Titus died last night. Magda spent the day with the group doing observations because Ihumure would not leave the body for several hours - everyone is so very worried about him. Tuck, the old female who has been with Titus for years, along with her 3.5 year old son, were not found for several hours today, but came back this afternoon, and both are staying near Titus.
Rano, Titus's son and now leader, is with the 2 blackbacks and one juvenile male of the group, and he seemed to be trying to move the group away from Titus, but they all kept circling back to Titus's body. Ihumure is afraid of the male group so he sits by himself. Tuck and her son move away when they approach too, but do not sit with Ihumure. This is such a difficult time for the gorillas and the people who care for them.
We did not move his body off the volcano yet - we want the group to have time to grieve, and calm down some. Porters and trackers will bring his body to our clinic tomorrow morning for the necropsy, then he will be buried in the gorilla graveyard near park headquarters. There are no words to truly express the feelings of loss that are palpable in this gorilla conservation community today.
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Jan:
ReplyDeleteThis is sad news. Sounds very hard. I thank you for describing this difficult event with clarity and compassion. And for honoring another species with your healing work.
Thank you, Jan, for sharing Titus' passing with us. Karen
ReplyDeleteJan - I am sorry for the great loss and the sadness it brings to the community. Passing always gives pause, but you will also learn a great deal from this experience.
ReplyDeleteJan, I am so saddened by the loss of Titus. I am really enjoying your thoughtful and personal tales of your experiences. I feel as though I am able to feel your sadness and your joy. Thanks for sharing such an incredible part of your life and letting me "live your dream" with you.
ReplyDeleteLove, Tody