Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage is nestled within the lush landscapes of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage stands as a beacon of hope for orphaned mountain gorillas. Established in 2010, it is the world’s only sanctuary dedicated to caring for gorillas orphaned due to poaching, human-wildlife conflict, or habitat destruction.
The orphanage is named after Senkwekwe, a silverback gorilla who led the Rugendo group and was tragically killed in 2007 during a rebel attack in Virunga. This incident left behind two young survivors, Ndakasi and Ndeze, who became the first residents of the orphanage. Their story inspired the creation of a facility dedicated to caring for orphaned gorillas, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment.
Located adjacent to Mikeno Lodge in Rumangabo, the orphanage is managed by the Virunga Foundation in collaboration with organizations like Gorilla Doctors. It offers lifelong care to gorillas that cannot survive in the wild due to their early trauma and dependency on human care.
At the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage, dedicated human caretakers provide round-the-clock care for orphaned gorillas, helping them regain physical strength and recover from the trauma of losing their families. While in human care, the gorillas undergo regular health assessments, receive medical treatment for injuries or illnesses, and benefit from enrichment activities that support their emotional and social well-being.
The team plays a critical role in ensuring the orphans’ health and safety, especially during transitions from temporary care facilities to the sanctuary. Decisions about whether an orphaned gorilla can eventually return to the wild are made carefully by wildlife authorities, based on the individual’s readiness and chances of survival in their natural habitat.
Currently, the Gorilla Doctors support the mountain gorilla orphans at Senkwekwe Sanctuary in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. The orphans are under the attentive care of the park’s experienced caretakers, with Dr. Eddy Kambale serving as their primary Gorilla Doctor. He conducts routine monthly check-ups, while a Gorilla Doctor is always on call to respond to any medical emergencies that may arise.
Gorilla Orphans at Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage
Matabishi
In late June 2013, a young gorilla named Matabishi was found alone in a cornfield just outside Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The infant had been wandering alone for several days, roughly one kilometer from the forest edge, before a local resident alerted wildlife authorities. Matabishi bore a large wound on his back, likely caused by a rope restraint, suggesting he had been captured and held by poachers, possibly for several weeks.
ICCN rangers stayed overnight in the cornfield to protect the vulnerable infant until the rescue could be carried out. On Sunday, June 23, Dr. Eddy Kambale of Gorilla Doctors approached Matabishi, who surprisingly allowed human contact. After administering a mild sedative, Matabishi was safely transported 27 kilometers over rough terrain to Rumangabo, curling up securely in Dr. Eddy’s arms for the journey.
Although it is believed that Matabishi was separated from a wild gorilla group through poaching, he was clearly over-habituated to humans, often seeking comfort by sitting on laps or resting near caretakers. Upon arrival at Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage, he underwent a full quarantine and health assessment by Gorilla Doctors. This included a comprehensive physical examination, collection of blood, urine, and swab samples for diagnostic testing, a tuberculosis skin test, and the administration of his first vaccines for polio and measles-mumps-rubella.
Additionally, Matabishi was mildly dehydrated, so subcutaneous fluids were provided to stabilize his condition. From the moment of his rescue, Matabishi’s story has been one of resilience and recovery, reflecting both the dangers mountain gorillas face in the wild and the vital role that the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage plays in providing care, rehabilitation, and hope for orphaned gorillas.
Ndeze
On February 17, 2007, the Rugendo family of Virunga National Park welcomed a new infant gorilla, Ndeze, born to female Safari and silverback Senkwekwe. Her birth was celebrated as a symbol of hope for the mountain gorilla population, especially after the park had made headlines the previous month when two gorillas were killed by rebel soldiers.
Tragically, on July 22, 2007, armed criminals involved in the illegal charcoal trade killed five members of the Rugendo family, including Ndeze’s parents. The young infant was rescued by the blackback Mukunda, who carried her to safety. Since Mukunda, being male, could not feed Ndeze, Gorilla Doctors intervened, safely anesthetizing Mukunda to recover her. Ndeze was then brought to the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage, where she received intensive care and has thrived under the watchful eyes of dedicated caretakers.
Ndakasi
On April 17, 2007, Nyiransekuye of the Kabirizi family gave birth to a healthy mountain gorilla infant, later named Ndakasi in honor of Virunga National Park ranger Benjamin Ndakasi Lola, who had passed away earlier that year.
Tragically, less than two months later, on June 8, 2007, armed assailants attacked the Kabirizi family, killing Nyiransekuye. Rangers led by Andre Bauma braved the forest and discovered baby Ndakasi clinging to her deceased mother, weak, dehydrated, and near death after 24 hours without nursing. Andre kept her warm through the night and gently hydrated her with milk, ensuring her survival.
The following day, Ndakasi was brought to a temporary facility in Goma, where the Gorilla Doctors examined and stabilized her. She quickly adapted to bottle-feeding and bonded closely with Andre, who has remained her primary caregiver ever since. Ndakasi’s remarkable story of survival has made her a symbol of hope and resilience for orphaned mountain gorillas.
Visiting Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage
Visiting the orphanage offers a rare opportunity to witness these gentle giants up close in a safe and controlled environment. Unlike gorilla trekking in the wild, where viewing time is limited, visitors at Senkwekwe can spend more relaxed moments observing the orphans as they interact, play, and display their natural behaviors.
Knowledgeable caregivers will share each gorilla’s story — how they were rescued and how they’ve adapted to their new family at the center. Many of these stories, such as those of Ndakasi, Ndeze, and Matabishi, are both heartbreaking and inspiring, revealing the impact of conservation efforts on endangered species.
Why Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Visiting Matters
Every visit to Senkwekwe supports conservation. Proceeds go directly to caring for the orphans — providing medical treatment, nutritious food, security, and enrichment activities. It also funds broader efforts to protect mountain gorillas in the wild, supporting ranger patrols, anti-poaching initiatives, and community engagement programs.
Best Time to Visit
The orphanage is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons (June to September and December to February), when travel and park conditions are ideal.
Whether you’re a passionate conservationist, wildlife photographer, or simply an animal lover, a visit to Senkwekwe is a deeply moving and educational experience — a chance to stand face-to-face with some of the world’s most endangered creatures and support their survival.