Jackson Mbeke

Director, DRC, Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education (GRACE)

“My favourite animal is the gorilla, because they are intelligent and strong. I like their social life and the way they organize their group with an alpha female and a dominant silverback who leads and protects the group.

They have a strong discipline within the group that means they are well-organized. Every day, they build a nest for resting or sleeping, and while the adults rest, the youngsters play, just like children.

They have emotions, too. They can feel happy or unhappy. So many of their behaviors makes me feel they are so much like us, and, of course, we share 98 per cent of the same DNA.”

Photo by Grace Gorilla Group