This blog was written by Dr. Jan. 

The injured female twin.On Monday, October 3, a report came from Susa group trackers that one of the twins of Rumuvu had been killed in an interaction, and that Garuka Kaneza, the 4 year old son of Rumuvu was carrying the dead infant.   On 4 October, when we had completed the intervention on Ginseng, Elisabeth from RDB got a call that the infant was not dead, but had a serious wound on the shoulder.  The intervention team re-organized, and moved to Susa, arriving at the group around 3pm.  

The group was located at Bikwi place. Rumuvu had both twins and the injured twin (female) was able to cling without support.  Trackers reported that she had nursed twice that afternoon.  It was impossible to get a close look because Kurira, the chief silverback, was extremely vigilant, and would not allow us to approach, seriously charging once.  However Keiko, the RDB videographer, had been able to capture an image of the wound earlier in the day.  The wound is roughly 5cm long over the left shoulder blade, with exposed muscle.   Because the infant had been seen nursing, and was clinging well, we backed off and I returned to the group the next morning for reassessment.   The rest of the group was calm and not interested in our presence.

Mother and twins.On 5 October we found the group still at Bikwi place.  It was a beautiful, sunny morning, and the group was eating, resting and playing.  Kurira had no concerns about our group as we were there at the normal time of day.  Rumuvu had both twins, and the injured infant was bright, alert and responsive, and seen nursing.  She was clinging well.  The wound on her back was clean and dry. The deep laceration over the left scapula of the female twin that today is clean and dry. The infant is strong, using the right arm and hand normally.  She is also taking milk normally. 

Kurira relaxes.The male twin was very active, even getting off Rumuvu for short periods of time.  The female twin was still clearly frightened, and did not move around much, but was strong.   Sugira, another adult female, had a small wound on the top of her right hand.  All others in the group were calm and healthy in appearance.

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