A donation by Dorset-based gorilla conservation charity Gearing up for Gorillas (G4G) has provided much needed practical support to an orphaned mountain gorilla facility in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The latest donation of £900 has provided fridge-freezer capacity at the Senkwekwe Centre for orphan mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park.
The funds were provided in response to a request for support from the Gorilla Doctors (formerly known as the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project), and comes at a time when thelatest update of The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ lists four out of six great ape species as Critically Endangered – only one step away from extinction – with the other two species under considerable threat of extinction.
G4G Chair Linda Nunn said: “We are huge supporters of the work of the Gorilla Doctors, and have an ongoing commitment to support the Senkwekwe Centre, so when we heard they needed a new fridge freezer we were more than happy to help with a donation.
“A fridge freezer might sound like such a basic item, but it is essential for keeping gorilla samples taken for analysis and medicines safe, and for storing made-up milk for the orphan gorillas at the correct temperature to ensure it doesn’t spoil.
“We are very grateful to our regular supporters as they make it possible to respond quickly when requests like this come in.”
Andre Bauma, Head Carer at the Senkwekwe Centre who was propelled into the spotlight by the film Virunga, said: “We thank you so much to have sent two fridges at Senkwekwe centre. It was really a need for us to help keep food and medication for the orphans here at Senkwekwe in good conditions.”
G4G is the only UK-based charity that focuses 100% on the conservation of the critically endangered mountain gorilla in Virunga National Park, eastern DR Congo, through providing funds and equipment to the rangers and vets whose job it is to protect them.
The Gorilla Doctors are dedicated to conserving mountain and eastern lowland gorillas through life-saving veterinary medicine and a One Health approach. Their international team of veterinarians is the only group providing these animals with direct, hands-on veterinary care in the field.
The Senkwekwe Centre is the only orphan mountain gorilla facility in existence in the world and is home to the only mountain gorillas to have ever thrived in human care. Having provided the initial funding to get the centre up and running, G4G continues to provide support and equipment when needed.
G4G is currently fundraising to invest in the people who protect the mountain gorillas on a daily basis in Virunga National Park by funding a daily ranger patrol. Virunga’s rangers protect the mountain gorillas at the sharp end. The daily patrols are a vital yet often dangerous job. In 2016 alone, some 14 rangers have lost their lives in DRC during the course of their work. It costs around £6,000 per year per ranger, which is made up of their regular pay, a contribution towards the family’s health insurance, patrol rations, uniform, wet weather gear and basic equipment. Please visit www.g4g.co.uk to donate.
Amanda Williams
