THE DEATH OF A GENTLE GIANT

From the time of our last post you will have all read about poachers killing the Silver Back Rafiki in the Bwindi Impenetrable forest very near Nkuringo. As you read through the many posts from native Ugandans you can feel the sorrow and the frustration of how severe food shortages can lead people to do unthinkable things. For those of us who have lived with or visited the Mountain Gorillas  you realize they are gentle giants that may intimidate you but will not attack. When you look into their eyes you see a reflection of yourself and a sentient being that lives their lives in peace and harmony with nature.

Digging deeper into the posts you also see the people themselves are asking for more education and support to help them deal with the challenges they are facing. More rangers and more guns will not protect the Mountain Gorillas and their habitat. The only answer is gradually improving the quality of the natives lives by improving education across all sectors, improving agriculture, supporting exports and developing small industries to provide opportunities for employment. You have the power to make this happen by supporting the various companies, NGOs and charities that are working in the area. Please continue to make charitable donations to support their work but also read these blogs to see how you can become a part of the long term solution.