There are many different ways modern society does wrong for this planet, including harming animals who can’t protect themselves from our powerful weapons and cruel minds. Even though there are many people around the world who dedicate their lives to save those who are unable to do so themselves, there still is a long road ahead in battling illegal ways people are killing our planet.
But sometimes, no matter how many bad things are happening in this world, there are still people that can restore our faith in humanity, and the rangers at Virunga National Park are some of those people.
More info: virunga.org | Facebook | Instagram
Recently, ranger Mathieu Shamavu shared an adorable picture that quickly went viral
Image credits: Ranger Mathieu Shamavu, Virunga National Park
The now-viral photo shows one of the park rangers posing together with two gorillas who live in the National Park, safe from poachers or any armed conflicts that may affect their wellbeing. Virunga National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site that is protected by a dedicated team of more than 600 rangers. In the past, this place was deeply impacted by wars and armed conflicts that not only disturb the lives of humans but wild animals as well. Gorillas are also poached for many reasons such as food, traditional medicine, and the black market bushmeat trade. Rangers are fighting to protect these poor animals, and their incredible bond is clearly visible in the photos.
Image credits: Virunga National Park
All of the rangers must undergo intense training since their incredibly dangerous job aims to protect the park’s endangered species. Please consider donating to the park since every single donation has a huge impact. According to Virunga national park, a single donation of $8 allows them to buy a pair of new boots for the ranger, $32 funds a ranger, and their family for an entire day and $150 allows the park to feed an orphan gorilla food and supplements for two weeks.
Having this incredibly dangerous and difficult job is also rewarding since animals show their complete trust for the Rangers, which is clearly seen in the photos.
Image credits: Virunga National Park
Virunga national park is one of the world’s most biodiverse protected areas in the world and is home to 218 mammals, 706 bird, 109 reptiles, 78 amphibia, and 22 primate species. Around one-third of the world’s population of critically endangered mountain gorillas live in the park. Rangers fight every day to keep the area safe; in total, 179 rangers have lost their lives while protecting these animals.
Image credits: Virunga National Park
“There is a bond that ties us together. A relationship that is very, very close between the guardians and the gorillas,” says Andre Bauma, the manager of the Senkwekwe Centre. Founded in 1925 to defend its rich biodiversity, the region has the presence of the last 880 mountain gorillas. In 1979, it was classified as World Heritage by UNESCO.
Last year, images of another ranger spending time with an orphan gorilla went viral
Image credits: Virunga National Park
The rangers were captured comforting a gorilla that was incredibly sad after becoming an orphan. Just like many others, his parents were the victims of gorilla poaching that many rangers fight against.
Image credits: Virunga National Park
If you wish, you can show your support by donating to the park and helping the animals, as well as those who dedicate their lives to save the wildlife.
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Share on FacebookThese rangers are rare angels for dedicating themselves to protecting these magnificent, yet vulnerable, animals. Obviously the gorillas know that too, and return the love and tenderness the rangers give them.
And also risking their lives (" Rangers fight every day in order to keep the area safe, in total, 179 rangers have lost their lives while protecting these animals.")
Load More Replies...WOW! These guys are amazing, but I would still be scared to be so close to a gorilla.
So sad the gorilla grieving from those dam poachers. How heart breaking. Why do these poachers have no hearts? Money is not so important in life.
Donation complete. Please people, give something, even if it's just $10. Skip 2 Starbucks drinks or one hamburger. So worth it. 179 people have died. That's mind blowing. These guys are legit, actual heroes. That first photo is f*****g hilarious! Those gorillas are just chillin like drinking buddies with beer bellies. I'd say something like "Which ones are the Rangers again?" but SJW's would insert malice where there is none. Wait, f**k that. Equality means equal, and I'm not going to delete the joke based on race. That would be treating people differently because of race. I think there's a word for that....
If you haven't yet you need to watch the documentary 'Viruga'. The rangers they showed on this documentary are just the most amazing examples of humanity I have ever seen. When people talk about princes they must be talking about Viruga park rangers. They are such courageous and dedicated individuals. The work they do with the orphaned gorillas is heartbreaking.
Thank you for bringing Virunga to our attention—I will check it out!
Load More Replies...these Dude and Gorilla look like they drop some mixtape.. Cool!
How could anyone want to murder these creatures.... Humans are disgusting.
How many selfies did they have to take before the gorilla found one that didn’t “make me look so fat, and make my nose look ginormous...and I totally see bugs in hair.”
Good on them for the amazing work. Frankly all primates scare the --- out of me. (Especially human ones).
How does one become a ranger? I have no issue with saving primate lives and murdering those that poach.
Okay ... the title should read "Gorillas Posing with Rangers Taking Selfies" I didn't see a single "gorilla" selfie.
I just cannot understand the compulsion to kill an animal that can't even be eaten. Why? Does it make you feel dominant? Just stop it.
I am extremely impressed with these rangers, They do risk their lives to help all they can, I read below how many have died, if they had families how will they manage, they do need donations, I hope this post will see big dollars going to them, bless all rangers !!!
all my respect for this wonderful rangers who protect this beautiful gorillas , and fight again the poacher.
What beautiful people- both the humans and the People of the Forest. How wonderful that beings so far apart can also be so close in emotion. Strength and power to these rangers doing so much to help and in such danger
We do share 98% of our genes with gorillas and orang utans. And 99% with chimps and bonobos. They are all our close relatives.
Load More Replies...These rangers are rare angels for dedicating themselves to protecting these magnificent, yet vulnerable, animals. Obviously the gorillas know that too, and return the love and tenderness the rangers give them.
And also risking their lives (" Rangers fight every day in order to keep the area safe, in total, 179 rangers have lost their lives while protecting these animals.")
Load More Replies...WOW! These guys are amazing, but I would still be scared to be so close to a gorilla.
So sad the gorilla grieving from those dam poachers. How heart breaking. Why do these poachers have no hearts? Money is not so important in life.
Donation complete. Please people, give something, even if it's just $10. Skip 2 Starbucks drinks or one hamburger. So worth it. 179 people have died. That's mind blowing. These guys are legit, actual heroes. That first photo is f*****g hilarious! Those gorillas are just chillin like drinking buddies with beer bellies. I'd say something like "Which ones are the Rangers again?" but SJW's would insert malice where there is none. Wait, f**k that. Equality means equal, and I'm not going to delete the joke based on race. That would be treating people differently because of race. I think there's a word for that....
If you haven't yet you need to watch the documentary 'Viruga'. The rangers they showed on this documentary are just the most amazing examples of humanity I have ever seen. When people talk about princes they must be talking about Viruga park rangers. They are such courageous and dedicated individuals. The work they do with the orphaned gorillas is heartbreaking.
Thank you for bringing Virunga to our attention—I will check it out!
Load More Replies...these Dude and Gorilla look like they drop some mixtape.. Cool!
How could anyone want to murder these creatures.... Humans are disgusting.
How many selfies did they have to take before the gorilla found one that didn’t “make me look so fat, and make my nose look ginormous...and I totally see bugs in hair.”
Good on them for the amazing work. Frankly all primates scare the --- out of me. (Especially human ones).
How does one become a ranger? I have no issue with saving primate lives and murdering those that poach.
Okay ... the title should read "Gorillas Posing with Rangers Taking Selfies" I didn't see a single "gorilla" selfie.
I just cannot understand the compulsion to kill an animal that can't even be eaten. Why? Does it make you feel dominant? Just stop it.
I am extremely impressed with these rangers, They do risk their lives to help all they can, I read below how many have died, if they had families how will they manage, they do need donations, I hope this post will see big dollars going to them, bless all rangers !!!
all my respect for this wonderful rangers who protect this beautiful gorillas , and fight again the poacher.
What beautiful people- both the humans and the People of the Forest. How wonderful that beings so far apart can also be so close in emotion. Strength and power to these rangers doing so much to help and in such danger
We do share 98% of our genes with gorillas and orang utans. And 99% with chimps and bonobos. They are all our close relatives.
Load More Replies...
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