gorilla.cd
Protecting the Mountain Gorillas of Virunga
Virunga under Attack
Over the past month we have suffered a growing number of very serious poaching incidents across the central savannas of the park. These killings have affected the elephant population (which has declined by 90% in the past twenty years) the buffaloes, and more recently lions, which are critically endangered in eastern Africa. We have had 5 elephant killings in the last four days.
A lionness killed and eaten by soldiers a few months ago
Unfortunately, we now have unquestionable proof that it is elements in the Congolese army who are largely responsible for these killings. There are eight battalions (over 5000 soldiers) stationed in and around the park, and our rangers, who number just over 500, cannot effectively protect all the wildlife all of the time.
We need much more effective surveillance to keep the national park safe, and deploy our rangers quickly and effectively when there are poachers looking for elephants. For that we desperately need an aircraft. We’ve found the perfect aircraft for our needs, which is a Cessna 182 built in 1959. It’s old but in perfect condition, and as it has high wings, it offers excellent visibility below. It also has an extended and strengthened undercarriage for the rough airstrips that we have to use.
We have support from the European Union for running costs for the next two years but we need to buy the aircraft for US$75,000. We’ve managed to raise just under $25,000, so need to raise a further $50,000 as soon as we can.
The aircraft that we need to buy for anti-poaching
All our fund raising efforts will be focused on this, and we’d be enormously grateful for any thoughts from you on how we can reach this critically important target.
Leave a Reply
-
RECENT DONATIONS
-
21 May 2013Protecting Park Area 75
Katy A 25 $ - 21 May 2013Open donation
Unregistered Donor 25 $ - 21 May 2013Open donation
Unregistered Donor 25 $ -
20 May 2013Protecting Park Area 76
Kevin 25 $ - 20 May 2013 Multiple items
Unregistered Donor 40 $ - 20 May 2013 Guarding a Gorilla
Unregistered Donor 10 $ - 20 May 2013Monthly Support
Unregistered Donor 35 $ -
20 May 2013Protecting Park Area 169
25 $ -
20 May 2013Open donation
Tatjana D 10 $ - 20 May 2013 Multiple items
Unregistered Donor 40 $ - 20 May 2013Protecting Park Area 216
Unregistered Donor 25 $ - 20 May 2013Open donation
Unregistered Donor 25 $ -
20 May 2013Supporting Jomba School
Eugene Martin F 30 $ - 20 May 2013Supporting Gatovu School
Eugene Martin F 30 $ - 20 May 2013Supporting Bikenge School
Eugene Martin F 35 $ - 19 May 2013Open donation
100 $ -
19 May 2013Protecting Park Area 117
Anna L 25 $ -
19 May 2013Protecting Park Area 39
Bill W 25 $ - 19 May 201320 x Virunga's Surveillance Aircraft
Unregistered Donor 20 $ - 19 May 2013OPEN DONATIONS
Unregistered Donor 50 $ - 18 May 2013Open donation
Unregistered Donor 20 $ - 18 May 2013Widows and Rangers Fund
Unregistered Donor 30 $ - 18 May 20132 x Gorilla and Wildlife Protection
Unregistered Donor 40 $ - 18 May 2013Open donation
Unregistered Donor 25 $ -
18 May 2013Protecting Park Area 133
Janice T 25 $ - 18 May 2013Protecting Park Area 131
Unregistered Donor 25 $ - 18 May 2013Support Andre and the Gorilla Orphans
Unregistered Donor 10 $ - 18 May 2013 Multiple items
Unregistered Donor 20 $ -
17 May 2013Protecting Park Area 218
Thierry 25 $ - 17 May 2013Monthly Support
Unregistered Donor 15 $ -
17 May 2013Widows and Rangers Fund
stefanie r 30 $ - 17 May 2013Open donation
Unregistered Donor 40 $ - 17 May 2013Open donation
Unregistered Donor 50 $ - 16 May 2013 Guarding a Gorilla
stefanie r 10 $ - 16 May 2013Open donation
Unregistered Donor 10 $ - 16 May 2013Open donation
Unregistered Donor 10 $ - 16 May 2013 Multiple items
Selina S 200 $ - 15 May 2013 Guarding a Gorilla
Unregistered Donor 10 $ -
15 May 2013 Multiple items
Bob V 50 $ -
15 May 20133 x Widows and Rangers Fund
Marlene Z 45 $ - 15 May 2013Open donation
Unregistered Donor 10 $ - 15 May 2013Protecting Park Area 215
Bob V 25 $ - 15 May 2013Protecting Park Area 137
Unregistered Donor 25 $ - 15 May 2013Open donation
Unregistered Donor 25 $ - 15 May 2013Open donation
Eugene Martin F 100 $ -
15 May 2013Open donation
Lisa T 10 $ - 15 May 2013Open donation
Unregistered Donor 25 $ - 15 May 2013Open donation
Brenton 10 $ - 15 May 2013Open donation
Unregistered Donor 10 $ - 15 May 2013Open donation
Unregistered Donor 15 $
-
-
-
News from Congo- M23 rebels clash with Congo army for a 2nd day in the country's east - Washington Post
- Democratic Republic of Congo Army Fights Rebels for Second Day - Bloomberg
- DR Congo waits on funding for world's largest hydropower project - The Guardian
- World Forest Body Ends Danzer Contracts on ex-Congo Unit Abuses - Bloomberg
- M23 rebels attack DR Congo army as UN force deploys - BBC News
- Congo Central Bank Governor Seen Extending Bank Services - Bloomberg
- Wall Street reform rule said to increase violence in Congo - The Hill (blog)
- Paul Kagame denies Rwanda proxies in DR Congo - BBC News
- Fighting breaks out in DR Congo - Sydney Morning Herald
- DR Congo: UN voices concern as fighting resumes between Government and ... - UN News Centre
This website was funded by the European Union and the Prince Bernard Nature Fund.
35 Responses to “Virunga under Attack”
Will spread the word to get as many donations as possible. This will be an effective addition to the anti poaching program. I hope the funds will come in quickly. Thank you for your efforts in stopping poaching and protecting the animals. It’s a huge job and I am sure sometimes you all feel helpless at times but every animal saved is a victory.
I am so sorry to read this news. I have no resources at this moment but will chip in something and keep my mind open to other funding options. Oh! I’ll ask my friend who works with the eco tourist trade in Aftrica - she may have an idea. Am sending best thoughts and prayers that the money comes your way tout de suite
Theresa, Suzanne, thanks so much for the support and encouragement. It is vital to our chances of saving the park and its wildlife
This is devastating news. The elephants and hippos are so extremely important. I am afraid the elephant and hippo populations of Virunga are nearing the point where natural recovery may be unlikely. My God 5 elephants killed in less than a week!!! This is severely urgent. I hope someone somewhere will be extemely generous to Virungas elephants, lions, and hippos. I read on the African Parks Network website that Garamba park is trying to get a plane too and that they are even having trouble getting their funding contract signed by the EU.
I think that the United Nations would possibly help purchase this plane. There was just a report in the paper from them about the gorillas possible demise in the next fifteen years. Also, what about consulting with various armed forces that may have old planes to donate.
When the hell are you nimrods going to stop this “If we just had this much more money we could do this and that rhetoric.”God damn you people are dumb.The soldiers would shoot that piece of crap plane right out of the sky.Don’t you get it? its a war between people who want to preserve our diversity and those who don’t.I have said it before and I’ll say it again you have to start killing the fools who slaughter innocent creatures.No other response has been effective and all your efforts as you can see are just pissing in the wind FOR DECADES now.Your losing the battle big time and gorillas are vanishing so when will you wake up?Blow the scum away.
I thought educating the villages was going to save the animals
then it was ecotourism but a little thing called global recession put an end to that.Wasn’t it Einstein who said the definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over and expecting a different result.Time to start a wildlife crusade against those who wish to see elephants and gorillas and tigers wiped off the earth.If you are not willing to get tough get the hell out of the way.
Thank you Bruce, for your words of wisdom
Dear Bruce
the largest military camps still exist, some of them are based in ICCN stations and pose major obstacle. but you have to know that the military poaching is not a government army organization, it a little one evidence of indiscipline among the troops. there is no war between Government army and ICCN Rangers. no one can shoot the aircraft.
Virunga National Park covers on are of 784,368 hectares,it extend about 300Km North to South. Overages 23 Km East to West. Virunga has 1150 Km of long boundary and the high point in the park is Margherita peak at 5119 meters above sea level. To control all of the park and establish Virunga National Park authority. Rangers must be in high level position. This will be possible if they get best equipment,in particular: an Air craft, cars, and………………
Bruce, are you anywhere near Virunga? If you are, share with us what are you doing to help save the innocent creatures you mention. Are you proposing to ‘get tough’ and ‘blow away scum’ yourself? If you are not, but are sitting safely at your desk thousands of miles away, why don’t you get the hell out of the way of this blog and the people who are doing important and dangerous work?
Rangers, Emmanuel and all teams: you’re doing a fantastic job.
Lots of us cannot do much more than spread the word and I won’t hesitate. It would all have been much worse without you and I’m sure it will pay in the end.
I think I’ll put my trust (and financial support) with the Virunga Rangers. They are DOING the work that needs to be done, not just ranting in a comment section about it. Bruce - please seek anger management help. I think you could be much more effective if you could calm down a little.
I’m tired of Bruce’s continual troll responses here.
Feel free to put my regular monthly donation towards this plane, as little amount as it is.
hi all. As of 28th March all donations made here will go toward the campaign to raise money for a plane. Most of Virunga is totally unaccessable by road - we need this as an early warning/monitoring system to stay one step ahead of the poachers. Thanks.
My understanding, though I am no expert, is that as in Tanzania it is Chinese demand for ivory that is boosting poaching. A very sad and infuriating situation. I will make a feeble finanical contribution but what we need is real political will somewhere….
I have been a supporter of Gorilla.CD for a few years now. I just read about the increase in poaching; the role of the military in this (whether it is endorsed or if they are “undisciplined offshoots” is irrelevant - they are military), and the campaign to raise money for the Cessna to provide surveillance for anti-poaching. My question is - what happens (what is the process?) when poachers are spotted from the plane? What also happens if the poachers are military? If the roads are so inaccessable, how are rangers deployed speedily to prevent it? Do they face off with the military or militia? I guess I am questioning the value of the plane vs allocating the funds elsewhere. I don’t mean to de-rail this effort, but would like some guidance on what the total plan is before committing $$ to it.
I don’t think we need comments like Bruce’s on this sight, I think you should put a block on his comments.
We all the know the rangers do the best they can with the resources they have and with more money would do even more. Hopefully the poaching will slow down with the recent CITES ruling not to sell anymore stockpiles, but this may not be soon enough. The increased losses are devasting.
Thi is heart breaking news but this plane really could make the difference needed. I am unable to donate but will spread the word for this very important cause.
This is terrible news, but I’m glad we are being informed and it is being reported.
Bruce, I’m not so opposed to your idea actually, but unfortunately, only in theory. It will not fair well all over the world if “people” start killing other “people” no matter HOW disgusting they are and inferior to the animals they kill, the majority of the humans on earth, “feel” bad about this, but would never sacrifice the stinkin’ scum who kill the majestic animals. You know how many people I fight with about how we should leave the Japanese alone for slaughtering whales and dolphins because for them it’s the same as killing cows or pigs…though it is NOT the same, at all!!
Anyway…what you say Bruce, comes from the place we all feel, but as Iris says (though she could have expressed it a little calmer), it’s not realistic and could create a huge problem in the end.
Now….IF people were to put their lives on the line and literally stop them by getting the way of the line of fire….and people started getting killed for the sake of protecting the animals, by people…well, then…..that’s another story……
a war between people….is necessary…….
what can I say? It’s a theory …. extreme maybe, but….honestly, at this time in my life, I just can’t do more than protest and send money….
I don’t like saying this but I HATE those murderers so much and I wish them a painful death…soon!
I’m a monthly supporter, but I just made an extra donation for the aircraft. I deeply admire the rangers, who are true heroes in my eyes.
Fundraising ideas:
Right now people all over the world are celebrating Earth Day and other such events to raise awareness of the environment. Email information about your efforts and needs to every organization you can find that is celebrating the environment, and ask them to share your information or make an announcement to their members.
In addition, send this information to all current supporters and ask them to forward it to organizations, churches, schools, and any other groups they know that are concerned about animals and/or the environment.
Selina, you questions are very important. I’ll put my responses together as a post tomorrow
Brazil should watch this!!!
I am truly horrified by these latest turn of events - the Congolese army appear to be no better then the other criminal groups raping and plundering the Congo’s natural resources - I will send at least $100 to you good people by the end of the week - keep up the good fight!!
again, sad news……not sure if any of this will ever end….the world is going downhill really fast as we all know…so many people have the not my problem attitude and take, take, take…..breaks my heart to see the animals suffering!
Bruce i just read your comments and i share your anger at the situation and what these scumbags are doing to the wildlife and indeed people of the Congo. This is a war we are fighting - a war that involves stopping the greed and ignorance of mankind from wiping out species like tigers, apes rhinos etc. in the coming decades as well as most of their habitats and the countless other species that depend on these biomes. But we most use our heads to get the best results. Probably the biggest threat worldwide to all wildlife is continued human populations growth and the spread of rampant materialism - it is not practical or morally defensible to adopt a “shoot to kill” policy in every situation where threatened wildlife are being illegally killed. Though in certain circumstances such as when dealing with heavily armed criminal gangs who are behind much of the recent upsurge in poaching of elephant and rhino and who appear to have no qualms killing park rangers etc. who get in their way, lethal force is indeed justified.Aside from that issue in many cases it is out of financial desperation and/or grinding covert that people engage in these activities. Much of these problems are linked to the grossly unequal and perverse way our society and world order is structured with a continued concentration of the worlds wealth in the hands of a few while billions have to get by on little or nothing which leads to unsustainable exploitation of wildlife resources,poor accsess to health, lack of education, and high birth rates etc.
Unfortunately most governments both in rich and poor countries appear to be mere puppets for wealth multinationals, big business in general and the top wealth elite in society in particular. This is obvious when you see the Trillions being spent on stuff like propping up dodgy banks, corporate balance sheets and massive defence budgets - a fraction of that money would go along way to dealing with the issues i outlined above but its up to the general public in every democratic country to call a halt to the current destructive path of slash and burn crony capitalism and slavish adherence to an unsustainable crude materialistic economic model that neither values or protects what sustains all life on this plant.
Apologies for some of the spelling mistakes in my above piece notably where the word “covert” should be “poverty” and “plant” should be “poverty”
Sorry my last line meant to say “planet” instead of “plant” - the hazards of too many night shifts I’ afraid!!
Wow, this is so shocking and sad. I don’t have much I can give right now, but I’ll give what I can and try to spread the word. The best of luck to you all.
I have to admit that I somewhat agree with Bruce. I’m not quite sure whether he is trolling this site, or whether he is just an angry individual who has had enough with humans exploiting this planet. The way things are going in this world is just making more and more people angry and feeling totally helpless. I also have to admit that I respect Sir Richard Leakey and what he did in order to save African elephant back in the 80’s. He did implement procedures, which to many people may have seemed very harsh, but that was the only way to stop the horrific slaughter of elephants. I have worked in conservation field for many years and am also an active volunteer in the field. There have been times when I have really needed to concentrate in order to manage the anger I feel when having to witness quite horrible things. Jimmy from Ireland wrote a very good comment on the reasons behind present day global environmental issues. I have been to Africa couple of times and I’m happy to say that not everything I saw was all “doom and gloom”, but there are genuine people who are doing their best to save the environment and it’s biodiversity.There are lots of African people who love the nature and it’s animals and have dedicated their lives to saving them. Congo’s history is filled with death,exploitation and suffering both for humans and animals/nature and I truly feel for the country. However, I fully trust Emmanuel and his team to work their way around the, at times, massive problems and have supported their work since 2007. Things have to be solved on a long term and that needs courage and perseverance and those qualities the gorilla protection team definitely has!
I wil be sending money soon. That picture of the soldiers carrying a dead lion and SMILING made me cry. There is no excuse for anyone not to help, including the bad economic times. I don’t have much money,either, but I’ve given before, I will now, and I will in the future. We cannot depend on governments or other bureaucracies to do this for us and we cannot wait, in any event. These animals are endangered; humans are not.
I don’t know if this helps, but I think this will require international pressure. Monitoring and watching is good, but far better to have it stopped entirely. Would a campaign around the world for people to demand their elected governments work hard to help you? Perhaps even in a few countries that might somehow exert some kind of pressure on the government of DRC might be helpful to you. I recall reading that one of the UK civil servants said there was one event that upset just about everyone on the planet years ago, yet the government, the UK government failed to take any action because ‘apparently the phones weren’t ringing off the hook by angry voters’. At that time Brits didn’t phone MPs because we expect them to have brains (often mistakenly, I know)! But now we have websites like TheyWorkForYou, that are being used by a lot of people and seem to be keeping our MPs on their toes. They thought they had a hard job before, but now they have to work for their money!
We’re beginning our election just now so I’ll be raising this with the candidates in my constituency. I’ll email my current MP tonight when I get home.
For anyone interested the latest issue of the NEW YORKER has a terrific article on a couple who took a hard line against poachers and how they were basicallly told to go away because their tactics were too harsh for the government.Oh the irony.Until someone steps outside of the governments of Africa and does what we all know has to be done to save biodiversity from two legged animals who don’t care there will be little to show for all the blood sweat and tears all the good people have shed.If we can always remember that this is a war of goodness for animals lives we will be O.K.You cannot play by the governments rules because there game is rigged against you.
Worth reading twice…
Right on the right track, danke….
seo…
[...]Virunga Under Attack | gorilla.cd[...]…