Saturday, September 21, 2013

Mountain Gorilla Trekking: the Sabyinyo Family

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After trekking into Volcanoes National Park, we came across the Sabyinyo Family of mountain gorillas.
How beautiful is this gorilla?! Those eyes are bright orange.

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I was amazed and just blown away by how human-like their expressions were.
I mean, seriously, how many men have many this look of sighing contentment during a nap?!

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Rwanda's Sabyinyo Family has the world's largest Silverback. This isn't him. This is the smaller Silverback, how insane is that? He was ginormous.
Think hundreds of pounds in weight (!!!!!)

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Here's insight into their size: our guide moving out of the way of one of the smaller mamas.  They are relatively peaceful, but if they want to display dominance, give them some serious respect.  A simply touch to your shoulder is enough to send you flying in the opposite direction.

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First thought when I saw this guy: grumpy old man. Hehe.

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A peaceful nap.  This experience was amazing, almost spiritual, absolutely indescribable.

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The hour you spend with the family flies by and you wonder where it's gone and how you were so enthralled and captivated for so long.

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The Sabyinyo Family was named after this volcano.  Sabyinyo means 'old man's teeth.'
The group has 16 gorillas---several females, juveniles, and children.

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I've seen my dad sleep with this same expression. So amazing. So creepy.

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A close up of the silverback's hair.


For more information on Volcanoes National Park.

For more information on mountain gorilla trekking.
(go, go, GO if you get the chance. I want to go back.)


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