Bigohe migrated to the Kabirizi family some time between September 2007 and November 2008. She came from an unhabituated group of gorillas - we cannot know which one. Remember there are about 120 unhabituated Mountain Gorillas in Mikeno, and according to the January 2009 census there are 81 habituated Mountain Gorillas.

She migrated during a time when we did not have access to the Gorilla Sector because of the war, but she is also a new mother to baby Gatoto. We believe Kabirizi is the father, but we cannot be 100% sure.

Bigohe and Gatoto, Jan 2009

Migrations of gorillas between groups is not uncommon, and is actually very healthy as it prevents inbreeding. The Silverbacks for example often fight, vying for females from each other’s group. Females, and other gorillas, may just switch from one group to the other.

Bigohe is adapting well to her new life in the Kabirizi family and likes to spend time with Tumaini, Mivumbi and Rubiga - all adult females and mothers too.

Bigohe, who was named after a Ranger who died while he went to further his studies in Rwanda, is a welcome addition to the Kabirizi family and we look forward to following her and Gatoto for the weeks, months and years to come.