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22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Always Watching

In the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of Uganda, we trekked in to spend time with the Rushegura Group, a family of 17 mountain gorillas. With 17 in the family there was lots going on in all directions. The Silverback's role is to mediate conflict within the group and protect the family for danger. During our encounter, the dominant Silverback named Kabukojo, quietly maneuvered through the forest. He spent most of his time deep in forest and seldom made eye contact, but he was "always watching". This moment, the young gorillas were playing in front of me. They were too close to photograph so I was scanning the rest of the group. I captured Kabukojo watching intently through the leaves. Truly a magical moment.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 12.2023
Date Uploaded: 12.2024
Photo Location: Bwindi National Forest, Uganda
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Copyright: © Jo-Anne Oucharek