Twin mountain gorillas born in Virunga National Park, rare event sparks joy across Congo

Africa's Virunga National Park in Congo has new guests. Twin mountain gorillas were recently born. On January 3, when trackers were patrolling, they spotted mountain gorilla 'Mafuko' holding her two cubs in her arms. The trackers were genuinely amazed by the sight. According to scientists, the probability of twin births among endangered mountain gorillas is only 1 percent. Experts view this event as a major success in wildlife conservation.

Mother and two sons are healthy

According to the park authorities' report, 22-year-old mother gorilla Mafuko and her two male cubs are currently in good health. Photos shared by the park show Mafuko protectively holding her two offspring with tender care in the dense green jungle.

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The Park shared, "Virunga National Park is pleased to announce a rare event: the birth of mountain gorilla twins in the Bageni family, observed on January 3, 2026, by our community trackers. This first birth of 2026 brings the number of Bageni family members to 59, the largest in the Park. Additional monitoring and protection measures are now in place to ensure the twins' health during this critical period."

Raising twin cubs is a major challenge for mountain gorillas. This is because for the first few months, the cubs are completely dependent on their mother for feeding and movement. Therefore, additional security and surveillance arrangements have been made in the park for their protection.

Mafuko's life struggles

Mafuko herself represents a long struggle. In 2007, her mother was killed by gunfire from armed poachers. Later in 2013, she became a key member of the 'Bageni' mountain gorilla family. Mafuko had previously given birth to twins in 2016 as well. But unfortunately, they died within a week of birth. Now Mafuko has given birth to twins again. Therefore, park staff do not want to leave any stone unturned in keeping the new guests alive.

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Major success in conservation efforts

Virunga, Africa's oldest national park, is a UNESCO Heritage Site. This forest, spanning approximately 3,000 square miles, is one of the safest refuges for mountain gorillas. Despite poaching and various adversities, the gorilla population has been gradually increasing over the past few years.

Park authorities are greatly encouraged by the birth of twin gorillas again after 2016. Currently, the forest's largest family, 'Bageni', has 59 members. According to national park staff, the arrival of the two twin members shows that, after long efforts, the existence of these endangered animals is now much more secure than before.