Main content

Marhale

The orphan

  • Born in 2011 according to park sources
  • Mother Makali (means fiery-tempered) was killed during an interaction between Chimanuka and Mugaruka
  • Marhale was orphaned when very young, a little over one and a half years old, and still highly dependent on his mother. He started following Chimanuka around as if he was his mother
  • Hair is somewhat brown (due to lack of nutritional milk from when he was orphaned, as well as stress), eyes are close together, he’s somewhat stunted in growth and his limbs are short
  • Chimanuka is very patient with Marhale, and protects him as his mother would
  • Chimanuka took to grooming Marhale, occasionally so did Mwinja
  • No one thought he would make it, but he’s a survivor!
  • Rarely plays with other gorillas enjoys grooming from his Dad
Marhale