Last year brought many challenges and changes for two young mountain gorilla orphans monitored by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. But despite their ages, they displayed remarkable resilience.
The upheaval began in early 2024, when the mothers of Karame, who is now 6 years old, and Mubyeyi, now 4, transferred out of their group, during the declining health of their father, Ishavu, the group’s dominant silverback. Karame and Mubyeyi soon developed a strong bond with each other, which would prove vital for their survival in the challenges to come.
Initially, Ishavu cared for the orphans but lost them during a confrontation with a solitary silverback in March. Ishavu’s desperate calls to find them showcased the close bond that the trio had built.

Orphans Karame and Mubyeyi with silverback Gasore, who helped protect them through hard times.
Lone silverbacks step up
A few weeks later, on April 15, we were thrilled that Karame and Mubyeyi were found with Inshuti, a 36-year-old solitary silverback known for his tough demeanor. Against all odds, Inshuti adopted the role of protector of the young gorillas, caring for them and creating a compact unit where they shared nests and stayed close. However, by September, Inshuti’s declining health left him vulnerable just as another lone silverback, Gasore, appeared.
Gasore, who is considerably younger than Inshuti, seemed determined to take over the care of the orphans. Initially, Inshuti resisted, with the young gorillas staying behind him for protection. But after two days of interactions, Gasore prevailed in having Karame and Mubyeyi join him, while Inshuti became solitary once again.
Despite these sudden changes, the orphans adapted quickly. Gasore, who also had faced significant adversity in his youth including being caught in a snare as a juvenile, was caring and sympathetic toward them. This phase also marked a shift in the young gorillas’ behavior. They started to become more independent, even making their own nests, a significant milestone for a young gorilla. For two months, Gasore and the orphans formed a stable unit. However, another change was just around the corner.
A stable group at last
On Dec. 10, the two orphans and Gasore encountered the well-established Dushishoze group. In a surprising turn, Karame and Mubyeyi joined this group, finding not only a stable family but also the companionship of four other young gorillas. They were welcomed warmly by their new playmates and the dominant silverback Dushishoze also showed care for the newcomers.
Not surprisingly, Dushishoze was not as welcoming toward Gasore who was pushed away and has returned to solitary life.
Dushishoze’s group now has 11 gorillas and provides a hopeful ending to an incredibly turbulent year for the young orphans. The group includes three silverbacks, two females, and four other youngsters, creating a supportive and dynamic environment.

Karame and Mubyeyi now live safely in the established Dushishoze group.
Lessons in resilience
This extraordinary journey underscores the complexity of gorilla social life and the critical role of silverbacks like Ishavu, Inshuti, Gasore and Dushishoze in supporting young gorillas. Karame and Mubyeyi’s story also highlights the importance of social bonds in gorilla survival and their remarkable capacity to adapt to loss and change, even at a very young age.
As we move into 2025, we are hopeful for their continued growth and stability within their new family.
This article is part of a series presented by the Fossey Fund’s gorilla program Senior Advisor Veronica Vecellio, focusing on the mountain gorillas the Fossey Fund protects and studies every day in Rwanda. Veronica has worked with these gorilla families for 20 years and shares her deep knowledge and insights about their lives.