Keeto's Journey

‘Keeto’s Journey’ is set in the mountain rainforests of Central Africa and is an adventure that follows the lives of a group of mountain gorillas. The central character is Keeto, a young juvenile, who has been jealous since the birth of his sister as he feels his mother no longer has time for him. He is also at the mercy of a couple of other juveniles who take pleasure in picking on Keeto. Fortunately, his elder brother, who Keeto worships, keeps a watchful eye out for him.

One day a gang of poachers attacks the group and Keeto becomes separated from the other gorillas during the fracas. He is unable to find his family group and faces a desperate struggle for survival on his own. Keeto becomes despondent, he is desperately lonely as he is used to being part of a family.

However, a chance meeting marks an unusual friendship with a porcupine called Abu, who encourages Keeto to look for his family and agrees to accompany him on his travels. The story follows their journey through the rainforest where they are faced by many hidden dangers, including a ferocious attack by a leopard, an encounter with a hungry crocodile and the destruction of their habitat with near disastrous consequences.

Keeto’s character grows in strength as the journey progresses. Initially, he wants to give up without a fight but somehow, despite many setbacks, Keeto finds the strength and determination to fulfil the task he has set out to do. Through his adventures he forms a lifelong friendship with Abu and begins to appreciate those whom he has left behind.

The story also addresses some of the wider issues associated with the survival of the mountain gorillas including eco-tourism, habitat loss and the threats from poaching.