Jul 01 2008
Gorilla Murders Documentary: Your Reviews Please!
As most of you know, the long-awaited National Geographic documentary “Gorilla Murders” is on TV tonight at 10 PM.
Over here we won’t be able to watch it, so we are very interested in hearing all about it. Please send us your reviews and comments!
R.I.P. Senkweke
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
I saw the end of a preview segment on Mountain Gorillas on CNN last night. They covered a person who is being charged with a crime—perhaps it was Mountain Gorilla murders last year. The photography and writing was stunning. I thought they were refering to a documentary on CNN tonight called something like “Earth in Peril” or “world in Peril”I look forward to seeing the documentary tonight.
Seems fair to me that we refer to the killing of an animal “murder”. Sure wish we didn’t have to have a name for it.
Alex and Mark S: The man charged with making charcoal illegally and masterminding the murders of the Rugendo family last July is Honore Mashagiro. CNN is preparing the second part of their “Planet in Peril” series titled “Planet in Peril: Battlelines” that will deal with human overpopulation. It’s slated to air this fall. Here’s Anderson’s blog post about who murdered the gorillas: http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/06/30/andersons-view-who-murdered-the-mountain-gorillas/
And here is my review of “Explorer: The Gorilla Murders” which I saw last Thursday evening. I posted in Baraza and y’all may have missed it:
I got back from the screening at NatGeo about 50 minutes ago. It was awesome! The special is moving and heartbreaking. I wonder if I’ll ever see the murdered Rugendo family without crying? It’s so well done that I’m sure everyone will be impressed and emotional. The part about Laurent Nkunda is madness. That man is beyond ego mania, he’s a raving loony. I’m sure he thinks all his posturing and posing make him look like a great guy, but he made himself look like a complete madman and big, fat liar.
Honore Mashagiro is plain creepy. CREEPY. I hope they lock him up and throw away the key.
And we get to see Paulin and hear him speak and learn what really happened to him after his arrest last summer. Unreal. He will always be one of my heroes.
At the very end, we see new footage of Ndeze and Ndakasi. They’ve really grown and they’re just gorgeous and their keepers are awesome. Take a close look at the gorilla being tucked into bed at the end of that sequence …
It’s a really honest report about the evil behind the murders and the charcoal mafia’s involvement. We have a lot of work to do in Congo.
After the screening there was a question and answer period with Brent Stirton, Emmanuel, and Godefroid. There were some good questions about alternative fuel sources and conflict resolution and everyone gave excellent answers. The theater was packed and there were people standing near the back. I was almost one of them because DC traffic and NatGeo’s invisible parking garage were giving me fits.
Then I bolted for the stage because I saw Dr. Lucy and then I met Emmanuel and Godefroid. THAT WAS TOO COOL, kids. Dr. Lucy and I chatted for a bit about her book - http://www.drlucyspelman.com/the-rhino-with-glue-on-shoes - and her plans for a new one and it was nice to really talk to her this time. She’s quite awesome. Emmanuel and Godefroid are very sweet and made me feel like we’ve all known each other for a while. It was a real pleasure to meet everyone, including chatting again with Lisa from the DC office (whom I met when Paula was in DC earlier).
DO NOT MISS the NatGeo special on July 1 at 10 p.m. EDT in the U.S. I hope it’s online at some point for everyone else to see.
It was REALLY COOL to meet Dr. Lucy, Emmanuel and Godefroid tonight. Just wonderful.
During the panel discussion, Brent Stirton made a really good point. Rwandan President Paul Kagame has a very good relationship with Laurent Nkunda. I don’t think it’s any secret that Rwanda supports Nkunda. Brent pointed out that the U.S. government has very good relations with Rwanda and that pressure from the U.S. on President Kagame to end his relationship with Nkunda could be very effective.
So, I think we should all contact our Congressional leaders and urge them to put such pressure on the Rwandan government. If Nkunda has no funding then he’ll lose his army and his influence. We can help make that happen. Don’t write just one letter, contact your Congressional members often so that we can get this lunatic out of the gorilla sector.
s.
I don’t get Nat’l Geo t.v., but I look forward to hearing people’s reviews. I’m sure the show will be very informative and sad at the same time.
Wow Sheryl…….you are so lucky! I am jealous………
yes I will post my reviews….most definitely! I know I will also tear up seeing the beautiful, strapping Senkweke….in the condition he was found after he was executed………..thanks for all you guys do!
I wish I could watch it tonight but unfortunately National Geographic Canada is not airing it. It sometimes takes a while for some programs to be shown in Canada. I’m looking forward to seeing it though.
I have 30 minutes until it airs here in California. I’m watching my clock and will let you all know what I think. Lisa
Oh, I also got my issue of National Geographic in the mail today. Great cover. It gives me the chills. I can’t wait to go through it, even though I’ve read it online already. That issue is not getting stuffed on the bookshelf. It’s going up on my desk next the the painting of Senkwekwe that Robin did for the Art Helping Mountain Gorilla auction. Can you tell us who the gorilla on the cover is? Gorgeous, magnificent gorillas! Lisa
How sad, Francis! unfortunately National Geographic Brasil is not airing the documentary on gorilla murders neither. Well, some day will be… I hope… R.I.P. Senkwekwe, Vumilia and others beautiful, harmless gorillas, dead because of the human greed.
Let’s not talk about the gorillas….let’s DO something right now. Actions, not words. They need our help. Gas is expensive right now….gorillas are priceless. Do whatever you can.
How sad this is for people to kill the gorillas for theis selfish ambition. Just to see the pictures where so heartfelted. I was just so out rage just to see what people will do for their own selfish greed.
What a powerful & heartbreaking story! Very informative. It was wonderful to see the Rangers that I have read so much about. They are so brave, compassionate, and honorable. I have such respect for them. Paulin is standing up for justice, and I’m afraid, risking his life in doing so. Thanks to all the rangers for doing such a selfless job. You are amazing individuals! I can’t go without saying that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Please stay safe!
As I watched the beginning of the show, I was reminded of how I came across the Wildlife Direct site……last July 2007 I noticed the horrific murder of Senkweke and his family in an online Newsweek article and was appalled/angered that man could do this to these innocent animals………..now I am hooked on checking in daily (if possible) to read updates on these precious creatures and other animals that WD is attempting to save! Some stories have been hopeful and happy and many have been hard to read……but I do believe the everyone involved in this mission to help Africa’s wildlife and people are very passionate about their cause……I wish the world would do more to help…….
I thought the show on NGC was right on………it showed how the gorillas and the people of the DRC are just trying to survive….they are not concerned about who is texting them on their cell phone or if they will go buy a Latte at Starbucks! Dang it they are just trying to get by……..the gorillas are caught in the middle of Nkunda’s mess……..it was scary how close his men were to the gorillas…..one even approached a soldier and grabbed his collar with its mouth! These poor babies cannot distinguish a good from a bad person! Nkunda is trying to make the world believe he is not there to hurt the gorillas…but I felt it was all a show…his men were almost laughing at the gorillas instead of showing respect and leaving them alone! I am scared for the people of this area and the animals………….this show was definitely an eye opener and I wish the rest of the world would wake up and try to help! I think what was even more frightening was that 6 crooked rangers and a warden (who are supposed to protect the gorillas) were accused of this horrible crime all for selfish greed!!!!!!!!! I do hope this message touched the homes of many people in the U.S. who are able to watch! Thanks to the dedicated men and women who are truly doing all they can to keep the gorillas on this planet!
Also …I do worry for Paulin and Augustin…………I cannot even imagine how many people caught up in the charcoal trade ring have them on their hit list……please do all you can to protect them and ensure their safety and that of the rangers who are truly dedicated to this cause! Thanks
It is a very moving film. I recall when the information first came out last year and was very impressed that my gorilla siblings were recognized and honored in twisted irony by the use of “murder” to describe their deaths. It is important to recognize our interconnection and real relationships with the non-human world.
It is also very important to see the underlying motives for the stress placed on the park, the animals (human and non-human), and those involved in holding on. The economics that cause poverty are deeply rooted in the fate of our gorilla siblings. If there is not relief for the humans then there cannot not possibly be relief for the non-human animals.
The gorillas’ fate is our fate and vice versa. Until there is a profound understanding of our connectedness then we are doomed — all of us — gorilla and human. We, in developed countries, particularly the US, cannot simply point fingers at the “evil” charcoal traders and think that if we can rid the region of them all will be well. Our own consumption and use of Earth as resource is connected to what is happening in Africa and elsewhere. Why are those folks’ only energy source limited to wood products? What recourse do they have? If we do not provide a solution that incorporates the poor, the desperate how can we ever think that we can help the gorilla.
I highly recommend a book by a Brazilian theologian, Leonardo Boff, Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor. In it he focuses on the rain forests of S. America and the connections between the killing of people and the destruction of the jungle. We must see life and Earth in whole pictures and not slices.
The microcosmic view of this documentary, opens a poignant window into a complex problem. While we can and should donate time and money to the Rangers and the gorillas, we must see the larger picture and our responsibility and place in it and find ways to help the humans in the region live decent lives and in ways that will lower their pressure on the park. This is not easy but is required.
What an amazing story. Thank you to National Geographic for exposing to the world the current struggle for these gorilla’s. I applaud the rangers who risk their lives each day to protect these endangered animals and I feel compelled to help.
Are my postings being put up?
That was just a test. I wrote a whole big review, but it won’t post for some reason. It says I’ve already posted it, but it’s not there. What’s up with that? Lisa
This is an example of what I was saying.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/06/080627-tribe-attack.html
I read National Geographic’s cover story on the Gorilla murders and watched the documentary on TV tonight. Both stories were well done. I really appreciated the way the show gave much do respect to the rangers who are putting their lives at risk to fight for the national park and the gorillas. The gorillas are victims in a world where they are just trying to live, and the documentary portrayed this beautifully. I was happy to see that Senkweke and his family were given the proper condolences they deserve -and I was able to smile at the end of the show when they showed the one surviving young gorilla being cared for. What an amazing little bundle of life!
After reading the article, I was compelled to tell people I know about the horrifying situation in the Virunga national park. Sadly, most people respond by saying “That’s too sad, I don’t like reading those kind of things (or watching).” This is what frustrates me most - people want change, but assume it will happen without their support. I think it is important that we talk about what is happening so that more people can reach out to provide support.
Thank you National Geographic for covering this story and more importantly, Thank you RANGERS for bravely protecting these wonderful and deserving animals and sharing your story! Be safe and God Bless.
This documentary was very enlightening and I am so glad I saw it. It opened my eyes to the rest of the world and I think everyone should be able to watch this. My support goes out to the Rangers for all of their hard work and I hope they can keep it up because I saw their hearts being poured into their work. They truely care about these animals and their environment.
what a heartbreaking and moving documentary.. i will recommend it to everyone I know and urge people to make donations to the organizations that are trying to stop these terrible acts.
Why has mankind stooped to such a low level? What has made us disregard the very creatures that we share our planet with?
i urge you: make donations, help the rangers out and lets stop more tragedies and killings from occurring
Rest In Peace Senkwekwe and every other gorilla that never deserved any of it. I pray for all the innocent gorilla’s for the future.
Very well done. I was disappointed to hear the prediction that the gorillas have only about 10 years at this rate of deforestation. I thought it was more like 20. I’m involved now with a project in South Kivu (www.workingvillages.org) with the hope that it will eventually be able to transfer to North Kivu region in the long run. I believe that this innovative project can bring poverty relief to the area and reduce the need of the people to rely on the forest for their livelihood. It also includes a reforestation component. I only hope it develops fast enough to benefit the gorillas. 10 years…
Well, it reduced a group of 20 College students and many people I told to watch the documentary, into a crying mess, I’ll tell you that much. We made sure to use recycled paper tissues.
I hope it educates and mobilizes more people into joining the conservation efforts you are so bravely carrying on over there. You guys are heroes to me and my friends and after tonight, hopefully, to many more people.
Lisa, do you have more than one link in your post? If so, it’ll be held for moderation. It’s a spambot measure because the spambots put a bazillion URLs in a post. I forget about this rule all the time, as I’m sure Emmanuel and Paula are painfully aware.
Brad Stocker: Excellent points. Hope to see you posting here in the future.
s.
I have followed this since it happened and Sheryl you are so lucky - I envy and admire you for your dedication to this blog and website and your work at posting and writing on the internet for all these guys - I too think I will cry every time I see those wonderful creatures carried down that mountain on those stretchers made by the rangers and locals - but what I can’t get out of my head is that they had to see SOMEONE THEY KNEW murder them in cold blood on a day they just planned to eat and relax in their very own forest - BETRAYED BY THEIR VERY OWN “KEEPERS”, I WILL NEVER GET OVER IT!
I am hanging out to watch this, its not being aired on Nat Geo in Australia yet.
They release most shows on DVD, I hope this one makes it too.
Wow, I just finished watching the National Geographic documentary. Stunning piece of work. Beautiful footage. The Rangers all did an outstanding job. I loved seeing the few glimpses of Diddy and Innocent that we got. Augustine, great job! Paulin is a true hero. And has I’ve said before, he is a man with honor and confection. He did not sell his soul to the devil. He did not compromise his values and beliefs. This piece of work underscores the real dangers and threats the Rangers must deal with everyday to protect Virunga National Forest and its species. Of course, I’m left hoping this trial ends on only a positive note for Paulin and that Honore Mashagiro pays for his crime in a fair and just way. It was disturbing to watch Laurent Nkunda’s men get so close to the gorillas. They seem to have no respect for their space which only alarms me more, due to the fact that the gorillas are so susceptible to our germs and that they have tourist visiting them. It’s left me longing even more for a solution to this problem. A way to get those rebels out of that park and away from the gorillas. The end of the documentary was heartbreaking with Paulin walking through the graveyard where Senkwekwe, Safari and the other Rugendo family members are buried, stopping and kneeling by Senkwekwe’s grave. My heart broke for Paulin at that moment. How could he know that this would happen? He did more than anyone else could, to save this Park and its gorillas. He did all he could. I’m glad that Ndeze and Ndaksi have caring Ranger surrogate parents and that they may see the forest and be free gorillas someday, hopefully returning to the families that they have lost. I was happy to see all the children surrounding the Rangers and running with them in the end, hopefully the next generation of Rangers and conservationists to protect and cherish their forest and the beautiful gorillas that live there. Much more work to be done. I can’t lie, it was very sad and hard to watch the women getting on their knees and sobbing when the charcoal was taken from them. Their only means of cooking a meal for their children and heating their home. I could not help but think about the briquettes that Virginia is making with the women at Project Kadutu and Robert at Ending Charcoal and preying to god that these briquettes will hold the power to end the charcoal trade, or at least severely undermine it, and sustain the people and refugees so that the forest can be saved. So much more work to be done still…..and I think of the Rangers, who have already done so much of that dangerous work. I have heartfelt gratitude for them and they are never far from my thoughts, as are the gorillas. Love and peace be with you all. Lisa
Thanks Sheryl. It was the links. : ) Yes, Brad excellent points. I totally get what you are saying. Lynn, I totally get your point as well and it somewhat relates to what Brad is saying. We are all interconnected on this planet. Some of us need to wake up and come to the party, before it’s too late. Lisa
Kudos to Nat Geo for making such an excellent film!
It was very moving and educational. The photography was amazing, and I hope this film will be repeated over and over again.
I just caught the great actress Sigourney Weaver on Regis & Kelly.
Regis Philbin mentioned the documentary and they started talking about the gorillas a bit. Sigourney told stories about her encounters with the gorilla group they filmed with, while shooting “Gorillas in the mist”, the film about Diane Fossey.
I keep thinking of the show from last night and forgot to add my comments on seeing the beautiful Ndeze and Ndaksi and how these babies are thriving…….they have no clue what happened to their mama and papa but are just about living and exploring their world around them…….I am sure it is not an easy job but I think their caretakers are so lucky to get to spend so much time with them! I believe it was Andre that we saw snuggling with Ndaksi……thanks for helping these babies feel safe, secure and loved!
Incredibly heartwarming documentary. The rangers that try to protect that park and the gorillas are so principled and courageous. It is heartwarming to see that in the midst of all the corruption. Those guys need to be fully funded and protected themselves. What a tragedy.
I cannot imagine being a woman with a child in the middle of all that; how powerless they must feel.
This problem will only go away with a solution to the fuel issue. There must be a way. The great thinkers of our time must come up with a solution.
As a product designer, I work with Rainforest Relief to ensure our products are as Rainforest Safe as possible. There is a shift in consciousness happening all around the world. I am not the only one in “big business” thinking along these lines. Things are going to change and it is nice to see people standing up for what is right and getting the truth out.
Love, respect and peace be with all that are doing their part to make a difference.
I’m in the same boat. No t.v. Thanks everyone for your reviews. I read the National Geo article, though. I couldn’t stop from crying. It is just so sad. I like your idea, Sheryl, about writing our congress people to put pressure on the Rawandan government. I’m off to draft a letter. Maybe we should do a template for people to use and we could email it to our contacts. What do you think?
That’s a great idea, Robin, and one I’ve been noodling on myself. We could share the task, if you like? If you have time to take a stab at the first draft then I’ll happily review and add and send it back to you. We could post it in a couple of places and let everyone know it’s there to use.
s.
I’ll start on it tonight and will get back to you soon, Sheryl.
Awesome. My e-mail addy is nothoney@gmail.com
s.
This was one of the best specials I’ve seen from National Geographic. They focused on the plight of the Mountain Gorillas as the complex issue it is. I came away with a much better understanding of the socioeconomic issues in the DNC and how they affect all of the animals in the Virungas.
I started reading the Wildlife Direct blogs last Feb. after reading about the 2 silverbacks killed by Nkunda’s men. Since then I have developed a real admiration for all of the rangers who protect the Virungas. The ‘Gorilla Murders’ special only increased that admiration. I, along with many others, are grateful for the work they do.
I watched the documentry with much emotion. I have such love for all the animals in Africa but the mountain gorilla really embraces the heart. A solution for fuel is a must and with all the resources the world has, why hasn’t it happened. And get those Rebels out and away from the gorillas before illness from humans destroy them. I was very impressed with the information and hope for more.
I’m not spamming, honestly! I found a 2-minute clip on YouTube of last night’s NatGeo special: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twiSBP6SHJw
You can see Diddy and the part about finding Senkwekwe and his family.
s.
Great idea Robin and Sheryl. Let us know where you post it (probably on Sheryl’s site were everything is, right?) Let us know when it’s done and we’ll have us a little letter writing campaign to the Rwandan officials. We also need to put pressure on our own US government as well. How about a letter to them? Lisa
I watched the documentary last night and I was touched. These rangers are amazing individuals. They stand up for what is right and risk their lives everyday to defend the gorillas. In my eyes, they are true heroes. I wish I could personally thank each and every one of them for their effort, courage, and kindness. I know now I must do all that I can do to help the not only the gorillas, but the rangers too. Thank you for sharing your story with us all.
Lisa, the letter that Robin is drafting is for our Congress to urge them to put pressure on President Kagame of Rwanda.
However, it probably can’t hurt to send polite letters to the Rwandan ambassador …
s.
Sheryl, I watched the Youtube video and it is apparent that those leaving comments are very uneducated about what is going on over there….many of them sound like young people…some of the comments were very hard to read………just ignorant…but some left messages that it upset them that people would kill gorillas..but they want to know why? Only a couple of knew what the reason was behind these murders…very disturbing thought!
Well, you can’t take comments left on Youtube very seriously or you’ll drive yourself crazy. I think mostly they’re left by adolescents who’ve not seen anything of the special but that two-minute clip. I often wonder, though, why the “Internet generation” is so poorly informed about anything going on in the world outside their Facebook pages …
s.
I found this on National Geographic Explorer page. It has 4 clips from the the movie and it says it will re-air on Saturday July 5 at 7:00 pm. I still haven’t found anything when National Geographic Canada will show it so I guess your comments and the clips will have to do for now. The first clip when they find Senkweke is very emotional and brought back sad memories from last July and they also have a clip of Ndeze and Ndaksi. You can visit the site here
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/explorer/3817/Overview#tab-Overview
Yea you are probably right Sheryl………ok I will quit leaving messages so other people can blog today! sorry to leave so many!
the longer i watched “The Gorilla Murders” the more horrified i became. between the civil war and the corrupt park official and rangers, it’s hard to imagine the gorillas (or Virunga) has a chance. Thank God for Mr. Paulin and his brave contingent of loyal rangers - they are perhaps the only chance the gorillas have.
It’s frustrating that here in the US we have spent HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS of dollars on a ‘war’ that is not only pointless, but was started under false pretenses - imagine what even 1% of that money could do if it were used to provide safety in Virunga.
guards could be hired - enough to outnumber the coal ‘cartel’ - and suitable homes could be provided for the refugees who are guilty of nothing more than trying to feed their families. The guerrillas could be ousted, most importantly their leader - Mkunda? He is absolutely frightening and his ignorance of the gorillas is appalling. To believe for one second that the gorillas are safe under his care is preposterous.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely, as the saying goes, and it doesn’t matter whether your name is Mashigiro or Bush - if there’s easy money to be made, those without morals will find it. It’s sickening to think that Mashigiro, a man who ostensibly was in charge of protecting Virunga and it’s inhabitants has, in fact, been the cause of so much destruction. You could see it in his eyes - especially when he denied beating (BEATING!) Mr. Paulin. He didn’t appear to be the least bit concerned that one of his employees had been beaten (can you imagine?), only that HE not be found culpable in any way. What corruption. It’s hard to imagine human beings so evil, but i can think of no other word for Mashigiro.
I fervently wish that this program reaches and touches as many people on this planet as possible. with barely 700 mountain gorillas left, it’s imperative that everyone do whatever they can to support the ’save the gorillas’ cause. It’s pathetic and shameful to see the damage that we, supposedly the ’smartest’ animal on the planet, has managed to do to not only the other living things with which we share this world, but to the planet itself. This is the only planet we have, and at the rate we’re going, in just a few short generations, there will be nothing left. the people most responsible for the devastation will be long gone and won’t have to face the consequences of their actions, leaving them instead to their descendants.
i know we all have our own financial pressures, and no one can possibly support every conservation group that exists, but this one is perhaps the most urgent of them all, and for that reason, I implore everyone to contribute whatever you can to the dire plight of the gorillas. There is so little time - in a few years they could all be GONE. forever. and our grandchildren will see pictures of them and ask why we allowed such a thing to happen. and what will we reply? Isn’t it better to say we did as much as we could? Better yet, wouldn’t it be even better to say we were successful, and saved these marvelous creatures from extinction? In all the devastation the human race has caused, we could at least be proud of this accomplishment.
sincerely,
Lenette Barker
I urge all who write, call, email, our government, in the process, to remind them that surrounding violence in the region is underpinning this invasion of the park and killing of the gorillas. Conflict resolution, Aid to the refugees, and resource management help would also improve the situation holistically for all.
Next of Kin, by Roger Fouts, is a book that would open people’s minds and hearts to humane treatment of our other relatives.
Thanks for the heads up on the re-broadcast. I just emailed that information to my private lists.
It’s not animals or people. We are all animals. It is not trees or people. It is all of it together. If not, Earth dies. We are all keystone species.
Peace and love,
Brad
Sorry,
I meant to make one more comment. I found this link at National Geo. that takes you to a place to donate. I like the first one, Wildlife Direct, which allows for regular monthly donations, lets you donate to the rangers in directly, and gives 100% to the work. Check it out. http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/07/virunga/how-to-help
Brad
Brad, You are on Wildlife Direct. This gorilla protection blog is part of Wildlife Direct. Check it out!
Thanks Sheryl. Sorry I was reading all the posts over so quickly, I guess it didn’t register that Robin said “write our congress people and ask them to put pressure on Rwandan officials.” Sounds like a great idea. Thanks Robin. : ) Lisa
Thanks Lisa
I often don’t know exactly where I am;-) and this was clearly one. Another example of why I need a network of colleagues.
Hey ya’ll, thanks to Robin Andreae we have a sample letter posted on my blog that you can use to contact your Congressional members. The goal is to encourage our Congress to put pressure on the Rwandan government to stop funding Laurent Nkunda’s army stationed in the gorilla sector. I sent my letter via Congress.org and shortened it to meet their “effective communication” meter. Please feel free to send a letter any way you like! You can send letters to Congressional reps by snail mail, fax, or through their individual Web sites. Please feel free to send your own letter or to edit the one Robin wrote, but remember to be polite and concise.
The letter is also available on the Wildlife Direct page of my blog and if you’ve got a blog, please post about the letter-writing campaign.
Thanks,
s.
Thanks Robin and Sheryl. As soon as I drop the boys off at day camp, I’ll be busy sending letters. : ) Brad, You are very welcome! Wildlife Direct is like a family. Many of us have been gathering here since the beginning. It’s a wonderul place. Lisa
Thanks Sheryl and Robin, let us have the information so that all of us at WildlifeDirect can sign onto the letter as well!
It’s on my blog, dear.
http://nothoney.wordpress.com/2008/07/03/end-rwandas-support-of-general-laurent-nkunda-in-dr-congo/
s.
The “Gorilla Murders” on National Geographic Explorer was excellent. When you combine this program with the National Geographic cover story this month and what CNN is doing I feel we have a much greater chance of getting help for the Congo. OK, lets get to work folks, send in your money to where you think it will help the most and get others to join you. Call your representatives too.
I can feel the tragedy, it is not just a fight to preserve the mountain gorillas’ place in the world but a fight to make people in Congo and the rest of the world to realize the importance of this wonderful and mystical animals that is closely resembling us humans to our existence. I commend all the organizations and individuals that fight this battle. I will send this documentaries to as many individuals as I can to spread the message and hopefully help to win this battle.
I watched “Gorilla Murders” the day it premiered on the National Geographic Channel last week. I knew it would be difficult to watch, but I don’t think I really fully appreciated the danger and terror both the gorillas and our courageous rangers face on a daily basis until I watched the program. It made me cry.
The documentary thoroughly explained the terrible struggle over charcoal and its consequences for the people of the area as well as for the gorillas and other animals. A solution to this problem is of paramount importance and I hope they will find an answer soon.
It is such a tragedy that our gorillas are being used as political pawns by these terrible warring forces! There is no doubt about it Laurent Nkunda must go!
I felt so terribly for Paulin Ngobobo, he has placed himself in such danger trying to protect the gorillas. I am very sorry for what he has been put through and I fear for his welfare. He is definitely a hero in all of this; I wish him all the best.
I also read the wonderful article by Mark Jenkins in “National Geographic Magazine.” If you have not read it I suggest you do. Not only is it an excellent and thorough article complete with a map of the area and description of the people and organizations involved, but it also features breathtaking photos by Brent Stirton!
The article even mentions the director of Wildlife Direct Emmanuel de Merode.
Tonight “60 Minutes” is repeating Anderson’s report on the gorilla murders.