Heartbreaking Photo Shows Gorilla Hugging A Man, Who Saved Her As A Baby, In Her Final Moments Before Her Last Breath

In 2007, rangers from Virunga National Park discovered Ndakasi in a terrible state in the Congolese jungle when she was barely 2 months old.

Many animals are sadly orphaned as a result of heartless poachers’ illegal operations, as was the case with the family of a gorilla named Ndakasi. In 2007, rangers from Virunga National Park discovered her in a terrible state in the Congolese jungle when she was barely 2 months old. Ndakasi was scared as she clutched the body of her mother, whose life had been taken by poachers. Despite the fact that her first few years of existence had been filled with misery and suffering, she was about to meet some human friends who would show her that there is still kindness and love in the world.

According to The Dodo, Ndakasi was sent to the park’s gorilla orphanage after being rescued from the bush. This is when she met Andre Bauma, a caretaker who spent the first night apart from her mother by the ailing gorilla’s side. “Through a severe thunderstorm that lasted all night, Andre held baby Ndakasi close to his bare chest to keep her warm and soothe her,” the park stated in a post. Bauma and the other orphanage staff members’ affection ensured that the infant not only survived the night, but also grew up happy and healthy.

The park shared a nice photo from 2019 that shows Ndakasi surrounded by individuals who adored her. As a result of the terrible circumstances surrounding Ndakasi’s rescue, she struggled every day as an infant. She gradually grew to trust others around her and to share her tremendous affection with them. Ndakasi’s life suddenly became a blessing, but it was cut short much too soon. Ndakasi died of an illness on September 26 at the youthful age of 14 years old, according to her caregivers. Although the fact that she died so young is heartbreaking, it’s consoling to know that her final moments were marked by love.

Even in her last moments, she spent time with someone she cared about. In a sorrowful tweet, the park stated, “Ndakasi exhaled her dying breath in the loving embrace of her keeper and lifetime companion, Andre Bauma.” Ndakasi is no longer with us, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. Her tale inspires us to believe that there are people out there working to give orphaned gorillas like her a second chance at happiness. And the keeper of the Virunga National Park’s refuge has vowed to see to it that this occurs. “There’s a link that binds us together,” Bauma explained of their unique friendship. “The guards and the gorillas have a very, very tight bond.”

Wildlife poaching, fueled by the lucrative black market trade in animal parts, is harmful to both animals and the ecosystem. According to One Green Planet, leading animal rights and environmental organizations have been battling to prevent wildlife poaching. The World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the International Anti-Poaching Foundation are among these organizations (IAPF). Elephants, rhinos, tigers, sea turtles, and lemurs are among the creatures that have become endangered as a result of poaching. Elephants are currently the most endangered species, since poachers hunt them down for their ivory tusks, sometimes known as “white gold.”

Tigers are some of the most majestic creatures on the planet. However, they're also one of the most endangered animals due to poaching and loss of habitat. But there is hope! Look at these gorgeous Amur Tiger cubs born at @HighlandWPark this May. #TigerDayhttps://t.co/AsiwW0z0jx

— The Reverend Vet (@TheReverendVet) July 29, 2021

Rhinos, too, suffer from their outward protrusion, which is quite costly. According to accounts, rhino horn was sold for $65,000 per kg in 2012, making it more valuable than gold, cocaine, or diamonds. In the case of tigers, there are presently less than 2,500 grown tigers in the wild, and this is entirely due to people. In the black market, their skin, bones, fangs, tails, claws, and even whiskers are in great demand. The tropical turtle hawksbill is targeted by poachers for its shell, which is used to produce jewelry, spectacles, decorations, instruments, and other goods.

Lemurs are the world’s most endangered animals, mostly due to deforestation and climate change. However, because to a recent spike in demand for its flesh, their already small population has shrunk. Finally, gorillas are slaughtered for their body parts, which are utilized in traditional medicine or just as souvenirs. What we have done to other Earth-inhabitants with whom we were intended to share this globe is a disgrace. If these illegal operations continue, we are on our way to a bleak future, which has already begun.