I’m the king of the clingers...

THE loving bond is clear as an orphaned gorilla hugs its keeper.

Matabishi and females Ndakasi and Ndeze were thrilled to get a visit from friend Andre Bauma, who has raised them for 10 years.

The trio were rescued after rebel forces killed their parents and live at the Senkwekwe Centre in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Snapper James Gifford, 41, was stunned to see the powerful apes’ soft side. He said: “The relationship between the gorillas and Andre is remarkable.”

UP FUR CUDDLE Andre gets a welcome hug as he visits PLAYFUL One of the apes has piggyback ride TOUCHING Andre is led by hand as they go for stroll