for these incredible creatures.
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