Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest national park and is also the continent’s most biologically diverse protected area.

Democratic Republic of Congo
You might have recently seen caretakers Mathieu and Patrick’s amazing #selfie with female orphaned gorillas Ndakazi and Ndeze inside the Senkwekwe center here at Virunga. Is it real? Yes! Are these gorilla gals always this cheeky? Yes! #gorillaselfie
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It is with heartfelt sadness that Virunga announces the death of beloved orphaned mountain gorilla, Ndakasi. C’est avec une profonde tristese que Virunga annonce le décès du gorille de montagne orpheliné Ndakasi. l8r.it/UMIZ
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Delighted to share that the mountain gorilla population has surpassed 1000! Incredible news for conservation and much needed wonderful news for Virunga, home to over a third of the worlds endangered mountain gorillas.
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It is with extreme sadness that Virunga National Park confirms the deaths of 3 Park Rangers following two separate violent attacks by armed members of Mai Mai militias. Read more: bit.ly/Statement-VNP
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We're happy to announce the birth of a newborn mountain gorilla in the Baraka family...
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We're excited to announce that Gato from the Nyakamwe family has just given birth to twins!
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Bikenge from the Mapuwa family has just had a baby! 🦍
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Today, @LeoDiCaprio announced the Virunga Fund to urgently raise funds to support Virunga through this critical time.
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We are saddened to share the news of a tragic incident in Virunga National Park. On Tuesday, July 23, two of our Rangers — Mr. Claude Nguo and Mr. Daniel Kakule — lost their lives in the crash of a light reconnaissance aircraft near Ishango, while supporting a security operation.⁠ ⁠ We extend our deepest condolences to their families, loved ones, and colleagues. Their dedication and courage will never be forgotten. As we mourn their loss, we stand together in gratitude for their unwavering commitment to conserving the Park’s biodiversity.⁠ ⁠⁠📸 Ranger Claude by Brent Stirton (1) / Ranger Daniel by Virunga National Park (2)
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"My name is Sara, and I’ve been working in Virunga National Park since 2014. I’ve loved nature since I was a child, and I’m proud to be part of those who protect the Park and its biodiversity. The presence of women in the Park’s teams is meaningful — it shows that we can achieve great things."⁠ 📸 Virunga National Park⁠ ⁠ #WomenInConservation #ParkRangers #WomenRanger#DRCongo
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"My name is Doking, and I've been a Ranger in Virunga National Park since 1995. I love this job: I was born in the Park, and my father was a Ranger too — conservation has always been a part of me.⁠ ⁠ There have been challenges along the way, but what motivates me the most is contributing to the protection of nature and the environment."⁠ ⁠ ⁠📷 Virunga National Park #Rangers #GuardiansOfBiodiversity #ProtectingNature
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We’re extremely pleased to announce a new birth within the Humba family. On November 15th, the 19-year-old female Kanyalire gave birth to a female baby. This is the first birth within the Humba family this year, the family now has 15 individuals.
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We're excited to announce that Nyabigogo has given birth to a baby girl, the 11th member of the Munyaga family.
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Virunga National Park is greatly saddened to announce the death of Ranger Bagurubumwe Chuhoze Deogene. He was killed on 10th October 2020 during an attack on an ICCN patrol post near the Village of Sarambwe: bit.ly/3dhubhr
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Recently, there have been several sightings of the elusive African Golden Cat. This photo was taken by a camera trap high in the Rwenzori.
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Find out why Emmanuel is running @LondonMarathon & how your donations will make a huge difference to our amazing rangers & their families.
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"My name is Justin, and I've been working in Virunga National Park since 2013. I became a Ranger because my father was one, and I’ve always loved the Park. Ever since I was a child, I grew up in contact with animals. Knowing that Virunga is home to incredible wildlife, I felt it was important to do my part in preserving nature and protecting its flora and fauna."⁠ ⁠📸 Virunga National Park⁠ #Virunga100 #ParkRangers #WorldHeritageSite
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"My name is Edouard, and I’ve been working in Virunga National Park since 1998. Over the years, my work as a Ranger has taken me across the central and northern sectors of the Park. Despite the challenges I’ve encountered, I remain dedicated to protecting the nature and wildlife Virunga has to offer."⁠ ⁠ ⁠📸 Virunga National Park⁠ ⁠ #DRC #Rangers #GuardiansOfBiodiversity #ProtectingNature
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"Je m'appelle Christelle, je suis Ranger au Parc National des Virunga depuis janvier 2022. Lors de nos patrouilles quotidiennes, je participe à la collecte de données sur les espèces animales et végétales et je surveille la zone pour détecter les traces de braconnage."⁠
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Today we honor the Rangers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2018. We are indebted to these brave men & women for their dedicated service in protecting the Park, its endangered wildlife & the communities that call it home. Support Virunga here virunga.org/donate
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We are pleased to share that, during a routine monitoring mission, community trackers have discovered a newborn in the Rugendo family.⁠ ⁠ Nzabonimpa, the mother, was born in July 2011 in the Humba family and joined the Rugendo group ten years later. Her first infant, Kamuzungu, was born in January 2022 to silverback Bukima, who is no longer with us. On 10 May 2025, she gave birth to her second infant, a male whose father is likely Kongomani, the new silverback of the Rugendo group.⁠ ⁠ It is the fifth birth recorded in Virunga National Park in 2025, bringing the Rugendo group’s population from 18 to 19 individuals.⁠ ⁠ ⁠📸 Virunga National Park⁠ #MountainGorillas #GorillaBirth #DRC
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The Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration has published the results of its survey on the mountain gorilla population of the Bwindi-Sarambwe ecosystem which indicates continued growth for this fragile species. For more info: virunga.org/news/recent-surv…
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C'est avec une extrême tristesse que le Parc National des Virunga confirme la mort de 3 gardes forestiers suite à deux attaques violentes séparées par des membres armés des milices Maï-Maï. Lire la suite: bit.ly/Statement-VNP-FR
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We are pleased to announce that, on May 3rd, during a monitoring mission in the Mikeno sub-sector, a team of community trackers observed a newborn in the Wilungula family.⁠ ⁠ For the moment, the female remains discreet, protecting her baby and preventing its sex from being determined. Close observations will continue in the coming days. As the individuals in this family have not yet been precisely identified, detailed information on the baby's mother is not available at this time.⁠ ⁠ This marks the third mountain gorilla birth recorded in Virunga National Park in 2025, and the first within the Wilungula family, which now counts 37 individuals. 📸 Virunga National Park⁠ ⁠ #Virunga100 #DRC #GorillaBirth #GorillaConservation
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We're pleased to announce that Virunga's Rangers have observed two new births in the Bageni family. Tumaini and Ziada have given birth to a female and male baby with silverback Bageni. The family now has 48 individuals. #Wildlife #GreenMatchFund
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Two playful young gorillas from the Humba family bring energy to a quiet afternoon! While most of the troop rests, the juveniles of females Semiteza and Sabutimbiri remain active, showcasing the lively spirit of these young infants. Thanks to Virunga’s community trackers, moments like these are both cherished and documented. Learn how you can contribute to protecting gorillas and their habitat in the Park: bit.ly/Support-Virunga #SeasonGiving #Donate #BabyGorillas #EndangeredSpecies #MakeADifference
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We're excited to announce a new birth within the Lulengo family. Bazirushaka, aged 10, gave birth for the first time to a male baby. The newborn is the twelfth member of the Lulengo family and was discovered by rangers yesterday during a routine check. bit.ly/3jHIKhn
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"My name is Germain, and I have been working in Virunga National Park since 2021. My primary mission is to protect its flora and fauna. I got inspired by our elders, who proudly wore their uniforms while carrying out the noble mission of safeguarding the Park. It's when I told myself that, one day, I would also like to join Virunga and contribute to the Park's projects."⁠
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Four critically endangered female eastern lowland gorillas rescued from the illegal wildlife trade have been reintroduced to the wild in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.⁠ ⁠ It is the largest-ever eastern lowland gorilla translocation and population reinforcement in Africa, increasing the number of gorillas living on Mt. Tshiaberimu in Virunga National Park from eight to twelve.⁠ ⁠ “This complex and ambitious project to reintroduce four eastern lowland gorillas to the wild aims to prevent the extinction of the isolated population on Mt. Tshiaberimu. Following many years of preparation and extensive collaboration between Virunga National Park, local communities, and scientific experts, this is a huge milestone in efforts to bolster the eastern lowland gorilla population and we are delighted that the gorillas are successfully adapting to the wild.” — Emmanuel de Merode, Director of Virunga National Park⁠ @rewild - @gorilladoctors - @gracegorillas ⁠ 📸 Lulingi (1), Ndjingala (2) & Isangi (3) by Brent Stirton⁠ / Getty Images 📸 Mapendo (4) by Bobby Neptune⁠ ⁠ #EasternLowlandGorillas #GorillaConservation #WildlifeTranslocation #CriticallyEndangered #DRC
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"My name is Jérémie, and I've been working at Virunga National Park since 2011. In my current role, I help protect Lake Edward by conducting patrols to support sustainable fishing and prevent illegal activities."
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Virunga National Park is greatly saddened to announce the death of Ranger MUTAZIMIZA KANYARUCHINYA Etienne. Please see statement from the Park: bit.ly/30NeAnt
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My name is Déo — I have been working at the Park since 2013 and am currently endorsing the role of section chief. I enjoy witnessing the breathtaking nature within the Park's boundaries. Being called a Ranger fills me with pride and commitment to protecting its ecosystems.⁠
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We’re so excited to announce Virunga’s first mountain gorilla birth of 2020. Sub-adult female Seminane has given birth to her first offspring, a baby girl. 8 yr old Seminane is part of the Munyanga group & this new birth marks her passage from sub-adult female to adult female.
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"My name is Aline, and I’ve been working in Virunga National Park since September 2016. Since I was a child, I’ve always loved animals and the environment, which motivated me to become a Ranger. I especially value the variety of missions we undertake and the work we do in monitoring the Park’s species. I’m proud to be part of the team and to show that women can also contribute to the Park’s future."⁠ 📸 Virunga National Park⁠ #WomenInConservation #ProtectingNature #DRC
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This morning, the team confirmed a new birth in the Humba family — one of Virunga’s most well-known mountain gorilla groups. With this birth, the Humba family now counts 19 individuals. This latest arrival brings the total number of births this year to four. Each one is a quiet reminder of what’s possible with protection, care, and time. If you’d like to support our ongoing conservation work, you can do so by purchasing Virunga Origins Chocolate Gorilla — available across Europe.
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"My name is Angèle, and I have been a ranger in Virunga National Park since 2014. I’m one of 31 women contributing to the Park’s vital conservation efforts.⁠ ⁠ On April 13th, I will run the Paris Marathon to mark Virunga’s centennial, raise awareness of its mission, and raise crucial funds for vital ranger medical care. Seeing the park reach its 100th anniversary is a happy moment, and I’m grateful to have played a part in its continued existence.⁠ ⁠ Leaving a mark matters to me — not just through my physical effort, but by contributing to the support of my fellow rangers. This race isn’t just for me; it’s for all of us."⁠ 📸 Virunga National Park⁠ ⁠ #Virunga100 #DRC #SupportUs #ParkRangers #ParisMarathon2025 #MarathonForACause
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We're excited to announce that Bilali from the Munyaga family has given birth to a new boy. The newborn is the 12th member of the family, bringing the total number of births within Virunga National Park to 17 this year. bit.ly/3hgcvF4
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Updated statement from Virunga National Park following the armed attack around Rumangabo village today: virunga.org/news/updated-sta…
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La femelle Bonane de la famille Humba, donne naissance à son sixième bébé femelle.
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We are saddened to announce the passing of Bukima, the dominant silverback of the Rugendo troop, who succumbed to injuries from a clash with Kongomani, another silverback from the same troop. Read the full statement here: l8r.it/z3Xi
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We're excited to announce that Virunga's Rangers have identified two new baby gorillas at #VirungaNationalPark. Bazirushaka from the Lulengo family has given birth to her second child, a female. Rubiga, from the Kabirizi family, has also welcomed her seventh child.
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“The gorillas surprised us by how quickly they wanted to leave the enclosure to go into the forest. They wanted to be with the silverback and they immediately started learning from him. Within three days, they were eating plants that grow at higher altitudes that they had never eaten before, such as bamboo leaves and bamboo shoots. Now, they eat more species of plants than any gorillas on Mt. Tshiaberimu and they appear healthy.” — Benoit Ishaba, Head of Gorilla Monitoring on Mt. Tshaiberimu ⁠📸 Virunga National Park (1), Brent Stirton / Getty Images (2) #GorillaConservation #EasternLowlandGorillas #CriticallyEndangeredSpecies #DRC
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Rangers on gorilla patrol last week discovered that female mountain gorilla Kagofero had recently given birth. This is Virunga’s first known mountain gorilla birth this year and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see the population of these magnificent creatures continuing to grow
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Meet Mwasa, the #silverback leading the Kipura family on Mount Tshiaberimu since 2017.⁠ ⁠ Before their reintroduction into the wild, in late November 2024, Mwasa started visiting the four female #gorillas held at the nearby rewilding facility. These visits were a hopeful sign for the caregivers and veterinarians, showing that the females might be accepted back into a wild gorilla family.⁠ ⁠ Over several days, Mwasa showed his interest by beating the ground, making loud calls, and displaying typical silverback behaviors. The females responded by staying close to him and even sleeping outside near the fence to be closer to Mwasa.⁠ ⁠ Since their release, the four females have joined Mwasa’s troop. However, gorilla social structures are complex, and some females may eventually migrate to the Kastabara group.⁠ ⁠📸 Brent Stirton / Getty Images⁠ @gracegorillas @rewild @gorilladoctors
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Bonne fête pour la journée internationale de la femme! 💪🦍🥳 #virunga #virunganationalpark #womensday #wildlife #conservation #congo #DRCongo
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We are pleased to announce the birth of a baby gorilla to the Katsabara family. This new addition brings the family size to five and increases the total number of eastern lowland gorillas in the Tshiaberimu area to eight, an encouraging sign for the conservation of this critically endangered species. The mother, Ndekesiri, is remaining protective of her newborn, and the baby’s sex is yet to be determined. Thanks to @GorillaDoctors for their regular health check-ups, @ReWild for their invaluable and ongoing support, and Virunga’s field teams for their efforts, we can continue safeguarding this vulnerable population. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📸 Gorilla Doctors
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We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the recent outpouring of messages & support following the tragic loss of our 6 ranger colleagues. Knowing the unprecedented times we are all living, the only way forward is together & we thank you for being a part of our team.
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Virunga’s mountain gorillas have been a most welcome source of good news in 2018 and it just keeps getting better! We are thrilled to announce the arrival of two new babies, bringing a total of nine new mountain gorilla births this year. virunga.org/news/virungas-ba…
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1/2 Virunga would like to extend our sincerest gratitude for the outpouring of love & positivity you have shown to us during this heart-wrenching time. We, along with the families of the rangers & the community, are humbled & encouraged by your messages of sympathy & support.
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This week, for World Gorilla Day (24th September), @CyberKongz are auctioning off the custom NFT collectible CyberKong #Matabishi and will donate the funds raised to Virunga National Park. Learn more about the #NFT auction: bit.ly/3CsLJCD #NFTCommunity #nftcollector
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Despite the challenges posed by ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, Virunga National Park's community trackers remain dedicated to monitoring its gorilla populations. This year alone, 10 mountain gorillas births have been registered.
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"My name is Sylvie and I've been working in Virunga National Park since 2016. I enjoy being a Ranger, and what I appreciate most of all is knowing that my colleagues are safe. The presence of women in this job is significant because it shows that we can make a full contribution to this profession."⁠ 📸 Virunga National Park⁠ ⁠ #Virunga100 #WomenInConservation #ParkRangers #WomenRanger#ProtectingNature #WomenWhoProtect #ConservationMatters #DRC
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"My name is Vivianne and I've been working in Virunga National Park since 2016. What I love about my job is protecting the ecosystems and the wildlife that inhabit them. The presence of women in Ranger teams contributes to biodiversity protection and can also inspire other women and men to join this profession." ⁠⁠📸 Virunga National Park⁠ ⁠ #WomenInConservation #ParkRangers #WomenRanger
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🌾 Du progrès dans le district de Lubero! 🌱 La première grande récolte de blé en 25 ans pour répondre à la crise de la sécurité alimentaire née de la guerre en Ukraine. 80 hectares déjà plantés et récoltés par des petits exploitants, avec pour projet 500 hectares supplémentaires. Construire une indépendance économique dans l'est du Congo grâce à des petites fermes, des moulins à farine locaux et des boulangeries locales, avec le soutien de @EU_Commission, @KoenDoens, @LeonardMizziEU.
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"My name is Faustin, and I have been working as a tracker for Virunga National Park for four years.⁠"
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Join us this #WorldRangerDay in celebrating our 700+ rangers who protect Virunga National Park, its wildlife, and the communities and livelihoods that depend on it. buff.ly/337D4Hi
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"My name is Anicet. I’ve been a Ranger for 29 years and have worked in several parks across the DRC. I started in Virunga, and that’s where I am today. I chose this path for myself, without influence from friends or family. Being a Ranger is something I’ll carry with me for life.⁠ ⁠ The Park has had a big impact on me, my family, and the people I live alongside. It has changed our lives in many ways. People living near the Park have taken part in development projects, and that’s helped us learn how to live in better harmony with each other."⁠ ⁠⁠⁠📸 Virunga National Park⁠ #Rangers #ProtectingVirunga #LifeOfARanger #ConservationInAction #RangerStories #DRC #ICCN
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We're excited to announce a new birth within the Mapuwa family. Young female Palumate gave birth to her first baby, a female.
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"My name is Solange, I have been working as a Ranger in #Virunga since 2014.⁠ ⁠ I am proud to do this job because it allows me to contribute to the protection of #nature, and thanks to this, I am able to take care of my family too.⁠" #congo #parkrangers #wildlifeconservation
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Thanks to your support, we began clearing snare traps from the gorilla sector this week. Yesterday, we collected two large buffalo snares, 56 cable snares, and 4 nylon snares. More to come...
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We're delighted to announce that a baby #gorilla has been discovered in the Bageni family, the female Furahini from the Wilungula family gave birth to a baby male, her second child with silverback Bageni. The family now has 47 individuals. bit.ly/3wwPqHE #conservation
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This morning, with the help of @GorillaDoctors we managed to free baby Theodore from a snare trap set by poachers. We urgently need to your help to clear deadly snares from the gorilla habitat: bit.ly/2OhyA8i
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Thank you to everyone who has supported Virunga National Park this past year. We are deeply humbled by the generosity of our community and its commitment to the Park. Wishing you a Happy New Year from all of us at Virunga.
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If you’ve shared our #gorillaselfie, please share our #EarthDay posts as well! We will receive matching funds (up to $25k) on donations to #virunga TODAY. Take an active role in the conservation of Virunga virunga.org/donate
You might have recently seen caretakers Mathieu and Patrick’s amazing #selfie with female orphaned gorillas Ndakazi and Ndeze inside the Senkwekwe center here at Virunga. Is it real? Yes! Are these gorilla gals always this cheeky? Yes! #gorillaselfie
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We're excited to announce a new addition to the Wilungula family. This is the 12th mountain #gorilla birth recorded this year amongst habituated families within the Park. bit.ly/3yNa7xe #conservation #virunga #donate
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Virunga’s mountain gorilla family Mapuwa has welcomed a new baby! A week ago, rangers on patrol in the gorilla sector found that adult female Jicho had given birth. The sex is still unknown & a name hasn’t been given yet, but we’ll be sure to keep you updated! #virunga #gorilla
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Virunga's rangers help protect the park's population of critically endangered mountain gorillas. Support their work: virunga.org/donate
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"My name is Jean-Paul, and I’ve been a Ranger at Virunga National Park since 2001, after starting my training in 1999, totaling 24 years of service.⁠ ⁠ I started in the southern sector, where I worked in the mountain gorilla zone, among other areas. Afterward, I was transferred to Kihangiro in the central sector and now work in the northern sector.⁠ ⁠ My passion at Virunga is in nature conservation and protecting the projects initiated by the Virunga Foundation, a responsibility I carry out as a Ranger."⁠ ⁠ 📸 Virunga National Park⁠ ⁠#DRCongo #ParkRanger #ProtectBiodiversity
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We’re pleased to share the news of three lion cubs born in Virunga National Park. Now around eight months old, their presence is a welcome sign of continuity for lion conservation in the Park.⁠ ⁠ The cubs are the offspring of P1, daughter of the lioness Masika, and are believed to have been sired by Djiku. They will be named when they reach one year of age, marking a meaningful milestone in their growth and development.⁠ 📸 Virunga National Park⁠ ⁠ #DRC #IshashaValley #LionConservation #AfricanWildlife #BigCatsOfAfrica #LionCubs
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Hey @TheEllenShow we think our selfie might be even better than your Oscar one? What do you think? 😂 Happy Earth Day! 🌍🦍
You might have recently seen caretakers Mathieu and Patrick’s amazing #selfie with female orphaned gorillas Ndakazi and Ndeze inside the Senkwekwe center here at Virunga. Is it real? Yes! Are these gorilla gals always this cheeky? Yes! #gorillaselfie
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Nous sommes ravis d'annoncer que Bilali de la famille Munyaga a donné naissance à un petit mâle. Le nouveau-né est le douzième membre de la famille, portant à dix-sept le nombre de naissances au sein du parc national des Virunga cette année.
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🦍🇨🇩✨Update: We recently shared the wonderful news that female mountain gorilla, Jicho, had given birth. We are now excited to confirm that it’s a boy! Rangers report that both mom and baby are continuing to do well. #virunga #virunganationalpark #mountaingorilla #itsaboy
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"Je m’appelle Sylvie et je travaille au Parc National des Virunga depuis 2016. J’aime beaucoup le métier d’écogarde, et ce que j’apprécie par-dessus tout, c’est de savoir que mes collègues sont en sécurité. La présence des femmes dans ce métier est importante, car elle montre qu’elles peuvent y contribuer pleinement."⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠📸 Parc National des Virunga #Virunga100 #Écogardes #ConservationDeLaNature
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"Je m’appelle Angèle et je suis écogarde dans le Parc National des Virunga depuis 2014. Je fais partie des 31 femmes qui contribuent aux efforts essentiels de conservation du Parc.⁠ ⁠ Le 13 avril, je vais courir le Marathon de Paris pour marquer le centenaire de Virunga, sensibiliser à sa mission et collecter des fonds cruciaux pour les soins médicaux des écogardes. Voir le Parc atteindre ses 100 ans est un moment fort, et je suis reconnaissante d’avoir contribué à sa préservation.⁠ ⁠ Il est important pour moi de laisser une empreinte — pas uniquement par mon effort physique, mais aussi en soutenant mes collègues écogardes. Cette course n’est pas seulement pour moi, elle est pour nous tous."⁠ 📸 Parc National des Virunga #Virunga100 #MarathondeParis2025 #FaitesUnDon
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Communiqué du Parc National des Virunga sur l’attaque meurtrière survenue aujourd’hui contre les gardes du parc: bit.ly/2LcUFHs
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De nouveaux équipements ont été installés dans la chocolaterie de Virunga Origins pour répondre à la demande croissante. L'usine locale est en passe de produire 15 tonnes de chocolat par mois. bit.ly/3fANc07
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Two new births for Virunga’s mountain gorillas! 🦍 #mountaingorilla #gorillababy #congo #virunga #virunganationalpark
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Tony is a baby eastern chimpanzee & was recently poached from his family in a remote part of the forest. Rangers heard about this & drove 2 days to save him. With support from Virunga air wing, he was delivered into the hands of the caretakers at @lwiroprimates and now doing well
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Voici Julia et sa fille Hope, deux lionnes qui parcourent la zone transfrontalière de la vallée d'Ishasha. Après avoir affronté des menaces dans leur écosystème naturel, elles continuent à grandir ensemble. Hope a désormais donné naissance à deux lionceaux en bonne santé, perpétuant ainsi l'histoire de sa famille et l'avenir des lions dans la vallée d'Ishasha.⁠ ⁠📸 Parc National des Virunga #Lionnes #Lionceaux #Ishasha #Savanne
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Happy #WorldGorillaDay! Today we come together to celebrate some of Virunga's most iconic residents. 1/3rd of world's endangered mountain gorillas live in the lush forests of Virunga National Park.
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"My name is Grâce — I’ve been a #Ranger since 2017. What motivated me to be part of Virunga National Park is that I’ve always admired nature and loved animals. That’s what inspired me to submit my candidature to serve both the #DRC and the world."⁠ 📸 Virunga National Park⁠
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On #WorldRangerDay we celebrate the amazing conservation work of park rangers worldwide. We are so proud of the efforts of our own staff, who continue to show such dedication and resilience, despite the dangers they face. To support their work, go to Virunga.org/donate
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We're excited to announce the first lowland gorilla birth of the year! Rangers discovered the newborn during a patrol in the Tshiaberimu area yesterday. Rangers are working hard to safeguard this vulnerable population which now stands at 7 individuals. bit.ly/3q1OiZ2
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2/2 Several of you have inquired about what you can do. We are collecting donations to help with the funerals of the fallen rangers as well as to assist the devastated families they leave behind. If you feel led to donate, you can do so here: virunga.org/donate.
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We are sad to announce the passing of one of our courageous bloodhounds, Sabrina. She was the matriarch & top tracking dog of the Congohounds unit. She was 10yr old. We’re so grateful for her work and dedication to protect the park, its wildlife & communities. #alldogsgotoheaven
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Last week, Rangers registered a new birth in the Bageni family. Shukuru, who migrated from the Wilungula family in May 2019, gave birth to her first male baby with dominant silverback Bageni.⁠
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Virunga National Park is home to over one-third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas – a testament to decades of dedicated conservation efforts. Once critically endangered, their status has improved thanks to ongoing protection and close collaboration with local communities.⁠ ⁠ Their preservation relies on intensive daily monitoring by community trackers and veterinarians. Each year, more than 3,000 patrols cover a staggering 25,000 kilometers – roughly 5.5 times the circumference of the Earth.⁠ 📷 Virunga National Park (1-3) / Richard Jephcote (4) #Virunga100 #DRC #MountainGorillas #EndangeredSpecies #EthicalChocolate
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“The brave work of Virunga’s community trackers is critical to protecting the mountain gorilla population in the midst of the current conflict and multiple threats, and to prevent a reversal in the steady growth of the population that we have witnessed in recent years.”
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Great news for mountain gorilla conservation as @IUCNredlist today announced the down-listing of the species from “critically endangered” to “endangered” for the first time since 1994. Read more: virunga.org/news/mountain-go…
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Gestation time for gorillas is similar to humans at around 8.5 months. Newborn gorilla babies weigh between 4lb-5lbs at birth & are fully weaned from their mothers at 4 yrs. They then start partaking in the same diet as adults-leaves, roots, & their favorite: young bamboo shoots!
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Happy World Ranger Day! Today we honor your critical work in protecting fauna, flora and human life. You are the brave men & women fighting tirelessly to ensure that future generations will witness the beauty and wonder of Mother Earth. We salute you. #WorldRangerDay
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Meet Lulingu, a 10-year-old eastern lowland gorilla who was rescued from the illegal wildlife trade in 2016 and has since been cared for at the GRACE Gorillas Sanctuary in eastern DRC. In December 2024, thanks to years of collaborative efforts with our partners, she was reintroduced to the wild in Virunga National Park.⁠ ⁠ Following her release on Mount Tshiaberimu, Lulingu joined the Kipura family, alongside three other reintroduced females, under the leadership of silverback Mwasa. With their arrival, the family grew from three to seven members.⁠ 📸 Brent Stirton / Getty Images⁠ ⁠⁠ #EasternLowlandGorilla #GorillaConservation#AnimalReintroduction
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Déclaration actualisée du Parc National des Virunga à la suite de l'attaque armée perpétrée aux alentours du village de Rumangabo aujourd'hui: virunga.org/fr/news/updated-…
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She did it! Angèle finished the @LondonMarathon in an incredible 3:51:42. She is in high spirits, and we are so unbelievably proud of her!
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On this #WorldGorillaDay, we are shining a spotlight on seven rare individuals: Mwasa, Mwengesyali, Kavango, Katsabara, Mukokya, Ndekesiri and Espoir. These are the only members of the critically endangered #EasternLowlandGorilla population within Virunga National Park. With the dedicated assistance of @ReWild, @GorillaDoctors, and @GraceGorillas, we have been regularly monitoring this vulnerable population while actively working to restore their habitat and set-up critical infrastructure. Together, we are committed to the long-term conservation of this unique population. Support the Park’s Eastern Lowland Gorilla Population: bit.ly/EasternLowlandGorilla ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📸 @GorillaDoctors / 📹 Virunga National Park
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Thanks to the continued effort of the team, the mountain gorilla population is recovering. This rare footage captures the moment that a member of the Baraka family gave birth to a baby girl in October. Support Virunga today. One donation, double the impact bit.ly/2KX9oFS
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