A mountain gorilla who once went viral for cheeky selfie dies in the arms of caretaker

[Behind the Aegis]

Ndakasi died on Sept. 26 after battling a prolonged illness and in the arms of her caretaker, according to a statement from the Virunga National Park.

She was found in 2007 by Virunga rangers at 2-months-old clinging to the lifeless body of her mother who was killed by armed militia in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The rangers decided to rescue the gorilla after none of her family members were in the area. That evening, she met Andre Bauma, who would later become her caretaker and lifelong friend, according to the statement.

"It was a privilege to support and care for such a loving creature, especially knowing the trauma Ndakasi suffered at a very young age," Bauma said in the statement.



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[crim son]

1. Awww, very sad.

I am glad she did not die alone.

[Behind the Aegis]

11. So am I.

It is sad, but she died with someone who loved her and whom she loved.

[Beartracks]

3. I love that picture.

[brer cat]

4. "You're not heavy; you're my bother."

First thing that came to my mind when I saw the picture. Two good souls who found each other.

[Beartracks]

6. Thanks. Now I need a kleenex.

[niyad]

8. Tears for truth.

[alphafemale]

5. Sad. But at least she knew love.

Poor little one.

[MustLoveBeagles]

7. RIP

[ChazII]

9. Rest in peace n/t

[usaf-vet]

10. You can see more love and compassion in Ndakasi then we've seen in TFG #45