Gorillas Pose for a Selfie with a Ranger in Virunga National Park

By
Jas C
-

We knew that gorillas are able to mimic the behavior of humans, but the recent viral photo showing a pair of gorillas posing for a selfie is really something else.

Mathieu Shamavu, the member of an anti-poaching unit in Virunga National Park in DR Congo, wanted to take a selfie with two mountain gorillas, Ndakazi and Ndeze, he takes care of after they became orphans. He, however, didn’t expect that these magnificent animals will buy into it and strike an awesome pose contributing to an amazing photo.

Although some internet users expressed their doubt about the authenticity of the photo, an official Instagram profile of Virunga National Park confirmed that the selfie was real.

“We’ve received dozens of messages about the photo. YES, it’s real! “– they wrote in the caption to the selfie. “Those gorilla gals are always acting cheeky so this was the perfect shot of their true personalities!” Also, it’s no surprise to see these girls on their two feet either—most primates are comfortable walking upright (bipedalism) for short bursts of time.”

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You might have recently seen caretakers Mathieu and Patrick’s amazing selfie with female orphaned gorillas Ndakazi and Ndeze inside the Senkwekwe center at Virunga National Park. We’ve received dozens of messages about the photo. YES, it’s real! Those gorilla gals are always acting cheeky so this was the perfect shot of their true personalities! Also, it’s no surprise to see these girls on their two feet either—most primates are comfortable walking upright (bipedalism) for short bursts of time. Guys, if you shared our gorilla selfie post, please share our Earth Day posts as well! Conserving Virunga’s amazing wildlife is a constant challenge for the Park and our work wouldn’t be possible without your support. Matching funds have been pledged on every donation to the Park today, up to a total of $25,000—giving us the opportunity to raise $50,000 for Virunga! Visit virunga.org/donate or click the link in our bio to get involved and keep sharing our posts! Thank you! *We want to emphasize that these gorillas are in an enclosed sanctuary for orphans to which they have lived since infancy. The caretakers at Senkwekwe take great care to not put the health of the gorillas in danger. These are exceptional circumstances in which the photo was taken. It is never permitted to approach a gorilla in the wild. #gorillaselfie #gorilla #mountaingorilla #mountaingorillaselfie #selfie #earthday #earthday2019 #virunga #virunganationalpark #congo #drcongo #rdc #drc #protecttheplanet #happyearthday #wildlife #wildlifeconservation #conservation #natureconservation

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If you liked this selfie, you will probably enjoy some more photos of gorillas from Virunga National Park below.

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As 2018 comes to an end, Virunga's Chief Warden, Emmanuel de Merode, shares some of the highlights and challenges that the Park has experienced this year. Please click the link in our bio to read his personal note to you, our extended family, and as always we thank you so much for being a part of our team. It has been a pleasure welcoming you on our journey into Virunga these last few weeks and we encourage you to continue to follow us this week as we meet some of the teams that are working hard to protect the Park, its wildlife and communities. And from all of us here at Virunga National Park, we wish you a safe and wonderful holiday season! #congo #drc #rdc #virunga #virunganationalpark #journeyintovirunga #teamvirunga #virginmoneygiving #giftofconservation #giving #christmas #newyear

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We kick off Week 1 of our journey into the Park by delving into the fascinating world of Virunga’s biodiversity. Did you know that Virunga is the most biodiverse protected area on the continent and the only park in the world home to three taxa of great apes, including mountain and eastern lowland gorillas and eastern chimpanzees? Despite all of these species being threatened, we have seen small victories as Virunga welcomed 11 new mountain gorilla births in 2018. It’s a good sign, but we have to keep going! Join us in celebrating milestones like these by considering a donation to the Park this holiday season. Click the link in our bio to donate. #congo #drc #rdc #virunga #virunganationalpark #journeyintovirunga #virginmoneygiving #giftofconservation #giving #biodiversity #christmas #newyear #mountaingorilla #gorilla

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