Even in the best of times, keeping Virunga’s rangers fully funded is a challenge, but with tourism closed because of the war, it has become nearly impossible. Simply put, we need your help keeping our rangers deployed.
The instability created by the war is posing a huge threat to the park. Periods of conflict are when the rangers’ jobs are most dangerous – and most necessary. At times like these, opportunists abound and poaching, illegal animal trafficking, and habitat destruction become especially difficult to control. Please help us ensure the basic funding for rangers remains in place. Every $16.00 donated will keep a ranger in the field for a day. This includes the cost of training, rations, medical care, and uniforms.
Virunga’s rangers have always been willing to do what we have asked of them, so let’s all give them a hand.
Click on the red donate button at the top right of this blog post.
Here are some photos of our truly exceptional rangers you will be supporting:
“Congohounds” on the scent of elephant poachers.
Ranger Christian Shamavu with a poached baby gorilla he rescued.
Rangers take cover while the rebels and Congolese army battle for Rumangabo in July.
Ranger John led treks in the gorilla sector before tourism closed.
Rangers on patrol in the central sector near an elephant habitat. Charcoal and elephant poachers were found on this patrol.
Ranger Sekibibi, who works in the southern sector, has been shot many times, including a patrol he led that was ambushed last year, killing one ranger.
Semivumbi is one of many rangers who monitors Virunga’s mountain gorillas and keeps the forest clear of snares.
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