Kanungu, Uganda — Uganda’s mountain gorilla conservation efforts have received another boost following the birth of a new infant in the renowned Nkuringo Gorilla Family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) confirmed that adult female Nderema gave birth on June 30, 2026, near River Ivi in the Nkuringo sector of the park.
The announcement was delayed because the protective mother kept the newborn hidden, preventing trackers from immediately confirming the birth and identifying the infant. Wildlife monitors only recently confirmed the presence of the baby after routine observations in the forest.
With the latest addition, the Nkuringo Gorilla Family now comprises 15 members, including: 2 silverbacks, 6 adult females, 2 sub-adults, 1 juvenile and 4 infants.
Conservation officials have proposed the name “Ivi” for the newborn, in recognition of River Ivi, where the infant was born. The baby’s sex has not yet been determined and will be confirmed through continued monitoring.
The birth marks another milestone for one of Bwindi’s most celebrated habituated gorilla families. The Nkuringo family was the first gorilla group to be habituated for tourism in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and has become one of Uganda’s flagship conservation success stories. The family is currently led by silverback Rwamutwe and has experienced several births, dispersals and leadership changes over the years.
Mountain gorillas are classified as an endangered species, and every new birth is considered a significant conservation achievement. Uganda is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park serving as one of the species’ most important habitats.
The arrival of the new infant reflects the continued effectiveness of conservation efforts involving the Uganda Wildlife Authority, local communities and conservation partners, whose work has helped sustain and gradually increase Uganda’s mountain gorilla population.
