We all know silverback mountain gorillas as mighty apes, the largest of their kind and certainly the most powerful.
Typically, these great creatures travel alone or in small groups with other males, and it is uncommon for a family group to include multiple adult males.
However, one such group in Rwanda is going against the odds and represents a beautiful story of brotherly love.
This family band is led by a dominant male named Musilikale, followed by two loyal silverback brothers named Icumbi and Turakameje.
They stick together to protect the family of 22 female gorillas. This and their playful antics were captured by the people from the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
The organization is dedicated to the conservation of these mighty creatures through research, training, and forming ties with the local communities.
They have been tracking and protecting the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and the Grauer gorillas of Congo, both species are incredibly endangered.
The trackers have captured a number of adorable images, especially in the Musilikale family, where the three gorillas lead 22 females.
Even though they are all grown up, two of the brothers nap and play together while Musilikale leads the females who he will defend with his life.
Trackers and researchers follow the groups of gorillas every day, and despite the gorillas being used to human presence, they stay at a distance.
The mountain gorilla population is severely endangered and is thought to be just over 1,000 all around the world. They are threatened mainly by poachers and habitat loss.
Grauer’s gorillas are considered critically endangered, with a small unknown amount left in the wild.
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is one of the main organizations supporting the fight for the majestic creatures.
You can support the fun by adopting a gorilla or donating on the website.
