Our colleagues in the field are thrilled to report that Amy Akago, our adopted gorilla, has given birth to a beautiful and healthy bouncing baby. Amy has been part of our adopt-a-gorilla scheme for over 10 years and the relentless support of her adoptive parents means a massive amount has been raised for a host of community projects in and around the Rwandan Volcanoes National Park where she resides.
Amy’s baby is due to be named at the annual ceremony Kwita Izina, which takes place in Rwanda in June. The naming ceremony is a highly prestigious event promoting and celebrating gorilla conservation, and has previously been attended by such high-profile guests as the president of Rwanda and actress Natalie Portman.
A big thank you to all our adoptive parents – every gorilla born provides hope for the future of this critically endangered population, so this really is a very special baby!