Igikombe is a 10-year-old blackback gorilla who lives within the Hirwa group — and he's one of the reasons CoolApe exists.
In this video shared by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, it's easy to see Igikombe's beautiful eyes, and you get a clear view of his noseprint — the wrinkles above his nostrils. Noseprints are a vital form of gorilla identification used by field and research teams to track individuals across generations.
📸 Olivier Dusenge
Who is a Blackback?
A blackback is a young adult male gorilla, typically between 8 and 12 years old. Igikombe hasn't yet developed the distinctive silver fur of a fully mature silverback, but he's in a fascinating stage of development — curious, strong, and growing into his role within the group. The Hirwa group is one of the habituated gorilla families monitored daily by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda.
Why Individual Gorillas Matter
Mountain gorillas remain critically endangered. Thanks to decades of dedicated conservation work, their population has slowly grown — but every individual like Igikombe is precious. Tracking gorillas by their unique noseprints allows researchers to monitor health, behaviour, and family dynamics over time, building the knowledge needed to protect the species.
The Hirwa Group
The Hirwa group is one of the most well-studied gorilla families in Rwanda, monitored daily by Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund researchers. "Hirwa" means "lucky" in Kinyarwanda — a fitting name for a group that has seen remarkable growth over the years. Igikombe is one of many individuals whose story reminds us why this work matters. By wearing CoolApe, you become part of that story too. Every organic tee or eco hoodie
How CoolApe Supports Gorillas Like Igikombe
At CoolApe, every purchase contributes to great ape conservation. Our organic t-shirts and hoodies and accessories are designed to celebrate gorillas — and to fund the work that keeps them safe.
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