The Mapuwa mountain gorilla family was started and originally led by Mapuwa, who came from the Rugendo gorilla family. Mapuwa left the Rugendo group as a solitary male in 1995.
Three years later, he fought with a silverback from the Lulengo family and took two adult females, Kanepo and Kagofero. Mapuwa became known for fighting other groups at the borders to take females and add them to his own family.
Over the years, Mapuwa grew his group to 22 members, including 3 silverbacks, 3 blackbacks, 6 adult females, 4 juveniles, 2 sub-adult females, and 5 babies.
These numbers can change over time due to births, deaths, or if other silverbacks leave to start their own families. Today, the group is led by a silverback named Mvuyekure.
Mountain gorilla families in the park are assigned to trekkers based on several factors, including age, physical fitness, and trekking ability. Young and energetic visitors are usually assigned to gorilla groups that live farther away, while older visitors are given gorilla families that are closer and easier to reach.
Virunga National Park, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, covers an area of 7,800 square kilometers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The park was established in 1925 to protect these rare animals.
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