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Protecting the Mountain Gorillas of Virunga
Remembering 8th October 2008, Our Darkest Moment
8th October 2008
On this day, three years ago, we faced our darkest moment. The CNDP rebels stepped up their attack on the government forces and our park station, here at Rumangabo, was on the frontline between loyalist and rebel armies. We were violently attacked and there followed a period of incredible suffering for our rangers and their families. This video was put together by Pierre Peron, a colleague and friend who lived through these difficult times with us. The video relives that terrible day. We would like to remember our history and those who fell so that we could continue our work.
I’d love to hear from any of you who have followed our work since October 2008. It has been quite a journey, and many of you have accompanied us along the way.
This video is in English and French with no subtitles, and includes some interviews with Eddy, the cameraman, and Balemba, who describes on camera what is happening that day.
This may take some time...
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7 Responses to “Remembering 8th October 2008, Our Darkest Moment”
It actually feels like that took place longer than just three years ago. I think almost everyone thought Virunga National Park was finished because it had been through two wars and now the Kivu War was being fought right at the park headquarters. I think your leadership during the crisis was outstanding because whenever I read or saw a media report about this crisis you were so calm and uncompromising in the message that the rangers must return to the park and that the rebels had to exit the park. Now three years later a luxury lodge is about the open, chimp trekking will start soon, and hundreds of visitors each month visit the gorillas and Nyirangongo. No one could have imagined this from the perspective of October 2008. Especially a luxury lodge!
That’s right, it feels like a hundred years ago, and it somehow feels easier to look to the future rather than the past.
I remember watching the news here in the U.K and noticing that the troubles were taking place in a national park of which I had never heard. As I often travel to stay in national parks my interest was raised and I searched on line for Virunga. The video footage included here was my introduction to the park. It still chills me to see this.
I have followed the progress of the park constantly since this time (making occasional contributions when I can afford it) and have been hugely impressed by the work going on there. I really hope to be able to visit one day. To all at Virunga national Park, keep up the great work.
Thankyou Phil. We have the same reaction when we watch that video. It sends a chill down my back… I hope you are able to visit one day. Thanks for the support
I never forget the day in September 2007 when I started reading a Finnish newspaper and saw the picture of lifeless Senkwekwe being carried from the forest.. I spent the rest of that day searching for information on the mountain gorillas and found the Virunga mountain gorilla blog at Wildlifedirect. That’s when my journey with the mountain gorillas, Virunga NP and the people working to protect this awesome ecosystem started. Have supported the protect ever since. I hope to be able to fulfill my dream and visit Virunga one day.
Thank you for guarding Virunga NP and it’s amazing wildlife.
Hello Pirjo. Yes, we have been expecting you to arrive! It’s been really good getting your regular comments on wildlifedirect, and then on gorilla.cd. I think that knowing that we are part of a bigger community supporting Virunga, stretching as far as… Finland… has played a big part in our effort to relaunch the park. It has been a constant source of encouragement.
Yes, I remember that this stage of the conflict is what brought me to this blog. How far Virunga has come indeed.
My first inquiry into the park was during the refugee crisis , then the niyragongo eruption, and I have followed events in the area ever since.
Thank you and the entire ICCN staff for all of your persistent and hard work throughout the years!