Mishaya gorilla family group in Bwindi National Park ready for trekking.

The Mishaya gorilla family is one of the habituated groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the Rushaga sector. The group split from the Nshongi gorilla group under the leadership of the dominant silverback Mishaya that the group derived its name from.

Mishaya had 7 members though the numbers keep changing due to certain factors like new births, winning of other family members from another group, death of members and some members leaving the group.

The dominant silverback Mishaya was known for his aggressiveness, he fought and was seen in many battles with other Gorilla groups and unhabituated gorilla families as well.

On several instances, Mishaya silverback’s interactions with other gorilla groups always ended up in fights that positively won him more females joining his group and the Mishaya gorilla family group enlarged.

For example on 26th/06/2011, Mishaya was entangled in a heated fight with an unhabituated Gorilla family which left him with multiple wounds all over his body.

The worst injuries were found on him and a 2-year old infant. But the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project (MGVP) worked tirelessly hard to restore the apes into good health.

Mishaya gorilla family members.

Some of the Mishaya gorilla family group members include: Mishaya gorilla family Silverback Mishaya (Deceased), Bukunzi and Mwiza the adult females, Rutaro and Mize the juveniles, Mwiza has 2 babies and Bukunzi has 1 baby and more other 2 unknown babies. Currently the family is led by Silverback Mwine.

Silverback Mishaya unfortunately died on the 3rd/Feb/2014. His death was mysterious as he was found dead by the Park trackers in the morning. He only lived for 28 years and the cause of his death was unclear. He had no history of illness and no injuries.

Mountain gorilla are conserved and can also be found in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Contact Jewel Safaris today to book your gorilla tracking permit for the amazing gorilla trekking experience.