In 2019, an endearing mountain gorilla from Congo gained viral attention due to her charming photographs.
She fearlessly photobombed the pictures of her companions and even clicked selfies with them.
The photobombing mountain gorilla, Ndakasi, was adored by all those who resided in the national park with her.
With her enjoyable and playful character, she was ever prepared to strike a pose for the camera.
Fourteen years back, the gorilla was discovered in the forest next to her deceased mother who was killed by bullets from local hunters.
Park ranger Andre Bauma saved her and brought her to the national park where she was nurtured.
Nadakasi’s tale is not uncommon.
The majority of mountain gorillas in the Congo national park were rescued from the wild after being left orphaned due to hunting practices in the region.
Abandoned in the wilderness, they would be vulnerable to severe weather conditions and may not survive without their parents.
When Ndakasi needed rescuing, ranger Baua was there, and ever since, they formed an unbreakable bond. Ndakasi blossomed into a joyful and contented gorilla.
Andre transformed into much more than just a park ranger for her. Over the last 14 years, Ndakasi was nurtured by the individuals at Senkwekwe Center in Virunga National Park, including Andre.
Ndakasi went viral in 2019, after her adorable selfie with Andre and other park rangers surfaced online.
Her poses were endearing and unexpected for a gorilla. Online viewers adored her vibe and found amusement in her fondness for posing in front of the camera.
With her effervescent personality, she won the hearts of both individuals in the park and those online.
Her enthusiasm was contagious, and she was merely enjoying herself.
Ndakasi contracted an illness.
Ndakasi fell ill in recent years, which led to a decline in her health.
Despite enduring the illness for an extended period, she eventually succumbed to it.
Ndakasi took her final breath in the arms of none other than her rescuer and dearest friend, Andre.
The park ranger felt privileged to have had the opportunity to get to know Ndakasi and to be her friend.
Nyiransekuye, whose name means “someone who is happy to welcome others,” shared that “It was a privilege to support and care for such a loving creature, especially knowing the trauma Ndakasi suffered at a very young age and one could say that she took after her mother.”
There are no boundaries to friendship, be it of different species or races.
Regardless of whether we are animals or humans, it is undeniable that we require friends to lead fulfilling lives. We depend on each other, support each other, and enjoy each other’s company.
A friend need not belong to the same species or race as oneself. Humans can form deep bonds with animals, as exemplified by the inspiring story of Andre and Ndakasi.
The friendship between Andre and Ndakasi has surpassed all boundaries, and he will always be thankful for the opportunity to have met and become friends with such an extraordinary being.
To learn more about this heartwarming tale, please watch the accompanying video.
