Comprehensive Guide to Silverbacks In Gorilla Families in Bwindi & Volcanoes

Comprehensive List of Silverbacks In Gorilla Families; Gorillas thrive in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a vast expanse of low montane rainforest situated in the southwestern region of Uganda. Bwindi Forest National Park is divided into four regions: Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Nkuringo. Each of these sectors is home to mountain gorillas, with every gorilla family being habituated and available for visits by groups of up to 8 people.

A gorilla family and its members are always accompanied and overseen by a silverback who embodies the essence of leadership strength. Here is a list of Silverbacks In Gorilla Families who stand strong to lead and safeguard their family.

The Mwirima-Rushegura Family

The Buhoma region is home to the Rushegura family, a lively group of 19 members. At the helm is the impressive silverback Mwirima, who is the brother of the former silverback, Rwansiganzi.

Mwirima, in his late 20s, is the brother of a former silverback from Habinyanja named Rwansigazi.

Mugurisi-Habinyanja Family

Mungurisi was a silverback guiding the Habinyanja family, his name translating to ‘old man’ in the local Bakiga language. When Rwansigazi relinquished his leadership skills, Makara the Dominant silverback ascended to the role of leader.

Ruhondeza-Mubare Gorilla Family

The Mubare family in the Buhoma sector is guided by Ruhondenza, who has since passed away due to his old age, leaving behind a legacy inherited by the formidable silverback known as Kanyonyi.

Ndahura – Bitukura Gorilla Family

In the Ruhija sector, the Bitukura Gorilla family thrives under the leadership of Ndahura, who has bravely stepped into the role after Karumazi, the aging silverback, could no longer guide the group. Ndahura is the one who brings joy to the family.

Tebirikwata – Oruzongo Gorilla Family

The Oruzongo Gorilla family is guided by Tebirikwata, one of the oldest gorillas, who oversees a lively group of 25 members. His energetic and playful nature brings a vibrant spirit to the family.

Zeus and Rukina-Kyaguriro Family

Zeus and Rukina are the noted silverbacks in the Kyaguriro family, though Zeus faced exile in the forest at the hands of Rukina and ultimately met his end there.

Rukina, who eventually succumbed to the passage of time, has left the family of Kyaguriro under the leadership of a formidable silverback named Rukara, who commands the loyalty of 15 family members.

Rafiki & Safari – Nkuringo Family

The Nkuringo Gorilla family boasts several silverbacks, including the legendary Silverback Alpha, named after the word ‘Nkuringo.’ Although he passed away in 2004, he left behind a legacy through his two sons, Rafiki (meaning friend in Kiswahili) and Safari, who now lead the family of 19 members with strength and wisdom.

Mishaya – Mishaya Clan

When one embarks on a journey to encounter the Mishaya gorilla family, originally led by the silverback named Mishaya during its habituation, the family is now under the leadership of Mwine, the current silverback.

Nshongi – Nshongi Clan

In this vibrant sector, we encounter the habituation family of ‘Nshongi,’ guided by a formidable silverback named Nshogi, who oversees a lively group of 26 members.

Gwigi & Busingye – Kahungye clan

Silverback Gwigi and Busingye are the silverbacks of the Kahungye family, one of the prominent families in the Rushaga sector, where they have taken charge, guiding a remarkable group of 27 members.

Bwindi forest is home to a remarkable roster of 20 silverbacks, including those at the forefront and the established leaders who have guided their family members through the wild.