By Dr. Adrien Emile Ntwari, field veterinarian, Rwanda
On Saturday November 15, we received an emergency call from Volcanoes National Park rangers – Umusingi, a five-year-old juvenile male from the Igisha family was caught in a rope snare. Umusingi and other gorillas from his family chewed through the rope tethering him to the snare but the remaining piece of rope remained tightly wrapped around his left wrist.
Umusingi with rope snare wrapped tightly around his left wrist. © Gorilla Doctors
Dr. Noel and I grabbed our medical ‘go bags,’ racing to the park and into the forest.
Together with the support of a team of rangers and trackers, we arrived at Igisha group around 2:00pm. The mountain gorillas were hunkered down trying to shelter from the rain. Umusingi was with his mother, Ijambo. Once the rain slowed down, it was time to anesthetize Umusingi and remove the snare.
Drs. Adrien (far left) and Noel (far right) prepare medication while interns observe. © Gorilla Doctors
Dr. Adrien cuts snare once Umusingi is anesthetized. © Gorilla Doctors
Dr. Adrien conducts a physical exam. © Gorilla Doctors
We successfully removed the snare, cleaned Umusingi’s wounds, and conducted a physical exam, collecting biological samples for future diagnostics and research. We reversed the anesthesia and Umusingi rejoined his family group.
Before we left, we observed Umusingi using both of his hands to feed.
Umusingi eating with his left hand. © Gorilla Doctors
Umusingi eating with his right hand. © Gorilla Doctors
We will keep a close eye on Umusingi in the coming days to ensure his full recovery.
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