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http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081203/sc_afp/ugandawildlifegorilla

Rare gorilla twins born in Uganda

Wed Dec 3, 7:10 am ET

KAMPALA (AFP) – Rare mountain gorilla twins have been born in Uganda's
Bwindi Forest, home to around half the world's population of the
endangered primates, a wildlife official said Wednesday.

The twins were born to a gorilla called Kwintonda early last month,
said Lillian Nsubuga, spokeswoman for the Uganda Wildlife Authority
(UWA).

"It is only the second time in history that we are aware of twins
being born in Uganda," Nsubuga told AFP, adding that the twins were
healthy.

"The fact that they have survived the harsh rains of November means
that they are probably going to be OK."

Mountain gorillas are the cornerstone of Uganda's tourism industry and
Nsubuga predicted the twins' arrival will boost tourist numbers.

"The word hadn't really gotten out, so it was a pleasant surprise for
some tourists. But now that the information is public, we expect that
many tourists will be requesting to see the family."

Bwindi is home to an estimated 340 mountain gorillas, around half the
global population, according to the most recent survey conducted
between 2006 and 2007.

The twins were sired by Safari, a dominant male, who took over the
leadership of his group in April after the death of his predecessor.

Kwitonda is estimated to be between 15 to 20 years old. Female
gorillas begin bearing children at between seven to eight years of age
and continue up to 30.