Gorillas in our Midst
03/25/07 01:41 PM
A couple of
weeks ago, we had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of
seeing the Mountain Gorillas. Remember Dian Fossey
portrayed by Sigourney Weaver in the movie "Gorillas in
the Mist"? These gorillas are an endangered species,
and they are only located in the mountains shared by
Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
We traveled with Kyla Kaiser (KICS teacher), her boyfriend Perry (our current house guest and intern at Todd’s bank), and Perry’s dad. When we arrived at the Gorillas’ Nest Lodge, there were African dancers and singers performing on the lawn.
The next morning we left at 6 a.m. and were elated to discover that we would be visiting the Susa Group, which is the very group that Dian Fossey lived with and researched. There are 38 gorillas in this group, the largest one.
Our group of eight was accompanied by a lead guide and three armed guards, who were there to protect us from who-knows-what types of wild animals we might encounter along the way. Fortunately, they didn’t have to use their weapons.
The hike there was almost as exhilarating as the gorillas themselves. We walked two hours up a mountain where many villagers lived and farmed. The children all came to greet us while their parents worked the sloping fields. We realized as we watched them working that they are in much better shape than we are. Remember, the hike began at about 8,500 feet above sea level. We were sucking wind. But the view was breathtaking.
Seeing the gorillas was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever experienced. We were able to stand within just a few feet of them. There are three silverbacks (mature males) in this group, and there’s a clear distinction between #1, #2 and #3. They each know their “roles,” and #1 has the right to inflict punishment when the others break the rules. In fact, while we were there, our guide informed us that #2 was having “jiggy jiggy” with a female up the hill from us. No sooner than he told us this, then #1 walked right past us (I could’ve reached out and touched him!) to head up the hill to inflict his punishment. I personally wouldn't want to break the rules...take a look at #1. He even knows how to give the finger!
The baby gorillas showed off for us, climbing up the trees and hanging upside down. And the adolescents beat their chests for us. The hour went by like it was ten minutes. We were completely enthralled.
As we were walking back down the hill to leave the group, we found Silverback #2, cozied up beside his girl, looking quite happy despite all of his wounds.
We traveled with Kyla Kaiser (KICS teacher), her boyfriend Perry (our current house guest and intern at Todd’s bank), and Perry’s dad. When we arrived at the Gorillas’ Nest Lodge, there were African dancers and singers performing on the lawn.
The next morning we left at 6 a.m. and were elated to discover that we would be visiting the Susa Group, which is the very group that Dian Fossey lived with and researched. There are 38 gorillas in this group, the largest one.
Our group of eight was accompanied by a lead guide and three armed guards, who were there to protect us from who-knows-what types of wild animals we might encounter along the way. Fortunately, they didn’t have to use their weapons.
The hike there was almost as exhilarating as the gorillas themselves. We walked two hours up a mountain where many villagers lived and farmed. The children all came to greet us while their parents worked the sloping fields. We realized as we watched them working that they are in much better shape than we are. Remember, the hike began at about 8,500 feet above sea level. We were sucking wind. But the view was breathtaking.
Seeing the gorillas was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever experienced. We were able to stand within just a few feet of them. There are three silverbacks (mature males) in this group, and there’s a clear distinction between #1, #2 and #3. They each know their “roles,” and #1 has the right to inflict punishment when the others break the rules. In fact, while we were there, our guide informed us that #2 was having “jiggy jiggy” with a female up the hill from us. No sooner than he told us this, then #1 walked right past us (I could’ve reached out and touched him!) to head up the hill to inflict his punishment. I personally wouldn't want to break the rules...take a look at #1. He even knows how to give the finger!
The baby gorillas showed off for us, climbing up the trees and hanging upside down. And the adolescents beat their chests for us. The hour went by like it was ten minutes. We were completely enthralled.
As we were walking back down the hill to leave the group, we found Silverback #2, cozied up beside his girl, looking quite happy despite all of his wounds.