12'' Handmade Bowl Featuring Historic Gorilla Maggie's Nose Print

Just like human fingerprints, mountain gorilla noses are distinct. While all individuals in every gorilla subspecies may have unique nose prints, they are the most distinct in mountain gorillas. In fact, mountain gorilla nose prints are one of the best ways for humans to learn and identify individuals in the field. Even Dian Fossey used this identification method and drew nose prints for the gorillas she watched.

Each bowl is handcrafted in Rwanda by local artisans through our partnership with Azizi Life. Originally only offered at our new campus in Rwanda, you can now purchase these bowls online for a limited time!

• Our hand woven bowls are crafted from natural sisal fibers threaded over a core of locally-gathered forest grasses.
• Each bowl features the nose print of one our historic gorillas.
• Available Gorilla Nose Prints: Digit, Poppy, Pasika, Macibiri, Titus, Maggie
• Dimensions:    12’’
• Care: Wipe with a dry cloth.

Get yours today!

Maggie

Female mountain gorilla “Maggie” was born on June 15, 1980, in Group 5, which was one of the gorilla groups first studied by Dian Fossey.  She is most known for taking on a leadership role when the dominant silverback of her group, Bwenge, died. 

Maggie was the top-ranking female and the right-hand cohort of dominant silverback Bwenge. Bwenge was the only adult male of the group when he died, and so the remnants of the group were left without a strong leader. But Maggie took on this role. She was 34 at the time, an age that for a wild gorilla is close to the estimated life expectancy of 35. Despite her old age, she demonstrated an incredible strength. Maggie’s special role gained her a lot of respect from the gorillas in her group, and  Fossey Fund staff have always viewed her as a special gorilla as well!

Want to know which gorilla you are? Check out our gorilla personality quiz to find out!