Did you know that gorillas hold funerals for their dead? Probably not. Yes! According to scientists, Gorillas grieve for their dead and have funerals for them just like humans, though not through the exact process. As a ritual, gorillas sit close to the dead body and stare at it, as well as sniffing, poking, grooming, and licking it before they roll it over a cliff and leave. With this and much more of their exciting behaviors, the gorilla expedition is worth a try.
Recently, as we trekked down through the small wavering footpaths into the heart of the dense impenetrable forest of Bwindi, we were stunned by a rare encounter of two gorilla families fighting for territory. Finding a silverback charging against an intruding family into his territory will give you a completely divergent worldview of the intricate ways of the wild. Banging against his muscular chest while screaming with his long teeth spreading out, not forgetting the young ones chanting and screaming while hopping from one tree top to the other, was such an epic yet frightening encounter.
But the drama did not end there. Picture this; a peaceful clearing where a mother gently cradles her newborn, the tiny bundle of joy covered in slim fur huddled against her chest. The bond between them is profound, a complete contrast to the thunderous clashes of the earlier dominant males. Nearby, adolescent gorillas playfully wrestle, honing their fighting skills for future challenges. Such a wonderful synergy.
In another part of the dense forest, we were treated to the rare sight of a gorilla grooming session. A group of females meticulously tended to each other’s fur, picking out debris with subtle touches and showcasing a vivid sense of friendship and social harmony.
These experiences, ranging from fierce territorial disputes to tender familial moments and cooperative grooming rituals, not only demonstrate these creatures as profoundly wonderful but also prove that indeed, they are our closest relatives sharing over 98% of the human DNA.
The sheer magnificence of seeing endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat always leaves an undeniably great experience and personally, it is a newfound form of natural healing. Every footstep made always gets me closer to a renewed awakening and natural cleansing. And trust me not, while on this fascinating escapade, you will always find a rich sense of connection to the primal rhythm of the natural world.
Ariyo Timothy
(Travel-Guide-Uganda)
