A couple of years ago I was fortunate enough to be able to venture to Rwanda to see the endangered Mountain Gorillas. There are only approximately 800 Mountain Gorillas left in the wild, and they all live on the slopes of a volcano that straddles the three countries of Rwanda, Congo and Uganda.
Each day only 10 visitors are allowed with each of the 8 family groups of the mountain gorillas. The trek can be arduous and often take as long as a 5 hour hike each way. Civil unrest in two of the countries typically limits travel there, so Rwanda is the safest of the countries. The gorillas roam free on the slopes of the mountain but are constantly watched by game wardens and trackers.
Time with the gorillas is strictly limited to one hour and ideally visitors are supposed to stay 7 meters away from the gorillas. This is to protect them because they are susceptible to the same diseases that we are.
On one of my two visits, my guide set me down intending to take my photo in front of a large female She had other ideas and came over to join in for the photo. We think that she was mimicking the same behaviors that we have shown them. When taking a photo with friends, we often put our arms on our friend's shoulders. While there is certainly a surprised look on my face, she was being gentle and friendly.
Who knows if this event had any bearing on the choice of name for our pressure washing company. However, I thought you might enjoy seeing my pictures of the very endangered Mountain Gorillas."
-John Cloud
