Also known as Group 13, the Agashya Gorilla Family is one of the habituated gorilla families witin the Volcanoes National Park. During habituation of this gorilla family, this group had only 13 gorillas and this is where its name was derived from. Today, this magnificent gorilla family is proud to be a home to 25 gorillas. These include one silverback gorilla, twelve adult female gorillas, two sub adult female, three juveniles and seven baby gorillas.
Before, this gorilla family was led by Nyakarima whom Agasha which denotes news, defeated. Agashya really made news by simply viewing and imagining the size and energy of Nyakarima but later being defeated by Agashya. This was surprising news to Nyakarima. Agashya migrated to the volcano to safe guard his family and ensure that Nyakarima never gets them again.
This silverback is historically known for forcefully grabbing gorillas from other families and succeeding the lonely ones into his family and this explains its largest gorilla family which now counts 25. This silverback is also popular for its behavior of migrating to higher altitude with his gorilla members.
Interestingly, whenever tourists visit this group, Agashya becomes suspicious of other silverbacks and the only thing he does is to continue moving on top of the volcano.
Gorilla Trekking
For trekkers who are interested in this gorilla group, they must be prepared to hike on top to view gorilla members of Agashya. It is one of such breathtaking adventures but rewards afterwards with a life time experiences.