Ndakasi, a mountain gorilla from Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo who rose to fame in 2019 after she photobombed her forest ranger's selfie, has died at the age of 14 due to a prolonged illness.
The news was shared by the forest officials via a statement released on Instagram. "It is with heartfelt sadness that Virunga announces the death of beloved orphaned mountain gorilla, Ndakasi, who had been under the care of the Park's Senkwekwe Center for more than a decade," it read.
"Ndakasi took her final breath in the loving arms of her caretaker and lifelong friend, Andre Bauma," it added.
Bauma had looked after Ndakasi since 2007. She was only two when the rangers spotted her lying on her dead mother's body. Too vulnerable to return to the wild, Ndakasi lived with other orphaned mountain gorillas until her death.
Bauma said in the statement, "It was a privilege to support and care for such a loving creature, especially knowing the trauma Ndakasi suffered at a very young age." He further stated that Ndakasi's sweet nature and intelligence helped him relate with the Great Apes and made him understand why humans needed to protect them with all power.
"I am proud to have called Ndakasi my friend. I loved her like a child and her cheerful personality brought a smile to my face every time I interacted with her," added Bauma.
Ndakasi featured in several TV shows and films, including a documentary named "Virunga," but it was her photobomb in 2019 that brought her global fame.