Rare Gorilla Twins Born in Congo's Virunga National Park

A critically endangered mountain gorilla in Congo's Virunga National Park just gave birth to twin boys, a rare event that gives fresh hope to a species that nearly went extinct.

Makufu, a seven-time mother in the Bageni gorilla family, delivered the healthy twins in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The boys mark the first births of 2025 and bring the family group to 59 individuals.

Twin births among mountain gorillas happen rarely and create extra challenges for mothers. Infant gorillas depend entirely on their mothers for food, care, and transportation during their first months of life.

Park rangers will provide additional monitoring and protection to support the twins during this critical early period. Both babies appear healthy and robust, raising hopes for a successful year ahead.

Makufu's story makes this birth even more meaningful. She originally belonged to the Kabirizi gorilla family, which suffered losses from poaching, including her own mother.

The Bright Side

Mountain gorillas have made a stunning comeback from the brink of extinction. The species now numbers around 1,000 individuals, up from just 400 in the 1980s.

Conservation efforts across the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda have protected these gentle giants despite ongoing security challenges and poaching threats. Virunga National Park serves as one of their most important strongholds.

Every new birth matters for this critically endangered subspecies, but twins carry special significance for the future of mountain gorillas.

These two healthy boys represent hope not just for their family, but for the entire species' continued recovery.