Rushegura Gorilla Group
The Rushegura Gorilla Group is an incredible and calm family that split off from the Habinyanja Family. By the time of the group’s habituation, it was led by Mwirima silverback around 2002. Rushegura group derived its name from a local word “Ebishegura”. Rushegura is the name of a place where the separation of this group. From the larger family of Habinyanja took place in February 2002. Initially called the Habinyanja 2 group, it quickly received a new name that derives from “Ebishegura”. A tree specie that was abundant in the home area of the new family.
The split away led by Mwirima, a strong-massive silverback who was so desirous of forming his own family. Carrying away with him 7 members including 5 females. Mwirima, a son of Mugurusi parted ways with his brother Rwansigazi. Who was known for taking the gorillas on distant ranging expeditions, whereas Mwirima preferred shorter ranges. The Rushegura gorilla group was opened for Tourism in 2002. Since its individuals had been habituated under the original Habinyanja family.
True to Mwirima’s determination to form a large and stable family, he worked so hard that by April 2010. The individuals had increased to 19 from the original 8. He is on record to have sired a number of off springs so far. The group known to at times cross in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. The Rushegura gorilla group currently boasts of a one Silverback, 5 Adult females, 1 black back and a host of juveniles and infants.
The members under Mwirima feel secure given his proven heroics in fighting off rivals and wild groups. Mwirima known to engage in severe fights in protection of his sovereignty and his family using his sharp canines, slapping and tearing vegetation. Beating of his chest and thumping the ground with palms to show the end of the battle.
Rangers cite a recent example when the Rushegura gorilla group encountered a wild Makare group. Against whom Mwirima fought tooth and nail, triumphed and ensured the group stayed feeding at the battle field for two days to celebrate his rare feat.
Unfortunately Mwirima died in 2014 at about 35 years and the silverback leading the group is Kabukojo. Mwirima which means darkness given his name because of his dark face.
Trekking the Rushegura family is not challenging at all, it is perfect for the less fit trekkers and those visitors who are short on time and prefer shorter treks. The Rushegura gorilla group most times roams around the park headquarters, however, their location not a 100% guaranteed. Rushegura group just like any other family tends to move into the deeper dense forests of Bwindi in search for enough food.
The family sometimes roams around the nearby accommodations and its members normally shy away from people so visitors enjoying their stay at these relaxing spots should anticipate to have attractive views of the endangered mountain gorillas as sometimes they appear unexpectedly.