Damian Aspinall is a conservationist and animal lover who has saved numerous zoo-bred animals from captivity. His mission is to rehabilitate these animals and bring them back to their natural habitat.
Almost 5 years ago he saved a baby gorilla from a zoo and raised him in his sanctuary. Naming him Kwibi, the two formed a special bond and even had their way of communicating.
Damian’s end goal was to release Kwibi back into the wild where he belongs. Although it was a heartbreaking moment to let go of his friend Kwibi, Damian knew it was the right thing to do.
However, 5 years later Damian wanted to go and visit his old friend. This was a tricky mission because no one could guarantee that Kwibi would recognize him.
Wild gorillas are known to be territorial and aggressive, to protect their families and themselves. Damian knew the risk he was taking with this trip, putting his own life in danger.
Despite all this, he was sure that his old friend would remember him. Damian embarked on the journey to find Kwibi in the jungle.
While he was on the boat with his team, Damian started calling out Kwibi’s name hoping he would recognize his voice. After hours of searching, the team was about to return to their camp, when a large dark figure appeared behind the trees.
Kwibi heard Damian’s voice and he came all the way down to the river, curious about the newcomers. The team had a backup plan in case Kwibi started acting aggressively.
They planned to distract him with food, so Damian could run back to the safety of the boat. However, no one was prepared for what was about to happen.
Once Damian stepped outside the boat and slowly approached Kwibi, the giant gorilla came down and gently touched him with his head.
Damian immediately started communicating with him the same way they used to do when Kwibi was a baby. The gentle giant recognized the signs and he started letting out soft growls, or as Damian used to refer to them ‘love gurgle’.
The team couldn’t believe that after all these years in the wilderness, Kwibi recognized the man who saved and raised him. The now wild gorilla kept hugging his old friend, as if they were never separated.
He even introduced Damian to his entire family, his three wives, and their baby gorillas. This meant that Kwibi trusted Damian even after 5 years of being apart!
Damian stayed with Kwibi until sundown, filled with joy and love. However, once they packed up the boat ready to return to the camp, something truly amazing happened.
Kwibi started following the boat down the river, almost as if he was saying his last goodbyes to his human friend. With tearful eyes, Damian waved at Kwibi hoping the gentle giant never forgets him!
This story reminds us that when we treat animals with kindness and respect, they never forget. Kwibi’s bond with Damian is a testament to the lasting impact of compassion on even the wildest of creatures.