Taking care of infant gorillas is a full-time job because they require the same level of care as their mother would have given them. Baby gorillas need as much affection and attention as human babies. My colleagues and I take turns caring for them 24/7. In the morning, we prepare their bottles and then later we feed them fruit and other native plants. The whole time that we are doing this, we are also playing with them and showering them with affection.

They are fascinating animals who require a lot of stimulation. They have lived through traumatic times and still need our reassurance daily. I am convinced that gorillas are actually Man’s best friend, so we should really stop persecuting them and destroying their habitat.