I am optimistic that with the new Chief Warden, we will be able to bring Virunga National Park out from the chaotic period we have lived through in the last couple years. While I was still a trainee ranger, I pursued paramilitary training. I worked as a driver and chauffeured many conservationists. They eventually sent me on wildlife patrol assignments. I did patrols at several posts, and after that I was made in charge of identification of gorillas at the Mikeno Sector.

This is me standing in front of the Mikeno volcano. The Gorilla Sector is called the Mikeno Sector - and the gorillas live on the flanks of the volcano.

The most difficult thing about our work now is the numerous bandits embedded in the park — especially those moments when we come face-to-face with them. It has become very difficult for us to patrol the entire park because of this. There are times when we are attacked or accosted by insurgents or armed bandits in the park. There have been some difficult moments where we feared for our lives, but we did not give up because of that and said we would go ahead and contribute to the protection of nature.

My favorite gorilla is a blackback called Kadogo

I like Kadogo because he was born with a bald patch on his head. I asked myself why he was the only one like that among all these others in the wilderness. I don’t know why, but it impressed me very much to see a gorilla with a bald patch like an old man among humans.

And this is my family - my wife Aline and my children