Beloved mountain gorilla has died.

[Equomba]

A beloved mountain gorilla who in 2019 struck a pose in a selfie seen around the world has died at the age of 14. The Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo said that Ndakasi died last month after a prolonged illness.

"It is with heartfelt sadness that Virunga announces the death of beloved orphaned mountain gorilla, Ndakasi, who had been under the care of the Park's Senkwekwe Center for more than a decade," the park said, adding she took her final breath in the arms of her caretaker, Andre Bauma.

Bauma said it was "privilege to support and care for such a loving creature."

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ndakasi-gorilla-selfie-dies/



A very emotional photo.

[malaise]

1. Too sad

[RainCaster]

2. this is sad

[MiniMe]

3. 14 seems young for a gorilla

[Equomba]

10. From what I've read, the lifespan of a gorilla

is estimated to be about 35-40 years in the wild, up to 50 years in captivity.

[Haggard Celine]

4. How old do gorillas typically live to be?

Seems like 14 is an awfully young age to die. At least she was around people who loved her in her final years, I suppose.

[CousinIT]

8. It mentions prolonged illness. Something must have taken her down earlier than usual.

Thankfully she had her 'family' to be with her as she slipped away and went in loving arms.

[Hoyt]

5. Like the original "selfie photo," the one above is extraordinary.

[Equomba]

16. It truly is extraordinary. When I happened upon the article I kept going

back to the photo. Not only was it taken at just the right moment, but the composition, the lines, the background, negative space, lighting... all add to the impact, not to mention the back-story.

My first thought was "why is he wearing a mask". But then I thought (over-thought?) it represents the fight we are engaged in, against not only the virus but those who don't take it seriously. And it's also the fight we have with those who would, and with the same callous indifference, do harm to the Ndakasi's and other endangered species of this world, and how they so often are the same sort of 'person'.

[LakeArenal]

6. This is sad. Kinda lonely looking.

But why the bring down mention of Jr or any of them? The story was better without them.

[Equomba]

7. I wondered about that, and you're right, I'll edit them out. Thanks!

[LakeArenal]

9. Bien!

[Ruby Zee]

11. Heartbreaking photo

What a wonderful carer to stay until the last breath.
This is real love.

[Hulk]

12. How sad...😢

I don't know what the average lifespan of such a creature is, but I tear up when reading the short clip and looking at this beautifil creature.

[StarryNite]

13. I'm so glad she didn't die alone.

Such an emotional photo. It has me in tears.

[Duppers]

15. Same here, tears. 😢

[pazzyanne]

14. Rest in peace, Ndakasi!

You were loved