Gorilla With Brave Man Who is Devoted to Protecting Him Will Touch Your Heart

Virunga National Park is one of the many national parks and nature reserves on the frontline of the fight to save Africa’s endangered animals. This park, located in The Democratic Republic of the Congo, was the subject of an Oscar-nominated documentary that exposed the true scale of Africa’s poaching crisis, and portrayed the dedication of the parks’ selfless rangers who often put their own lives on the line to protect the animals under their care. This park is also home to the renowned Senkwekwe Center, the only facility in the world that cares for orphaned mountain gorillas.

This picture depicts a young mountain gorilla named Matabishi with Mathieu, a caretaker at the rescue center. The obvious love and trust between the two is a testament to the incredible efforts of the Virunga staff.

This beautiful photograph was shared by a Facebook page called My Dream for Animals, which said: “The (Senkwekwe) Center is located in an area that has been decimated by war, and is the only facility in the world that cares for mountain gorilla orphans. The residents there were either victimized by poachers or animal traffickers, and like most animal orphans, have likely witnessed their family members being murdered. Please consider supporting them on their mission.”

Luckily, there are signs that Virunga’s strenuous anti-poaching efforts are working! Mountain gorilla and hippo populations in the park are on the rise, while elephant poaching has decreased.  To learn more about how your donation will be used by Virunga, and to make a donation, click here.

Image Source: Virunga National Park