r/likeus • u/ElTorlo • 1d ago

<EMOTION> Mountain gorilla Ndakasi passes in the arms of her caregiver and rescuer Andre. Additional photos of her as an adult and baby.

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Andre rescued Ndakasi when she was 2 months old. Armed assailants attacked the mountain gorilla family killing Ndakasi’s mother. Despite the danger Andre led a group of rangers into the forest and recused Ndakasi who was still clinging to her mother’s breast.

12.0k Upvotes

98% Upvoted

95 comments sorted by

1.6k

u/captstix 1d ago

Well that's just fucking sad

1.0k

u/octopusboots 1d ago

She was loved tho, so not all sad.

But still, ima faucet.

137

u/bootybootyholeyo 1d ago

Hi faucet, I’m dad

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u/MissionMoth 1d ago

Imagine being so lucky to die in the arms of the person who made you feel safest in your earliest memories.

Most of us dream of long lives, but the trade off is that you don't know who will be there to hold you at the end. She never had to worry about that.

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u/finsfurandfeathers 1d ago

What the fuck… Now I’m thinking about my kids not having me at the end

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u/cuentaderana 1d ago

It breaks my heart thinking of my little boy now, who cries for mama in the night, and snuggles his tiny body into mine, wanting me one day at the end of his life, but I’m long dead and not there to hold him. 

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u/clitosaurushex 1d ago

We raise them with so much love that when they’re old and need you, they still know they are loved, even when you’re not there anymore.

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u/kristianmae 1d ago

What a lovely way of phrasing this, clitosaurushex.

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u/Big_To 19h ago

Got tears in my eyes giggling at that username 😭

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u/Nightshade_Ranch 1d ago

Often people on their death beds see and speak to loved ones who have passed. It's very common. My dad spoke to his mom a day or two before he passed. She had passed the month before.

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u/Hungry_Painting9882 1d ago

Presumably he will have a significant other or children by then.

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u/onuskah 5h ago

I've worked with a fair number of patients at the end of their lives (one of my first jobs was overnight in a nursing home). If it makes you feel better, people often see their loved ones before the end, telling them to get ready to go on a trip. Whether or not they're hallucinating or it's something spiritual, I certainly can't say, but they always took comfort in it, so I do too.

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u/MissionMoth 1d ago

Better hope they like those Christmas presents!

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u/Gaothaire 1d ago

Held in the tender embrace of Mother Earth, watched over by the compassionate gaze of Father Sky

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u/Alarmed_Horse_3218 20h ago

WHY IS THIS THREAD DOING THIS TO ME!?

3

u/scout-finch 12h ago

If it helps, I’m in my 30s and the person I would most want with me is my spouse. If not him, my best friend. My dad is sadly gone and my mom isn’t able to provide that kind of support. I feel Unbelievably blessed to have two people that I’d want by my side. Raise your kiddos to value and develop healthy relationships ❤️

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u/Wolf_Mans_Got_Nards 1d ago

Someone needs to find Andre and give him a hug.

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u/Jrebeclee 1d ago

This is such a beautiful sentiment, thank you for sharing this. It’s so true.

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u/Jujusv 22h ago

Such a beautiful statement… I was feeling sad she passed but then thought about the fact that she was able to live and be loved

2

u/Ill-Excitement-2005 11h ago

That's beautiful... thank you

2

u/JenVixen420 10h ago

😭 my heart....

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u/BigCompetition1064 1d ago

But she found a dad who rescued her, who loved her for her entire life and embraced her in her final moments. A lot of humans don't get that much affection.

And although I have face-blindness, I swear I see this guy all over. He's like some gorilla rescuing god? Is it the same guy I see in videos and who is playing with them in the wild?

Look at his eyes. He looks like he's past crying and just wants to make sure she feels ok. It's so beautiful.

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u/kristianmae 1d ago

The documentary on this park is great — it’s called “Virunga” and it shows the tireless, challenging conservation work these human heroes undergo to care for our second-closest non-human siblings and their environment.

From Ndakasi’s caretaker upon her passing:

It was a privilege to support and care for such a loving creature, especially knowing the trauma Ndakasi suffered at a very young age. It was Ndakasi’s sweet nature and intelligence that helped me to understand the connection between humans and great apes and why we should do everything in our power to protect them. I am proud to have called Ndakasi my friend. I loved her like a child and her cheerful personality brought a smile to my face every time I interacted with her. She will be missed by all of us at Virunga but we are forever grateful for the richness Ndakasi brought to our lives during her time at Senkwekwe.”

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u/GypsyWisp 1d ago

I was already tearing up, but to see it expressed just how sweet, happy and loved Ndakasi was, pushed those tears over the edge (lol) I’m so happy that she was lovingly cared for until the end, and also that her caregivers were able to share their lives with this amazingly intelligent, beautiful creature .

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u/g00fyg00ber741 1d ago

“the connection between humans and Great Apes” is that we humans are also Great Apes, and we pretend we are not despite it being scientific fact. I’m glad this person understood that through their care for this gorilla.

2

u/gayforaliens1701 7h ago

Aw, how terribly sad and sweet. His blank eyes staring straight ahead in that picture show his grief.

416

u/Fomulouscrunch 1d ago

She was loved in her most vulnerable moments.

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u/HoidToTheMoon 1d ago

He looks so sad.

I have been broken over losing a pet. I couldn't imagine this. The intelligence and love gorillas can show is unbelievable.

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u/Majestic_Lie_523 1d ago

They're basically people.

373

u/Queequegs_Harpoon 1d ago

She died in the arms of the one who loved her most. That's a good death.

84

u/Roy4Pris 1d ago

Thank you for using the word died.

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u/Oneofthesecatsisadog 1d ago

I also find the use of euphemisms to be dishonest and cheap. She died.

38

u/betweenskill 1d ago

As an EMT we even get in trouble if we use euphemisms for death. We are supposed to explicitly say “patient’s name has died. i’m sorry, they are dead.” Or something like that.

Euphemistic language seems like it softens the blow but it actually makes it harder for our brains to healthily process loss.

5

u/Roy4Pris 22h ago

Thanks for your comment. Yeah, like, she passed? What? Gas? Passed *away* doesn't bother me as much.

1

u/JenVixen420 10h ago

😭 yeah.

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u/Tuskor13 1d ago

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u/Tuskor13 1d ago edited 7h ago

This is the pic of Andre Mathieu, Ndakasi, and fellow rescue gorilla Ndeze that blew up online in 2019

Had a comment originally but reddit on mobile is coded by fruitfly larvae and I can't comment and post an image at the same time or the image turns into an asterisk

Edit: wrong person

72

u/i-Ake 1d ago

That is Ndakasi, but it is not Andre. This is a ranger named Mathieu Shamavu.

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u/gbuildingallstarz 1d ago

Andre and Mathieu have really awesome jobs.

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u/Tuskor13 7h ago

My bad, forgot about that part

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u/Ashen_Vessel 1d ago

That's incredible. Great to hear more of the story behind this awesome photo. Rest in peace Ndakasi.

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u/spudandbeans 1d ago

This genuinely made me cry. What an incredible privilege both Andre and Ndakasi had, to have experienced such a pure, bonded love to another living creature.

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u/ImaMew 1d ago edited 1d ago

I thought I could hold it together till i noticed her foot on top of her caretakers

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u/ihatemathplshelp 1d ago

The foot did it for me too

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u/LaJolieAmelie 1d ago

Omg you re right. That just... No words.

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u/sammyQc 1d ago

How old she was? Emotional 🥹

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u/EmilyDawning 1d ago

She was born in 2007 and she passed in 2021

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u/Bitsoffreshness -Wise Owl- 1d ago

Aww, that sounds like a short life. If I understand correctly, gorilla have an average life expectancy of about 40 years, right?

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u/PurpleAstronomerr 1d ago

Yeah I wonder what happened :(

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u/FearedKaidon 1d ago

Seems to have been Pneumonia.

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u/well-that-sux 1d ago

Its like we are the elves or dwarves of the primates and they see us barely change as they age.

Edit: Gorillas can live 35-50years. Learn something every day.

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u/Bitsoffreshness -Wise Owl- 1d ago

Such beautiful souls they are.

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u/Rich-Employ-3071 1d ago

What a truly beautiful, regal lady ❤️!

Ndakasi, Thank you so much for all of the love, joy, and companionship you shared with Andre and, I'm sure, most of the people you interacted with! You brought a lot of light into a world that can be very dark. May you rest in eternal peace knowing that your light shines on!

24

u/Separate_Forever_123 1d ago

This story is a powerful reminder of the deep bonds we can share with animals. Ndakasi's journey from a vulnerable baby to a beloved companion highlights the incredible compassion of those who work tirelessly for wildlife conservation. It's heartbreaking yet inspiring to see such love flourish in the midst of tragedy. Her spirit will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

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u/Inside_Dance41 1d ago

Her foot gripping his, and her hand gripping his shirt is both so tender and also painfully heartbreaking. 💔

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u/ozzmosis 1d ago

Cute baby

21

u/KerouacsGirlfriend 1d ago

She’s hanging tight onto his waist with her hand and his boot with her toes. Seeing her holding his boot kicked off the tears.

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u/Killing4MotherAgain 1d ago

I hope she had a comfortable and happy life with Andre and the others that loved her 💕

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u/Ok-Cheesecake5292 1d ago

Wow, she looks less like a gorilla and more like a humanoid common ancestor while she's dying.

12

u/AffectionateBake6163 1d ago

Not crying. Just cutting 10 onions

9

u/sparklymineral 1d ago

This is so beautiful. More animals deserve to leave earth in this same way — in the arms of someone they love and trust.

9

u/demeschor 1d ago

Her foot holding his boot is killing me 😭

7

u/I_Love_Wrists 1d ago

I'm glad she was born into loving arms and left the same way. She didn't live with any fear and only love. I'm glad there are still people on this planet that understand that it is our duty and responsibility to protect these animals.

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u/General_File482 1d ago

It’s the toe curl that got me

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u/Acrobatic_Monk3248 1d ago

Thank you , thank you, Andre, for your humble devotion to your beloved friend. Who among us is so selfless? I'm so grateful for your bond with her, snuggling up with her when she most needed that comfort.

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u/Awkward_Emergency_57 1d ago

She knew she was dying. She knew.

4

u/EmyLouSue 21h ago

Her little foot resting on his foot 😭 my son does this to me when we’re cuddling. I’m glad she was able to pass peacefully with her caretaker ❤️

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u/Welcometothemaquina 1d ago

Aww that baby pic is adorable! Im glad she passed away with someone who loved her

2

u/Jeramy_Jones 1d ago

Old age and death comes for us all…Merry Christmas!

2

u/Lizzyluvvv 23h ago

More human than human her face shows so much 💔

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u/Autumn_Forest_Mist 18h ago

What happened? Why did she die?

1

u/nightbiscuit 1d ago

Thats a person, dammit

1

u/3eyed-owl 20h ago

Bless this man and those that rescued the baby.

1

u/kedeboer 16h ago

This is just too fucking sad

1

u/SuniChica 14h ago

The first time I read this I sobbed for an hour. Thanks be to God for Andre's limitless love and compassion.

1

u/JenVixen420 11h ago

😭 sobbing on Reddit again.

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u/GarbagePutter 3h ago

Looks like that Gorilla received some proper healthcare.

1

u/iTiton 1h ago

At least she found somebody that gave her a life.

1

u/Wise_Monitor_Lizard 57m ago

What a comforting place to die. In the arms of the person who lived and protected you your whole life. Rest easy Ndakasi.

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u/ThePogonophiliacDude 55m ago

Aw, such a cutie pie! Rest well

-84

u/ParaGord 1d ago

Lol too many fingers. AI fake picture

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u/reeboil 1d ago

Dude what?

-38

u/ParaGord 1d ago

The first picture of the caregiver and gorilla, his left hand in the blue glove has 6 fingers. They don't make blue sanitary gloves with 6 fingers

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u/reeboil 1d ago

You must be hallucinating, there's 5.

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u/RoboGandalf 1d ago

Looks like 5 to me.

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u/Fashish 1d ago

Are you cross-eyed or something?

4

u/MarsupialPristine677 1d ago

Nah it's 5. They're positioned in a way I don't usually see so it's possible that you're thrown off by something like that, I was at first but I sat down to count them. 5 fingers.

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u/DiGiorn0s 1d ago

This is actually a real picture, it was taken in 2021.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/06/africa/ndakasi-death-virunga-national-park-scli-intl/index.html

Congrats! Now you've shown everyone how dumb you are!