If you search Google for “killings of mountain gorillas” or “mountain gorillas executed” you’ll find more than 50 news stories from around the world about the recent atrocity in Virunga National Park.
The CNN story includes photos of all four dead gorillas – the silverback Rugendo, who led the family; and the females Safari, Neeza and Mburanumwe. It is hard to look at the pictures, but we should look at them – I feel we owe it to these magnificent animals who are caught in a dispute between humans.
The story includes a quote that claims UNESCO will send a mission to the site as soon as possible “to provide support to those fighting to preserve the integrity of Virunga National Park.” I hope this is true because the rangers are stretched thin and need lots of reinforcements to stop these jackasses from killing more gorillas.
Paulin gave a few details in his blog post today about his plans to step up coverage in the area where the Rugendo family members were killed. They need our help to create a special “Gorilla Protection Unit” of 50 rangers for long-term patrols and protection.
Please donate whatever you can to help the rangers save this rare, endangered species. Write to your Congressional members and ask that the U.S. send aid or support UNESCO’s efforts. I’ve also written to the U.S. Embassy in Kinsasha: USEmbassyKinshasa@state.gov
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Filed under: endangered species, Mountain gorillas, Virunga National Park Rangers
