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Protecting the Mountain Gorillas of Virunga
Author Archive
Senkwekwe Appeal: Half Way There!
September 11th, 2009 by Pierre
I am very pleased to say that we have already raised more than $11,000 towards the Senkwekwe Appeal for Patrol Rations. A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS DONATED!
We still need another $11,199 in order to reach our target and pay for enough rations for all the Rangers in the Southern Sector of Virunga National Park to go on anti-poaching patrols for 1 year.
A team of Rangers carrying rations on their way to the Gorilla Sector Read the full story »
Thank You and Au Revoir!
September 9th, 2009 by Pierre
It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that I am leaving my post here at Virunga National Park. This is my last week before I go home and I am spending it in what I think is one of the most beautiful places in the world, Bukima.
I would like to thank you all for your support on this blog, both moral and financial. I would also like to pay tribute to the courage and dedication of the Rangers who risk their lives to protect the unique wildlife of Virunga.
With my colleagues, the Rangers of Bukima
New Gorilla Tourism Maps
September 8th, 2009 by Pierre
We have just received some really nice new tourism maps from Bruno at WWF:
This map shows the Mikeno Sector (also known as the Gorilla Sector) with the altitudes of each of the volcanoes and the patrol posts from which gorilla treks start.
(To see these maps in high resolution, please click here)
Kabirizi Gorillas Have Close Call With Snares
September 7th, 2009 by Pierre
Yesterday I accompanied the Rangers tracking the Kabirizi group. We got to the point where they had been seen the day before and started following their tracks. After about 30 minutes we found a snare on the path the gorillas took. It looked like it had been placed there not more than a couple weeks ago.
Ranger Toto uses his machete to cut down the snare. You can see how these snares work in this video. Read the full story »
8 Hippos and 6 Elephants Killed in August
September 4th, 2009 by Pierre
We have received a report from our colleagues at IDPE detailing an alarming rise in poaching by FARDC government soldiers in the central sector of the park (see map). In the month of August alone soldiers killed 8 hippos and 6 elephants, as well as the female lion recently shot in Rwindi.
One of the killed elephants- its tusks had been removed and trunk cut off.
Kadogo Fully Recovered From Injuries
September 3rd, 2009 by Pierre
This morning I went to see the Munyaga group to check up on Kadogo who was injured in a fight with Mawazo .
We found the group in Area 369, which at the moment is not taken- please sponsor it now to ensure that it is free of snares and other threats to mountain gorillas.
I was able to get a good look at him- the wound on his bald head has healed nicely.
Soldiers Kill Lion
September 2nd, 2009 by Pierre
Bad news have just arrived from the Rwindi Station in the central sector of the park (see map). Rangers at the station heard gunshots nearby and went to investigate. Only 3 kilometers away along the road they found a dead lion.
It was an adult female with a gunshot to the chest.
Silverback Face-Off Caught on Camera
August 31st, 2009 by Pierre
The Rangers have filmed another so-called “interaction” between the silverbacks Humba and Kabirizi. In the video you can see the two gorilla families mixed together (almost 50 mountain gorillas in total) watching the silverbacks strutting their stuff and charging at each other.
The most heated moment comes when Humba spots a young male from the other group on the wrong side of the line- as Humba heads towards him Kabirizi comes charging in to the rescue backed by his blackback side-kicks.
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Patrol Done: 66 Less Snares in the Forest
August 28th, 2009 by Pierre
Augustin Kambale and his LAB (Lutte Anti Braconnage) team of anti-poaching Rangers came out of the forest after a 5 day long patrol in the Gorilla Sector of Virunga National Park. They swept an area deep in the park where day patrols don’t regularly go because of the distance and difficult conditions.
It’s a good thing they went, since they removed a major threat: Rangers destroyed 66 snares placed to catch antelope and buffalo, but also deadly to mountain gorillas.
Kakule the Posing Gorilla
August 24th, 2009 by Pierre
On Saturday I went to see the Munyaga group and was treated to a show by the confident infant gorilla Kakule.
The little female gorilla was fooling around and generally posing for the camera
Senkwekwe Appeal: Half Way There!
September 11th, 2009 by PierreI am very pleased to say that we have already raised more than $11,000 towards the Senkwekwe Appeal for Patrol Rations. A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS DONATED!
We still need another $11,199 in order to reach our target and pay for enough rations for all the Rangers in the Southern Sector of Virunga National Park to go on anti-poaching patrols for 1 year.
A team of Rangers carrying rations on their way to the Gorilla Sector Read the full story »
Thank You and Au Revoir!
September 9th, 2009 by PierreIt is with a heavy heart that I inform you that I am leaving my post here at Virunga National Park. This is my last week before I go home and I am spending it in what I think is one of the most beautiful places in the world, Bukima.
I would like to thank you all for your support on this blog, both moral and financial. I would also like to pay tribute to the courage and dedication of the Rangers who risk their lives to protect the unique wildlife of Virunga.
With my colleagues, the Rangers of Bukima
New Gorilla Tourism Maps
September 8th, 2009 by PierreWe have just received some really nice new tourism maps from Bruno at WWF:
This map shows the Mikeno Sector (also known as the Gorilla Sector) with the altitudes of each of the volcanoes and the patrol posts from which gorilla treks start.
(To see these maps in high resolution, please click here)
Kabirizi Gorillas Have Close Call With Snares
September 7th, 2009 by PierreYesterday I accompanied the Rangers tracking the Kabirizi group. We got to the point where they had been seen the day before and started following their tracks. After about 30 minutes we found a snare on the path the gorillas took. It looked like it had been placed there not more than a couple weeks ago.
Ranger Toto uses his machete to cut down the snare. You can see how these snares work in this video. Read the full story »
8 Hippos and 6 Elephants Killed in August
September 4th, 2009 by PierreWe have received a report from our colleagues at IDPE detailing an alarming rise in poaching by FARDC government soldiers in the central sector of the park (see map). In the month of August alone soldiers killed 8 hippos and 6 elephants, as well as the female lion recently shot in Rwindi.
One of the killed elephants- its tusks had been removed and trunk cut off.
Kadogo Fully Recovered From Injuries
September 3rd, 2009 by PierreThis morning I went to see the Munyaga group to check up on Kadogo who was injured in a fight with Mawazo .
We found the group in Area 369, which at the moment is not taken- please sponsor it now to ensure that it is free of snares and other threats to mountain gorillas.
I was able to get a good look at him- the wound on his bald head has healed nicely.
Soldiers Kill Lion
September 2nd, 2009 by PierreBad news have just arrived from the Rwindi Station in the central sector of the park (see map). Rangers at the station heard gunshots nearby and went to investigate. Only 3 kilometers away along the road they found a dead lion.
It was an adult female with a gunshot to the chest.
Silverback Face-Off Caught on Camera
August 31st, 2009 by PierreThe Rangers have filmed another so-called “interaction” between the silverbacks Humba and Kabirizi. In the video you can see the two gorilla families mixed together (almost 50 mountain gorillas in total) watching the silverbacks strutting their stuff and charging at each other.
The most heated moment comes when Humba spots a young male from the other group on the wrong side of the line- as Humba heads towards him Kabirizi comes charging in to the rescue backed by his blackback side-kicks.
This may take some time...
Patrol Done: 66 Less Snares in the Forest
August 28th, 2009 by PierreAugustin Kambale and his LAB (Lutte Anti Braconnage) team of anti-poaching Rangers came out of the forest after a 5 day long patrol in the Gorilla Sector of Virunga National Park. They swept an area deep in the park where day patrols don’t regularly go because of the distance and difficult conditions.
It’s a good thing they went, since they removed a major threat: Rangers destroyed 66 snares placed to catch antelope and buffalo, but also deadly to mountain gorillas.
Kakule the Posing Gorilla
August 24th, 2009 by PierreOn Saturday I went to see the Munyaga group and was treated to a show by the confident infant gorilla Kakule.
The little female gorilla was fooling around and generally posing for the camera
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RECENT DONATIONS
- 16 May 2012Monthly Support
Unregistered Donor 50 $ - 16 May 2012Support Andre and the Gorilla Orphans
Unregistered Donor 10 $ - 16 May 2012Ranger Boots
Unregistered Donor 8 $ - 16 May 20122 x Ranger Boots
Unregistered Donor 16 $ - 16 May 20123 x Ranger Boots
Unregistered Donor 24 $ - 16 May 2012Support for Orphan Mountain Gorillas
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Unregistered Donor 8 $ - 16 May 20125 x Ranger Boots
Unregistered Donor 40 $ - 16 May 20122 x Ranger Boots
Unregistered Donor 16 $ -
16 May 20125 x Ranger Boots
Laura S 40 $ -
16 May 2012Ranger Boots
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Unregistered Donor 8 $ - 16 May 20124 x Ranger Boots
Unregistered Donor 32 $ - 16 May 20122 x Ranger Boots
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Unregistered Donor 40 $ - 16 May 2012 Multiple items
Unregistered Donor 70 $ - 16 May 2012Ranger Boots
Unregistered Donor 8 $ - 16 May 20125 x Ranger Boots
Unregistered Donor 40 $ - 16 May 20122 x Ranger Boots
Unregistered Donor 16 $ - 16 May 2012Ranger Boots
Unregistered Donor 8 $ - 16 May 20123 x Ranger Boots
Unregistered Donor 24 $ - 16 May 2012Open donation
Pete W 1.000 $ -
15 May 2012Protecting Park Area 215
Bob V 25 $ -
15 May 20123 x Support for Ranger Widows
Marlene Z 45 $ - 15 May 2012 Multiple items
Bob V 50 $ - 15 May 2012Support the Gorilla Orphans
Unregistered Donor 10 $ - 15 May 20122 x Widows and Rangers Fund
Unregistered Donor 60 $ - 15 May 2012Open donation
Unregistered Donor 100 $ - 15 May 2012Protecting Park Area 137
Unregistered Donor 25 $ -
15 May 2012Support the Gorilla Orphans
Lisa T 10 $ - 15 May 2012Widows Emergency Fund
Unregistered Donor 20 $ - 15 May 2012Open donation
Unregistered Donor 25 $ - 15 May 20122 x Widows Emergency Fund
Unregistered Donor 40 $ - 15 May 2012Widows Emergency Fund
Unregistered Donor 20 $ - 14 May 2012Widows Emergency Fund
Unregistered Donor 20 $ - 14 May 2012Monthly Support
Unregistered Donor 25 $ -
14 May 2012Support Andre and the Gorilla Orphans
Lou W 25 $ - 14 May 2012Open donation
Lou W 25 $ -
14 May 2012Open donation
Michael A 100 $ - 14 May 2012Protecting Park Area 43
Unregistered Donor 25 $ - 14 May 2012Open donation
Unregistered Donor 30 $ - 14 May 2012Bloodhound Dogs: Monthly Care
Unregistered Donor 40 $ -
14 May 2012Protecting Park Area 42
Robert W 25 $ - 14 May 2012Protecting Park Area 69
Unregistered Donor 25 $ -
14 May 2012Support for Ranger Widows
Gary S 30 $ - 14 May 2012Widows Emergency Fund
Unregistered Donor 20 $ - 14 May 2012Monthly Support
Unregistered Donor 25 $ -
14 May 2012Widows Emergency Fund
Joseph M 20 $ - 14 May 20122 x Widows Emergency Fund
Unregistered Donor 40 $ - 14 May 2012Widows Emergency Fund
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News from Congo- Report: Congo mutineer forces 149 more boys, young men to fight - Los Angeles Times
- Vodacom May Lose Congo Shares as Court Orders June Sale - BusinessWeek
- Prosecutor: Congo suspects are guilty as charged - Fox News
- Group: Congo general recruiting children again - STLtoday.com
- ICC Prosecutors Say Congo Leaders Guilty of Village Massacre - AllAfrica.com
- Falconets off to Congo DR - Nigerian Tribune
- Congo Police Investigate Former PM for Corruption - Voice of America
- Congo: Peacekeepers Wounded - New York Times
- NEWSMAKER-Goodlace a calm hand for Implats tiller - Reuters
- 'Screaming Eagle' Soldiers oversee demining in Democratic Republic of the Congo - United States Army (press release)
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