I've just come home from Africa, finishing work as a gorilla doctor after a little over 2.5 years.  It was a challenging, exhausting, and exhilrating job.  I'll start blogging regularly here after I get over the jet lag, but for now wanted to post some pictures of several memorable mountain gorilla infants who have been recent patients.  Here they are:

Ntaribi in Bwenge Group.  This infant was born with contracted tendons in his arms and legs.  As you can see, he is extremely agile and playful in the trees.  On the ground, though, he does not move normally.  The only thing the vets can do is monitor him.

Imena in Susa Group. We treated Imena and his mother, Ururabo, last May (2008) for severe respiratory tract illness.  Both recovered fully.  Every once in a while, I think Imena recognizes me!

Mushya in Isabukuru Group.  We treated this infant for severe hair loss.  He was also incredibly itchy.  The source of the problem was intestinal parasites.  Both he and his mother were loaded.  They were treated once with an antiparasitic drug and recovered completely.

We recently removed a rope snare from the infant, Inkumbuza (in the middle), in Shinda-Ugenda group.  I hope he's learned what these traps look like.