I’m ready for my close ape! Orphaned gorillas pose for selfies with their carer in the Democratic Republic of Congo
- Pictures were taken in Virunga national park in Rumangabo, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Patrick Sadiki Karabaranga, 39, is the guardian of the orphaned gorillas and takes selfies with them every day
- The guardian has been caring for orphaned gorillas for more than a decade and said they are like his children
Advertisement
It’s well-known that humans and gorillas are closely related.
And these pictures appear to prove that, much like modern humans, apes enjoy posing for a selfie.
The snaps were taken by Patrick Sadiki Karabaranga, 39, who is the guardian of orphaned gorillas in Virunga national park in Rumangabo, Democratic Republic of Congo.
The kind-hearted warden has been looking after the animals for more than a decade and said he cares for them as if they are his children.
Among the hilarious photos illustrating his close bond, one cheeky gorilla is seen striking a serious pose as it stares into Mr Karabaranga’s camera while sitting closely alongside him.
In another, a younger gorilla clutches a tennis ball as it enjoys a piggy-back ride with Mr Karabaranga.
A third gorilla doesn’t appear to mind being caught picking its nose as its friend appears to pose with its thumb in the air.
Mr Karabaranga said: ‘I think it’s the curiosity to see themselves on the phone that entices them to take selfies with me.
‘I do a lot of my work with orphan gorillas, they are like my human children.’
Amazing pictures taken of orphaned gorillas in Virunga national park in Rumangabo, Democrtic Republic of Congo by their guardian Patrick Sadiki Karabaranga, 39, appear to show that the apes enjoy posing for selfies just as much as humans do
The kind-hearted warden has been looking after the animals for more than a decade and said he cares for them as if they are his children. Pictured: Aa younger gorilla clutches a tennis ball as it enjoys a piggy-back ride with Mr Karabaranga
Mr Karabaranga has been caring for orphaned gorillas for more than a decade. Pictured: One gorilla appears to give a half-smile as it squats on a log behind its carer
One gorilla doesn’t appear to mind being caught picking its nose as it sits alongside Mr Karabaranga
Another appears to pose with its thumb in the air as it chews on a reed next to its kind-hearted guardian
Sad face: This gorilla (leftt) looked less than happy as Mr Karabaranga took a picture of the two of them on his phone. The incredible shots show the gorillas’ close relationship with Mr Karabaranga
Standing tall: This gorilla stood up straight and rested its hand on Mr Karabaranga’s shoulder
The gorillas are extremely comfortable in their guardian’s company – as proved by a snap of one taking the chance to sniff Mr Karabaranga’s ear
Happy to be included: These two gorillas looked at ease as they sat behind Mr Karabaranga while he took a picture
Mr Karabaranga looks at ease with the gorillas which he cares for every day. Left: One appears over his shoulder as another looks on while he poses in a face mask
Curious: This gorilla stares intensely at Mr Karabaranga’s smartphone he takes a selfie of the pair of them
The animals look as though they enjoy appearing in numerous pictures. Right: This gorilla posed with its arms folded
Having a cuddle: Mr Karabaranga demonstrates his close bond with each of the gorillas as one wraps its arms around him. Another (right) stares up happily at its guardian’s smartphone as he takes yet another picture
Mr Karabaranga said: ‘I think it’s the curiosity to see themselves on the phone that entices them to take selfies with me