Gorilla who became famous for taking selfies dies in the arms of her caretaker

A mountain gorilla who gained fame on social media for her selfies has sadly died at the age of 14.

Ndakasi was an orphaned ape who hit headlines back in 2019 for her cheeky photobomb in a selfie. But in a statement from the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, it has been revealed that the 14-year-old gorilla has passed away in the arms of her caretaker.

The beloved creature died on September 26, with the park writing in a statement on Tuesday: "It is with heartfelt sadness that Virunga announces the death of beloved orphaned mountain gorilla, Ndakasi, who had been under the care of the Park's Senkwekwe Center for more than a decade."

Ndakasi died following a battle with a "prolonged illness", per the statement, which caused her to "rapidly deteriorate". "Ndakasi took her final breath in the loving arms of her caretaker and lifelong friend, Andre Bauma," the statement added.

The heartbreaking image shows Bauma comforting Ndakasi in her final moments.

As reported by CNN, Ndakasi became a global sensation after human-like power stance delighted animal lovers all over the world back in 2019. In a remarkable "photobomb", Ndakasi can be seen leaning toward the camera as she stands next to another gorilla named Ndeze.

The park ranger who captured the selfie, Mathieu Shamavu, captioned the post: "Another day at the office..."

In a statement obtained by CNN, caretaker Bauma said of Ndakasi passing: "I am proud to have called Ndakasi my friend. I loved her like a child and her cheerful personality brought a smile to my face every time I interacted with her. She will be missed by all of us at Virunga but we are forever grateful for the richness Ndakasi brought to our lives during her time at Senkwekwe."

The Senkekwe Center is located inside the Virunga National Park, and is recognized as the only facility on the planet to care for orphaned mountain gorillas.

In his statement, Bauma said how it was a "a privilege to support and care for such a loving creature", especially given her traumatic start in life.

Per CNN, Ndakasi was born back in 2007, at a time when mountain gorillas were critically endangered.

Her mother was reportedly shot and killed by armed militia.

The park revealed in a statement that over the course of Ndakasi's 14 years on Earth, her species numbers have grown by 47%. There is now an estimated 1,063 mountain gorillas left on the planet.

Our thoughts are with Ndakasi's caretakers and supporters at this time.

Featured image credit: Boaz Rottem / Alamy