I have been a ranger since 1989 and have always worked in the Mikeno Sector of the park protecting Mountain Gorillas. I was formerly head of the Bukima patrol post, where the rangers involved in gorilla tracking are based.

At Bukima in 2007, before rebels took control of the sector

The past year has been very difficult for us- since Laurent Nkunda’s rebels took over the Mikeno Sector in September 2007, we haven’t been able to see the gorillas. I am very worried about how they are faring and hope we will soon be allowed back in. In the meantime, all I can do is try to stop poachers and charcoal makers from entering the park and destroying the habitat that is so important to the gorillas.

With Emmanuel the day of the massacre of the Rugendo family in July 2007

That day I helped carry the dead gorillas - we carried them like kings.

We try to rid Virunga of snares - but it is a great challenge and we need your help.