The gorilla being comforted (Picture: Phil Moore/Getty Images)

When you need a hug, you need a hug.

And this heartbreaking picture shows that’s as true for primates as it is for the rest of us.

It shows a park ranger comforting a mountain gorilla whose mother had been killed by poachers.

MORE: Flower girl makes sure dad doesn’t embarrass her at wedding with sassy speech


MORE: Woman who sold everything to go looking for love has a new man

Ranger Patrick Karabaranga showed compassion for the poor animal and puts his arm around it.

It was taken in the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where deforestation has resulted in severe habitat loss for animals.