In a heartwarming encounter deep within the Congolese rainforest, a young gorilla named Ndazi chose to show her appreciation to her caretaker, Andre, in the most sincere way possible.
With an affectionate embrace, she found comfort in the arms of the man committed to safeguarding her existence at Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Known for his dedicated service, Andre’s role as a park ranger involves nurturing and protecting endangered animals threatened by habitat loss. Among these animals are mountain gorillas, a species perilously close to extinction.
According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the global population of these majestic creatures hovers around 880, a number that has been slowly increasing, thanks to the efforts of dedicated conservationists.
The Virunga Mountains, a chain of dormant volcanoes bordering Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda, are home to over half of the existing mountain gorillas. This naturally rich location, however, is under potential threat.
Recent reports last month indicated that the Congolese government is contemplating redrawing the boundaries of the Virunga National Park, a site recognized for its unique biodiversity and granted UNESCO World Heritage status.
This move has raised concerns among conservationists, as oil companies express interest in exploiting parts of the park that have already been burdened by civil conflict and poaching.
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