23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Embrace

The forests of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda are home to the endangered Mountain Gorilla. At just 62 square miles, this small but vital sanctuary overlooks farmland and settlements. Despite decades of threats from civil war, poaching, and habitat loss, the remarkable mountain gorilla has shown a slow but steady population increase. This a poignant display of the deep bond between a mother and her child - a touching moment amidst an uncertain future for the species.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2023
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: Rwanda
Copyright: © Sandesh Kadur