Météo lost his hand in a poacher's snare in 2012 due to the rampant bushmeat trade in central Africa but over the last decade has overcome his disfigurement and is leading his own life.

The young gorilla was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and since losing his hand has developed and adapted to his circumstances with increasing skill with his remaining hand and right foot.

Météo is now a young silverback and at this stage in life he has to decide whether to challenge his father or leave home as a lone silverback.

Lone silverbacks interact with established groups to attract females and begin a group of their own.

Ironically, Météo's father acquired some of his females from Mugaruka, a one-handed silverback, so time will tell to see if history repeats itself.

Young apes face many dangers - including snares set by poachers to catch antelope for the bushmeat trade.
In 2009, infant Météo lost his left hand in a poacher's snare. This video from 2012 shows how well he coped - notice his dextrous use of his right hand, sometimes using his right foot to hold a branch while plucking leaves. He is a member of Chimanuka's Group in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, DR Congo, and is accepted completely in the group - gorillas could teach us a thing or two about relating to people adapting to loss of a limb or other such injuries. Latest news in 2020 is that Météo is now a young silverback and at this stage in life he has to decide whether to challenge his father or leave home as a lone silverback: "should I stay or should I go?"
Lone silverbacks interact with established groups to attract females and begin a group of their own. Ironically, Météo's father acquired some of his females from Mugaruka, a one-handed silverback, so we shall see if history repeats itself...