Encounter with the Gorilla

We pass the spot where the gorillas were seen yesterday. The tension builds. Suddenly, Ashrem stops me. “Look, Ronald, there’s a gorilla in the tree.” I leave my bag, walking stick, and other belongings with Ashrem. With only my camera, I follow Godfried closer to the gorillas. Just a few steps later, I see the silverback gorilla sitting in the bushes in front of me. All the effort is instantly forgotten at this incredible moment. The silverback is the dominant male and leader of the group. When he stands on his hind legs, I see over 200 kilos of muscle just five meters away. What an extraordinary experience. A baby climbs down from a tree. All around me, trees are moving. It’s amazing that these animals tolerate us in their habitat.