In spite of increased insecurity in the Virunga Park South region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, an area that is home to a portion of the endangered mountain gorilla population, our critical work in other, more stable areas of the Congo continues. The insecurity, which has been occurring to various degrees throughout the year, has now unfortunately left Virunga Park in Congo completely unprotected by rangers and the status of the gorillas there is currently unclear.
Our work elsewhere in Congo includes the Tayna Gorilla Reserve and other community reserves in Congo’s eastern region, as well as our recently initiated construction of the new Gorilla Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Kasugho. The situation in the Virunga area has also not impacted our care for confiscated gorilla infants in Congo.
We remain hopeful for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflicts that affect the area, since the situation remains critical for both humanity and wildlife. Virunga National Park is an important resource and its successful protection will benefit all.
Our ongoing monitoring and protection of the mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park from the Karisoke Research Center continues as normal, with no interruptions.
