Can humans and monkeys be connected like soulmates? The story of André and the mountain gorilla Ndakashe shows that it is possible. They spent 14 years together, becoming not just friends, but family, and the monkey decided to leave this life in the arms of her closest friend.
Ndakasi ended up at the Wildlife Rescue Center after losing her mother and family to poachers. Together with another orphan, she grew up under the care of rangers who tried to provide the young gorillas with a comfortable life as close to their natural environment as possible.
The rangers saw the gorillas almost every day, and the animals accepted them as part of their troop. Having lost her family, Ndakaci became attached to her rescuers, especially Andre, who became her guardian and friend.
When the gorilla’s health deteriorated sharply, she came to Andre and passed away in his arms. The ranger recalls that it was a privilege for him to care for Ndakas, experiencing an emotional connection with her, and calls the monkey his friend, whom he loved like his own child.
