Laura Parker

Moments like this are so incredibly unique, and they give everyone a big morale boost, and they just remind us why this work matters.

When the rangers reported the second twin birth, there was a real sense of joy across the team.

Moments like this are so incredibly unique and they give everyone a big morale boost and they just remind us why this work matters.

We don't.

And in fact, there hasn't been a lot of research done on this because they are so incredibly rare.

But what we do know is that it's likely due to a rare biological event called hyperovulation, which we see in humans as well.

When two eggs or two ova are released, it is natural, but it's a very uncommon occurrence.

But it may be more likely when females are in very good physical condition, when there's a lot of stability and social cohesion within the groups, and when stress is limited.

You know, mountain gorillas have recovered significantly since the 80s and 90s.

And not because there aren't the same challenges that we had back then, but largely because of sustained long-term conservation efforts.

We're certainly not worried it might be too much.

Mortality in infants and mountain gorillas is already quite high.

But, you know, gorillas are not biologically adapted for twins.

You know, gorilla mothers are adapted to raise one infant at a time.

They carry them constantly.

Now gorillas also walk on all fours.

So carrying two babies at one time can be physically demanding for her.

So survival can be more challenging in that way.

But the gorilla births that we had in January, those twins are now approaching three months, which is already a significant milestone in their survival.

All signs of observation right now point to very little stress on the mother.