Kanungu, Uganda: The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has announced the birth of a new mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, marking another milestone in Uganda’s globally celebrated conservation efforts.
In a brief statement issued on Tuesday evening, UWA revealed that the Mishaya Gorilla Family, one of the habituated gorilla groups found in the Rushaga sector of the park, has welcomed a newborn baby.
The birth increases the family’s population from nine to ten members, further strengthening one of Bwindi’s most popular gorilla groups.
According to UWA, the infant was born to Bashekura, an adult female in the Mishaya family.
“Good news from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The Mishaya Gorilla Family in Rushaga has welcomed a newborn baby, increasing the group’s membership from 9 to 10 individuals. The baby’s mother is Bashekura (Adult Female), adding another exciting chapter to the family’s story and a positive milestone for mountain gorilla conservation,” UWA said via its official X handle.
UWA spokesperson Bashir Hangi described the birth as part of a wider positive trend being recorded in Bwindi’s mountain gorilla population.
“While we cannot yet conclusively state that the mountain gorilla population has increased, the signs are certainly encouraging. Over the last five years, Bwindi has recorded around 110 gorilla births — a remarkable baby boom for this endangered species,” Hangi said.
He revealed that conservationists are eagerly awaiting results from the latest mountain gorilla census, which could provide a clearer picture of population trends across Uganda’s protected habitats.
“The latest mountain gorilla census data is currently being analysed, and we are optimistic that the results will bring good, if not excellent, news for conservation. Every birth is a testament to the success of long-term protection efforts, community support, and the resilience of nature,” Hangi added.
He noted that the steady stream of births recorded in recent years reflects decades of investment in anti-poaching operations, veterinary care, habitat protection, scientific monitoring and community-based conservation programmes around Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Mountain gorillas are among the world’s most threatened primates, with their global population restricted to the protected forests of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Uganda hosts more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, mainly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The Mishaya Gorilla Family is among the gorilla groups tracked by tourists in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi, one of Uganda’s premier wildlife tourism destinations. Named after its former dominant silverback, Mishaya, the family has become a favourite among gorilla trekking visitors because of its dynamic history and unique group interactions.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to more than 20 habituated gorilla families and remains one of Uganda’s leading tourism attractions.
The latest birth comes at a time when Uganda continues to receive international recognition for its successful mountain gorilla conservation model, which combines habitat protection, veterinary interventions, anti-poaching efforts, scientific monitoring, and community involvement.
Conservation experts note that female gorillas typically give birth only once every four to six years, making each successful birth a major contribution to population growth and species recovery.
Gorilla tourism generates millions of dollars annually for Uganda’s economy and provides critical funding for conservation programmes, community development initiatives, and wildlife protection activities.
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