A little over a month ago AFP reported that a survey of gorilla populations in Congo found five newborns in one group. The park director, Emmanuel de Merode, had to negotiate directly with rebel leader Laurent Nkunda to survey the population.
Today's Washington Post carries this report by Todd Pitman of the Associated Press.
The bravery and dedication of the Virunga National Park rangers is extraordinary. According to Pitman, the Mai Mai militia are government supporters. He does not suggest a motive for the attack.
Virunga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Today's Washington Post carries this report by Todd Pitman of the Associated Press.
Militiamen attacked a national park station in eastern Congo, killing one ranger and wounding another, park officials said Saturday.
So-called Mai Mai militiamen attacked a group of seven rangers in agovernment-controlled sector in the far north of Virunga National park for several hours Thursday night, the park said in a statement.
The assault took place north of Lake Edward around Mount Tshiaberimu, a region home to a critically endangered population of 18 eastern lowland gorillas.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss," said park director Emmanuel de Merode. "The rangers of Virunga are more determined than ever to protect the gorillas in our care and we will ensure that the law is brought to bear on the perpetrators of this attack."
The bravery and dedication of the Virunga National Park rangers is extraordinary. According to Pitman, the Mai Mai militia are government supporters. He does not suggest a motive for the attack.
Virunga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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