One of My Favourite Videos with the Orphaned Gorillas We Rescued

There are moments that stay etched in your memory forever — not because they’re grand or glamorous, but because they carry the weight of love, loss, and healing all at once. One of my favourite videos I’ve ever filmed features a group of orphaned gorillas we rescued — gentle souls who once witnessed unimaginable tragedy. Every time I watch it, I’m reminded of why we do what we do, and how resilience can bloom even after the darkest storm.

These gorillas weren’t born into safety. Their early days were filled with chaos and grief. Poachers had slaughtered their entire family — their mothers, fathers, siblings — all gone in one horrifying act of greed and cruelty. When we first found them, their eyes were hollow. They were terrified, clinging to each other, trembling, and calling out for the family that would never return. It’s impossible to describe the silence that followed their cries — a silence that broke every heart present.

At that moment, we made them a promise: that we would become their family. That they would never again face fear or hunger alone. And that one day, if the world was kind enough, they might return to the forests of Africa where they truly belong.

The video captures a piece of that promise in motion. You can see them now — strong, curious, and playful. It’s taken years of care, patience, and endless love to reach this point. The first time they laughed — that deep, bubbling gorilla laugh — we all cried. It meant they finally felt safe enough to let joy back into their lives. There’s something indescribably powerful about witnessing that kind of transformation.

Each one of them has their own personality. There’s Koko, the mischievous one, who always tries to steal the fruit basket before feeding time. Then there’s Mubi, gentle and thoughtful, who likes to sit back and watch the world go by before joining in. And of course, little Tano, who insists on being the centre of attention, wrapping his long arms around me every chance he gets. Their bond with one another — and with us — is something truly extraordinary. It’s as if they’ve woven their own version of a family out of the love that was once stolen from them.

When I watch the video, I see them swinging through the trees, wrestling playfully, and occasionally looking back at me as if to say, “See? We made it.” It’s their way of reminding me that even after everything they’ve endured, their spirits remain unbroken. And honestly, that humbles me every single day.

Caring for orphaned gorillas isn’t just about feeding them or keeping them safe. It’s about rebuilding trust — one gentle interaction at a time. Gorillas are deeply emotional creatures, capable of grief and compassion in ways that mirror our own hearts. When they lose their families, they lose their sense of belonging. We have to become their new troop — offering the comfort of touch, the reassurance of presence, and the rhythm of consistent care. It can take months, even years, before they truly believe they’re safe again.

But once that trust forms, it’s unbreakable. I’ll never forget the first time Koko fell asleep in my arms, his little hand wrapped around my wrist. In that moment, it felt like he was saying, “I remember what it means to be loved.” That’s the kind of progress you can’t measure in numbers — only in heartbeats.

The video has a quiet magic to it. You can see how far they’ve come — from fragile, frightened babies to confident, healthy young gorillas exploring the world with curiosity. Every movement is a testament to survival, every laugh a celebration of second chances. And behind the camera, I can’t help but smile through tears, knowing how much pain they had to overcome to get here.

It’s also a powerful reminder of the responsibility we share as humans. The forests of Africa are home to these incredible beings, yet every year, they face threats from poaching, deforestation, and illegal wildlife trade. Each orphan represents a broken family — a story that should never have existed in the first place. Rescuing them is just the beginning; the real challenge lies in ensuring that no more young ones have to endure the same heartbreak.

That’s why we work tirelessly — not only to care for these gorillas but also to raise awareness and strengthen conservation efforts. Every rescue, every rehabilitation, every eventual release into the wild — it all matters. Because these gorillas are not just animals; they are individuals with memories, emotions, and dreams of freedom.

When I rewatch that video now, it doesn’t just make me proud — it makes me grateful. Grateful to every person who’s supported our work, to every ranger who risked their life to protect them, and to every gentle soul who believes in the possibility of a kinder world. Most of all, I’m grateful to the gorillas themselves — for teaching me more about forgiveness, patience, and love than any human ever could.

There’s a moment at the end of the video that always makes me smile. The camera pans across the group as they settle for a nap in the shade, and one of them — Mubi — looks directly into the lens. His eyes are calm, peaceful, full of trust. It’s such a simple look, but it says everything: I’m safe now.

And that’s why this video will always be one of my favourites. Because it’s not just footage — it’s a story of survival. A story of second chances. A story of what happens when compassion wins.

These gorillas have been through the unthinkable, but they’re proof that love heals. Every day with them is a gift, and every moment captured is a reminder of the life we fight for — the life they deserve. I hope that when people watch it, they don’t just see rescued animals; they see the hope that lives on, even after tragedy.

Because in their eyes, I see not only what was lost — but everything that’s been found again: peace, belonging, and the quiet strength of a family rebuilt through love.