Virunga National Park, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is Africa's oldest national park. It's also Africa's most dangerous. Park rangers regularly risk their lives (some have died) protecting the wildlife that resides here.
Virunga National Park, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is Africa's oldest national park. It's also Africa's most dangerous. Park rangers regularly risk their lives (some have died) protecting the wildlife that resides here.
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The park is home to approximately 480 mountain gorillas, around half of the world's remaining population. As the gorilla sector is overrun by militias and poachers, it is a dangerous place for gorillas and humans alike.
The park is home to approximately 480 mountain gorillas, around half of the world's remaining population. As the gorilla sector is overrun by militias and poachers, it is a dangerous place for gorillas and humans alike.
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The Congolese Wildlife Authority, or the ICCN is responsible for patrolling the national park and protecting the remaining mountain gorillas. It is dangerous work. 140 rangers have been killed in the line of duty over the last 20 years.
The Congolese Wildlife Authority, or the ICCN is responsible for patrolling the national park and protecting the remaining mountain gorillas. It is dangerous work. 140 rangers have been killed in the line of duty over the last 20 years.
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Despite the dangers posed to the rangers at Virunga National Park, many are willing to put their lives at risk.
Despite the dangers posed to the rangers at Virunga National Park, many are willing to put their lives at risk.
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Park director Emmanuel De Merode has himself been shot twice in the line of duty. But he says that despite the dangers, his team are determined to continue their work. <br /><br />"The rangers go out in the forest and protect [the gorillas] every day, no matter what's happening."
Park director Emmanuel De Merode has himself been shot twice in the line of duty. But he says that despite the dangers, his team are determined to continue their work.

"The rangers go out in the forest and protect [the gorillas] every day, no matter what's happening."
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Other animals are under continual threat in the park. De Merode says the park has lost 95% of its elephant population due to poachers. To protect the species, park rangers monitor them non-stop.
Other animals are under continual threat in the park. De Merode says the park has lost 95% of its elephant population due to poachers. To protect the species, park rangers monitor them non-stop.
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De Merode hopes that one day the park will spur the economy of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and provide jobs and assistance to some of the four million people who live in the area.
De Merode hopes that one day the park will spur the economy of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and provide jobs and assistance to some of the four million people who live in the area.
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