Do Gorillas Mourn Their Dead?

Gorilla Emotions: Do They Mourn Their Dead?.

Do Gorillas Mourn Their Dead? While planning for a gorilla trekking tour in Africa’s dense forests, one of the first things you will ask yourself is what kind of animals gorillas are when it comes to emotions. Apart from being strong creatures and having interesting social organisations, gorillas seem to be able to feel various kinds of emotions, even sadness. So, the question is, do gorillas mourn their dead? And exploring this question can add much to your gorilla trekking tour experience.

Gorillas are among the most emotionally complex animals on Earth, sharing roughly 98.3% of their DNA with humans. Scientists studying gorilla behaviour in the wild have documented repeated observations of gorillas sitting with deceased group members for extended periods, sometimes hours or even days. Mothers have been observed carrying the bodies of deceased infants, refusing to relinquish them to decomposition. These are not random behaviours; they suggest an internal processing of loss that goes beyond simple confusion.

Primatologist Dian Fossey, whose legendary gorilla adventure through the Virunga mountains in the 1960s and 70s established the bedrock of gorilla research, documented multiple instances of gorillas appearing visibly distressed after a group member died. Her observations at Karisoke Research Centre in Rwanda remain foundational texts in understanding primate emotional life.

Do Gorillas Mourn Their Dead?

While it is true that animals cannot mourn like people, there have been several research studies that have shown the existence of mourning-like behaviour exhibited by gorillas. This can be seen after the death of one of the members of their group.

The Social Behaviour of Gorillas

Gorillas are extremely social animals that live in families referred to as troops. Typically, every troop has a strong male who dominates other members. This individual, called the silverback, protects the troop and leads other members. Generally, every troop contains several females and their babies, as well as subordinate males. The social life of gorillas can be easily seen in their everyday activities such as grooming, playing, and making sounds.

It is vital to have an understanding of gorilla society if one wants to study the phenomenon of gorilla death.

About Mountain Gorilla

Currently, there are about 1,000 mountain gorillas found in the sanctuaries within the Virunga Mountains that are located across three nations: Rwanda, DR Congo, and Uganda. The mountain gorillas live in several well-known national parks, such as Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in DR Congo, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Moreover, there is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, which is not in the Virunga Mountains but has about half of the world’s mountain gorillas.

Gorilla Safari Adventures

The safari experience of visiting mountain gorillas is an incredible chance to witness these great apes in their natural habitat. Such a memorable experience can be enjoyed via well-planned gorilla safaris or tours that are usually conducted by local travel agencies or wildlife management departments of respective countries. The safaris normally consist of a walk into the dense forest areas where the mountain gorillas reside.

Permits for Gorilla Trekking

The permit price depends on the country where you wish to track gorillas. It will differ depending on various reasons, including the cost incurred in the conservation, infrastructure, and tourism policies. Rwanda has been said to be quite pricey, as one can expect to pay as much as $1,500 for a permit, thus being the most expensive place to do gorilla trekking. The permits in Uganda cost $800. The permits in DR Congo are the least expensive at around $450.

The Trekking Experience

After you have obtained your permit, trekkers are briefed on the adventure and given information about how to conduct themselves while in a gorilla’s presence in order not to endanger the gorillas. Usually, during the tour, visitors are formed into smaller groups of up to eight people, each tasked with observing one family of the gorillas. The trekking experience can be rather strenuous, requiring participants to climb steep hills and move through a forest environment, yet it is very rewarding.

Time spent with the gorillas

Under the guidelines of conservation, visitors are given an opportunity to spend only one hour with the gorillas. In this hour, tourists will be able to watch the activities of the gorillas, photograph them, and videotape them in their natural habitats. This arrangement ensures that the gorillas do not suffer from any stress and continue living in their natural environment.

Items to Pack When Embarking on Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

When one is preparing to embark on gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest, there are specific items of clothing and equipment which should be carried in order to enjoy the activity comfortably. This is because the ground may be very muddy and slippery, especially when there is rain, and, in addition, there will be parts of the trek which are very uphill and tough. The following are some of the recommended items:

Warm Clothing: To combat cold weather conditions.
Boots/Shoes for hiking: These give good grip and are comfortable since there is difficult terrain.
Cotton shirts having long sleeves with loose bottoms.
Insect repellent.
Torches or flashlights with extra batteries: For visibility problems or if hiking is done in the morning or evening.
Toilet wipes.
Water bottles to remain hydrated throughout the journey.
Camera with lenses.
Gardening gloves: For holding onto branches.
Sandals/strops along with extra trekking shoes.
Hat and Sun Cream: Protection from sunrays.
Raincoat: Protection from rain.
Bathing Gears: In case you wish to enjoy the nearby accommodations.
Binoculars: For bird watching or spotting other wildlife from afar.

What Sector is Suitable for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest?

Rushaga is believed to be one of the sectors that have the best conditions for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest. This is mainly because many habituated gorilla families exist in the sector. It is easier to get trekking permits in Rushaga than in other sectors. Therefore, it is considered to be a suitable option for many people.

But in terms of nature and environmental factors, Buhoma is considered to be one of the sectors that offer a good experience when trekking gorillas. Although the routes might take 3 to 4 hours, treks in Buhoma involve a true jungle environment since the area does not have very difficult terrains. There are cases where the hike ends at around 11:00 AM.

The Nkuringo is the sector that has an elevated area that makes hikes quite challenging to some visitors. Whatever sector you are booked to, you can be sure to encounter mountain gorillas because there are few cases where people do not encounter them during gorilla trekking. Your probability of meeting them is over 99%.

Accommodation during Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

The gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Forest National Park takes place in the northern sector known as Buhoma and Ruhija and the southern sector called Rushaga and Nkuringo. At Rushaga lodges, one can stay at Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Karungi Camp. For those who would like to stay in the Nkuringo Lodges, they can reside at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, or Lake Mutanda Resort; these lodges are very near the starting point for both gorilla habituation and trekking activities.

For the northern part, in Buhoma, one can stay at Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ride 4 a Woman, and many more. If you visit the Ruhija sector, one can stay at Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Broadbill Tented Camp, and many more.