Can we bring one home?

At long last we got to visit the gorillas! We visited the Susa group, which are gorillas that are descended from the ones Dian Fossey studied. The hike to see them is the longest, but so worthwhile. We were with about 25 gorillas and so close we could have touched them, if we had been allowed. It was absolutely thrilling to be with them and watch them play fighting, eating, moving slowly through the forest and caring for their young.

The group now has 41 members and is the largest gorilla group accessible to tourists. It is also the second largest family of gorillas in the world second only to a remote group of 65 members, considered to be the "research" group.

We saw gorilla twins, the only ones known to have survived. They are now four years old. They did survive because a young male, Sandy, became the mother's helper and always cared for one of the twins. The mother let Sandy care for the female and she kept the male. Of course, Sandy knew to bring the baby for feeding.

We heard that a gorilla group has moved from the Congo side because they are aware of the danger. Unfortunately, as of October 26, the Virunga Park Headquarters in the Congo, was overtaken by the rebel faction. The rangers, approximately 50, had to flee. Now the gorillas have no protection and are at the mercy of poaching as are many of the other animal groups including elephants.

The young baby in the picture is two years old. We saw three silverback males and one that will be a silverback next year. We saw many mothers. The number one male has 11 wives! He occasionally shares with the number 3 since number 3 helps him fight aggressors. Both number 1 and one of the females, Poppy, were alive when Dian Fossey was with the group.

After an absolutely fabulous experience with the gorillas we returned to our hotel and spent a wonderful evening with some fellow travelers; Edwin from England, his girlfriend, Melonie, from Australia, and Marleyse from the US. All 3 are extremely accomplished travelers! Marleyse has spent the last 11 months touring the world...solo!! She had the good fortune of winning a scholarship which mandated she not work!! and only travel (by herself) for 9 months minimum. To date she has been to 19 countries on 3 continents. Edwin, 34 years old, has now visited 60 countries!! on all continents. Melonie, 31 years old has visited 50 countries!! We felt somewhat humbled by their worldly experience.

Bon Soir, Patty and Gen