A number of people have been raising concerns about how the crisis in the Congo is affecting the two gorilla orphans, Ndakasi and Ndeze, in Goma. We were really pleased to read today when Emmanuel confirmed that despite the conflict, he has been able to visit the babies and that they and their caretakers are all doing well. But in an emotional post on Gorilla Doctors blog, Dr. Lucy Spelman who is currently in Rwanda commented on her concerns of the situation facing the caretakers in the Congo and how it affects the gorilla conservation work and the orphaned babies in Goma.
She said
“I know that Jacques, Eddy, Jean Paul, the gorilla caretakers, and the orphans Ndeze, Ndakasi, and Mapendo are okay for now in Goma. But the situation there is very unstable”
“Several people have said they feel helpless as they watch the events from a distance. I’m an hour-and-a-half drive from Goma, and I feel the same way.
Meanwhile, on the humanitarian front, we are hoping that the ceasefire will hold and the convoy efforts to get food out through the front lines will be successful as the local communities around Goma have been without food for nearly a week now. We have heard distressing news about the condition of children especially, who are suffering from all manner of nutritional and health related disorders the aid must reach these people soon to avert untold suffering, starvation and death.
We send our good wishes with our colleagues on the ground, the ICCN, conservation partners, and journalists who are risking so much by staying there and helping through this crisis. If you have any spare dollars, please support the ICCN rangers through this crisis.
