THE BIRTH OF TWO BABY GORILLAS IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK

How exciting to hear about the birth of two adorable baby gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? This wonderful news reinforces Uganda’s position as the leading destination for mountain gorilla encounters worldwide.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority joyfully announced the arrival of two adorable baby mountain gorillas. Kwitonga’s new addition brings happiness to the Nkuringo family, while Bizulu’s little one joins the Busingye family.

The mountain gorilla population now stands at 16 in the Nkuringo family and 15 in the Busingye family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

The two mothers and their babies are reported to be happy and healthy, thanks to the diligent care provided by the park rangers and the veterinary team, according to the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

How Mountain Gorillas are Distributed in Uganda

It is important to note that Uganda is home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, with 459 individuals living in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and about 30 gorillas living in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

These mountain gorillas are organized in gorilla groups or gorilla families that you can encounter on your Uganda gorilla trekking safari.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has over 25 habituated gorilla families divided across four gorilla trekking sectors, while Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has one habituated transboundary gorilla group.

Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Sectors and Their Groups

Uganda’s Bwindi has four gorilla trekking sectors, these include Nkuringo sector, Buhoma Sector, Ruhija sector, and Rushaga Sector.    

1. Nkuringo Sector (south Bwindi)

This sector has four gorilla groups, which include Nkuringo, Christmas, Bushao, and Posho.

2. Buhoma Sector (North Bwindi)

The Buhoma sector has 7 gorilla groups, which include Habinyanja, Mubare, Rushegura, Muyambi, Katwe, Binyindo, and Kanyanyi.

3. Ruhija Sector (East Bwindi)

This sector has four gorilla groups. These include Bitukura, Kyaguriro, Oruzogo, and Mukiza.

4. Rushaga Sector (South Bwindi)

Rushaga sector has ten gorilla groups, which include Nshongi, Mishaya, Bweza, Busingye, Kahugye, Muchunguzi, Rwigi, Tindatine, Bikyingi, and Kutu Group.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has one habituated gorilla group, which is the Nyakagezi group.

Uganda Mountain Gorilla Population Compared to Congo and Rwanda

Uganda continues to be home to the highest number of mountain gorillas, nearly half of the world’s total population of about 1063. Of that population, 459 gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and 30 in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This makes Uganda the premier destination for gorilla trekking tours.

The continued increase in the number of mountain gorillas in Uganda is due to a boom in new births, given the ongoing conservation efforts. As a result, gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda are among the most preferred tourist activities during a Uganda safari. The birth of new baby gorillas in Bwindi is highly valued towards conservation.

On a Uganda safari, you can only see these numerous gentle giants when you undertake a Uganda gorilla trekking tour either in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Next to Uganda, Rwanda has several mountain gorillas. On a Rwanda safari, you can observe nearly 380 endangered mountain gorillas. You can only view these gorillas on a Rwanda gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park.

Congo, too, is home to a significant number of mountain gorillas, about 350 individuals. While on your Congo safari, consider visiting Virunga National Park for the best Congo gorilla trekking safari experience.

Uganda Mountain Gorilla Census

Based on the 2018 mountain gorilla census, a total of 459 individuals were counted in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and 30 members in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda’s gorilla population is almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, which is about 1063 mountain gorillas.

Another population census of mountain gorillas commenced on 7th May 2025, and this is designed to determine the total population of mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda.  This census was launched at the Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation (ITFC) in Ruhija, a section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The census was conducted by conservation stakeholders to assess the gorilla population and explore effective strategies for increasing the number of mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda, thereby enhancing the quality of Uganda wildlife safaris.

The recent births of mountain gorillas are expected to increase the mountain gorilla population, making Uganda the best destination for wildlife safaris, especially gorilla trekking safaris.

The Future of the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

For a period of about three decades, primate species like mountain gorillas were close to extinction. This was due to human activities like settlement, agriculture, and poaching, among others. Today, the future and continued existence of mountain gorillas look bright. Conservation efforts greatly contribute to their survival.

To ensure the continued existence of the mountain gorillas and other primates. The Uganda Wildlife Authority and other agencies have taken the following measures:

• Discouraged human activities like poaching and encroachment through routine park patrols
• Put in place clear boundaries in the parks.
• Health monitoring to ensure that mountain gorillas are in good condition
• Encouraged community involvement
• Collaborated with other units, like health units, and law enforcers, like the police, to conserve mountain gorillas.

With the above put into action, Uganda’s population and the existence of mountain gorillas are expected to thrive.

Mountain gorillas remain the leading tourist attraction in Uganda’s tourism sector, and any addition to the number of newly born baby gorillas in Bwindi implies more tourists will be attracted to book Uganda safaris.

As Uganda gorilla trekking tours increase incomes, money from these Uganda safaris can further be used to enforce gorilla conservation measures, hence the continued existence of the mountain gorillas.

Gorilla trekking safaris can also continue to generate income for community development, such as funding health centres, schools, and road construction, among other initiatives. These, in the long run, also boost Uganda’s tourism sector.

The recent births of two baby gorillas in Bwindi in the Nkuringo family and the Busingye family reflect Uganda’s joint efforts in conserving the environment and its rich biodiversity.

Special thanks to the Uganda Wildlife Authority and all other conservation stakeholders for their continued efforts to conserve the environment.

As you plan for gorilla trekking in Uganda while on a Uganda safari, consider visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see the newborn mountain gorillas in the Nkuringo Sector and Rushaga Sector for an unforgettable gorilla trekking safari experience in Uganda.