Covering an area of more than 10,000 square kilometres, the Maiko National Park is Congo at its wildest. Gazetted in…
Gorillas Seek Out Old Female Friends Even After Years Apart
As reported by the BBC, new research from Rwanda is revealing just how important friendships are for female mountain gorillas, even after years of separation. Scientists studying gorillas in Volcanoes National Park found that when a female gorilla moves to a new group, she will often seek out and join females she already knows.
The study, published in the Royal Society Journal Proceedings B, drew on 20 years of detailed observations and tracked the movements of 56 female gorillas across multiple groups. It showed that females do not choose new groups at random. They avoid groups containing males they are related to, which helps prevent inbreeding, and they actively prefer groups with familiar females. These familiar companions might be individuals they grew up with or more recent companions they have played, foraged and rested alongside.
Lead researcher Victoire Martignac explains that while scientists are cautious about describing this as “friendship” in the human sense, these long-term same-sex relationships clearly matter. The findings challenge previous assumptions and highlight that these bonds are far more significant and enduring than once thought.
This movement between groups, known as dispersal, is a normal part of female gorilla life. It helps maintain genetic diversity and shapes the social structure of groups. However, newly arriving females often start at the bottom of the hierarchy and may face aggression from resident females. Having a trusted companion can make the transition easier, offering social support in an unfamiliar group.
At the Gorilla Organization, these findings reflect what we witness in the wild. Gorillas are deeply social animals who rely on strong and complex relationships for their wellbeing. Protecting their forest homes is not only about ensuring their survival but also about safeguarding the space they need to maintain these vital bonds.
Our work with communities around Volcanoes National Park and other key habitats helps to prevent poaching, preserve forests and create sustainable livelihoods that make conservation possible. Every example of friendship between gorillas tells us a story of resilience and connection. We are reminded that these animals are not simply numbers in a population count, but individuals with memories and relationships that deserve to be protected.
You can help us protect these remarkable animals and the friendships they maintain. Your support will help gorillas live freely in their forest homes, raise young and grow old alongside the companions they choose.
Original BBC article
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