May 08 2008
Gatovu Post to Reopen
This is Diddy. As you know, most of the Mikeno Sector (where the gorillas are) has been out of bounds for us for the last 8 months. Before the rebels took over, we had 5 Patrol Posts in Mikeno: Jomba, Bikenge, Bukima, Gatovu and Kibumba. Kibumba is the only one we have had access to.
Well today I have good news: this morning we sent a team from our anti-poaching unit to the Gatovu Patrol Post with the help of the Congolese Army (FARDC). We had heard that the rebels were no longer controlling Gatovu, so we wanted to check it out.
The Reconnaissance Team
The Patrol Post
We were pleased to discover that the Patrol Post building has not been destroyed by the rebels, although we did find that a large area of trees around it had been cut down for charcoal.
We also found a FARDC position nearby- they told us that they would collaborate with us in re-establishing our presence in Gatovu. We hope to send a team of Rangers next week to stay there permanently. This is a fantastic development: re-opening Gatovu is an important first step on our way back to seeing the gorillas once again. Hopefully the Jomba, Bikenge, and Bukima Patrol Posts will follow, although we know that the rebels are still very much present in those areas.
I’ll let you know how things go next week.
Daily news from the conservation frontline by Innocent and Diddy, and other Congolese rangers risking their lives to save mountain gorillas of the Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
That’s one more post than you had available. Woo hoo! Very exciting news. I’m impressed that the FARDC is helping you re-establish the post. Maybe they’ll actually run the rebels out of the other parts of the sector - eventually.
Thanks for sharing this information and the pictures, Diddy. Is that Innocent I see? Who are the other rangers?
s.
Fantastic news!!! You must be so happy…hopefully this is the first in a long line of positive events…and good for FARDC too…same question as Sheryl too about the rangers.
GREAT NEWS! I hope all goes well and that you will be soon installed at the Gatovu Post and able to see the gorillas again. I’m looking forward to more news next week. Good luck. Iris
Very encouraging, for us to hear this. Doubly hopeful to hear of FARDC’s offer of assistence!
This is wonderful news Diddy. Things are looking up. I hope you get to see healthy and safe gorillas again. Keep safe yourself. You and the other rangers are in my thoughts and prayers.
Great news Diddy…..still praying everyday that all gorillas are ok…it really is about time for you guys to be able to get back to your gorillas!
It is a great news! I decided to donate monthly but sorry for small amount. I believe that this money will help your work.
Sorry for my imcomplete English.
Wonderful news. It’s a great developement that Congolese Army is helping you re-open the post. I can’t wait to heard that you rangers are again at 5 Patrol Posts in Mikeno seeing our beloved gorillas. Thanks and good luck.
Hi Sheryl; Innocent is actually far from here in the North of Virunga learning protections laws. May be he’ll be back today. The ranger you see was in the advanced team to prepare the arrival of the antipoaching team in the OutPost.
Hope to see gorilla soon.
Diddy
Diddy, Very exciting news. It’s a relief to see there is a building still standing and things don’t look to so bad! This is one great step forward for you guys and all of your hard work. One down, three to go. Good luck as you all make progress in regaining the rest of the patrol posts. Yes, hopefully you’ll see the gorillas soon. That will be a wonderful day! Lisa
I hope you see one soon. too! Congratulations on the wonderful news and thanks for sharing it with us, Diddy. I pray you will be able to return to the other posts soon.
~Robin
Encouraging news!
Yeah..Whoopie this is such goooood news is it not…OH but I hopw our beloved Gorillys are faring well..
Big Gorilly Hugs
such great news…please stay safe. hopefully we’ll finally get some encouraging info on the gorillas.
You and all of the rangers are so brave. Thank you! I hope too that you see the gorillas soon! Stay safe, you are in my thoughts and prayers constantly.